Reviewed by: Michael Seale
Do you know these 5 famous actors + actresses from Huntsville?
It’s no secret that Huntsville is home to many excellent movie theatres. However, did you know that several actors and actresses have at one point called Huntsville home? Check out the list below for some of Huntsville’s finest performers, you’ll probably recognize a name or two:
1. Reg E. Cathey
Perhaps the best known actor on this list, Reg E. Cathey was born in Huntsville but lived most of his childhood in West Germany. His family returned to Alabama when he was 14, and he went on to become a renowned actor for his roles on TV.
Cathey’s most famous roles were as Norman Wilson in The Wire, Martin Querns in Oz, and Freddy Hayes in House of Cards. Despite passing away in 2018, Cathey’s legacy lives on with his performances.
2. Felicia Day
Born in Huntsville, Felicia Day is best known for creating and acting in The Guild, a web series based on her life as a gamer, and founding Geek & Sundry, her own online media company.
She also played Vi on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charlie Bradbury on Supernatural and has played an active part in show business over the years.
3. Kim Dickens
Kim Dickens was born in Huntsville and attended Lee High School before making her way into show business. She later made her acting debut on Alan Taylor’s Palookaville in 1995 after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
You may remember seeing her as Detective Rhonda Boney on David Fincher’s Gone Girl, but she has made more of a name for herself in television. She played Joanie Stubbs on Deadwood, Kate Baldwin on House of Cards, and Madison Clark in Fear the Walking Dead.
4. Wyatt Russell
Perhaps the least known actor on this list despite his lineage, Wyatt Russell has only recently been getting noticed in show business. With Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as his parents, he has had big shoes to fill.
While he was born in Los Angeles, he attended and played ice hockey for the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Russell transitioned to acting. He got his start on films such as Cowboys & Aliens, This is 40, and 22 Jump Street. However, he soon got a leading role as Dud in Lodge 49 and recently appeared as John Walker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Soon, Russell will reprise his role as John Walker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming Thunderbolts* movie. Be sure to keep an eye out on his future roles, Wyatt Russell is an actor on the rise!
5. Debby Ryan
Debby Ryan is an actress and a singer who was born in Huntsville. However, she was not in Huntsville that long. She got an early start to her career from roles on Disney Channel TV shows like The Suite Life on Deck and Jessie. She also sang on several soundtracks for Disney projects.
Lately, she has appeared in films such as The Opening Act and Shortcomings. She has also maintained her presence on TV through her role as Patty Bladell on Insatiable and her voice-acting role as Krista on Velma.
Is there any actor or actress that we missed? Let us know on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.