From Andy Griffith to Ansel Elgort, North Carolina has produced some of the most talented in the entertainment industry. Explore the state’s contribution to film and TV, including its role as a hub for production and host of film festivals. Discover the theater companies that call North Carolina home, and learn about the who started their careers in the Tar Heel State.
Famous Actors from North Carolina
North Carolina has been home to many famous who have made waves in the entertainment industry. From legendary performers to modern-day stars, the state has produced some of the most notable names in Hollywood. Here are three famous from North Carolina who have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
Andy Griffith
Andy Griffith was a beloved actor and comedian born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in 1926. He is best known for his iconic role as Sheriff Andy Taylor in “The Andy Griffith Show” and as the titular character in “Matlock.” Griffith’s career spanned over five decades, and he earned multiple awards for his work in television and film.
Despite his success, Griffith remained humble and dedicated to his roots in North Carolina. In 1986, he opened the Andy Griffith Museum in his hometown of Mount Airy, which showcases his career and memorabilia. Griffith passed away in 2012 but continues to be remembered as a beloved icon of Southern culture.
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner was a stunning actress born in Smithfield, North Carolina, in 1922. She rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, starring in films such as “The Killers,” “Mogambo,” and “The Night of the Iguana.” Gardner was known for her beauty, charm, and talent, earning her numerous accolades throughout her career.
Despite her success, Gardner never forgot her roots in North Carolina. She often visited her hometown and even purchased a ranch in nearby Smithfield. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of aspiring and actresses, and her contributions to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten.
Zach Galifianakis
Zach Galifianakis is a modern-day actor and comedian born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 1969. He is best known for his roles in films such as “The Hangover” trilogy, “Due Date,” and “Birdman.” Galifianakis is known for his unique sense of humor and offbeat personality, which has earned him a dedicated fan base.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Galifianakis remains connected to his roots in North Carolina. He frequently returns to his hometown and has even hosted a comedy benefit event in Wilkesboro to raise money for local charities. Galifianakis continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and his North Carolina roots are an essential part of his identity.
Rising Stars from North Carolina
North Carolina has been home to some of the most talented in Hollywood. From Andy Griffith to Julianne Moore, the state has produced some of the most iconic in the industry. But what about the rising stars? Who are the who are just starting their journey in the entertainment world? Let’s take a look at some of the brightest rising stars from North Carolina.
Madison Bailey
Madison Bailey is a young actress from North Carolina who is making waves in the entertainment industry. She was born in North Carolina and raised in Kernersville, a small town in the state. Bailey started her acting career in 2015 with the short film “Constantine,” and since then, she has appeared in several TV shows and movies.
Bailey’s breakout role was in the hit Netflix series “Outer Banks,” where she played the character Kiara. The show was a massive success, and Bailey’s performance was praised by critics and audiences alike. She brought a unique energy to the show, and her chemistry with her co-stars was undeniable.
Apart from “Outer Banks,” Bailey has also appeared in “Black Lightning,” “Creepshow,” and “Impractical Jokers: The Movie.” With her talent and dedication, Bailey is sure to become one of the biggest stars in the industry.
Hilty Bowen
Hilty Bowen is another rising star from North Carolina. She was born in Raleigh and grew up in the small town of Wendell. Bowen started her acting career in 2016 and has since appeared in several TV shows and movies.
Bowen’s breakout role was in the TV series “The Gifted,” where she played the character Lauren Strucker. The show was a hit, and Bowen’s performance was highly praised. She brought a level of depth and nuance to the character, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Apart from “The Gifted,” Bowen has also appeared in “The Red Line,” “Chicago Fire,” and “The Tick.” With her talent and hard work, Bowen is sure to become one of the biggest stars in the industry.
Ansel Elgort
Ansel Elgort is a young actor from New York, but his family has deep roots in North Carolina. His father, Arthur Elgort, is a renowned fashion photographer who was born in New York but spent his childhood in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Ansel Elgort started his acting career in 2013 with the movie “Carrie,” but his breakout role came in 2014 with the movie “The Fault in Our Stars.” The movie was a massive success, and Elgort’s performance was highly praised. He brought a level of sensitivity and vulnerability to the character, making him one of the most beloved characters in the movie.
Apart from “The Fault in Our Stars,” Elgort has also appeared in “Baby Driver,” “The Goldfinch,” and “West Side Story.” With his talent and dedication, Elgort is sure to become one of the biggest stars in the industry.
North Carolina’s Contribution to Film and TV
North Carolina has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in film and television production. The state has become a hub for filmmakers, attracting both small and big-budget productions. Here are some of the notable contributions made by North Carolina to the film and TV industry.
Wilmington as a Hub for Film Production
Wilmington, a coastal city in North Carolina, has become a popular destination for filmmakers, thanks to its history of film and television production. Some of the most popular TV shows and movies, such as Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Iron Man 3, were filmed in Wilmington.
One of the reasons Wilmington has become a hub for film production is the tax incentives offered by the state. The North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant provides up to 25% of production expenses to eligible productions that spend a minimum of $3 million in the state. This incentive has attracted numerous filmmakers to Wilmington, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities for locals.
The Hunger Games Filmed in North Carolina
The Hunger Games, a popular book series turned into a blockbuster movie, was filmed in North Carolina. The movie was shot in various locations in the state, including DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and Henry River Mill Village.
The decision to film The Hunger Games in North Carolina was based on the state’s diverse landscapes, which provided the ideal backdrop for the movie. The production team also benefited from the state’s film infrastructure, which includes sound stages, production equipment, and skilled crew members.
The Hunger Games not only showcased North Carolina’s natural beauty but also boosted the state’s economy. The movie generated over $60 million in revenue for the state, creating job opportunities for locals and attracting tourists to the filming locations.
One Tree Hill and its Impact on Wilmington Tourism
One Tree Hill, a popular TV show that aired from 2003 to 2012, was filmed in Wilmington. The show was set in the fictional town of Tree Hill but was actually filmed in various locations in Wilmington, including the Riverwalk and the Cape Fear River.
One Tree Hill had a significant impact on Wilmington’s tourism industry, with fans of the show flocking to the city to see the filming locations. The show’s popularity also helped put Wilmington on the map as a hub for film and television production.
North Carolina and the Entertainment Industry
North Carolina has a rich history in the entertainment industry that is not limited to film and television. The state has a thriving theater scene, hosts several film festivals, and has a dedicated film office that supports and promotes the industry.
Film Festivals in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to several film festivals, including the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham and the RiverRun International Film Festival in Winston-Salem. These festivals celebrate independent and international cinema, showcasing a wide variety of films to audiences across the state.
The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, founded in 1997, is one of the largest and most respected documentary festivals in the world. It takes place annually in April and features a wide range of documentaries from around the globe. The festival also hosts panel discussions, workshops, and other events that provide opportunities for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to connect and learn.
The RiverRun International Film Festival, founded in 1998, is another significant film festival in North Carolina. It takes place annually in April and showcases a diverse selection of feature-length and short films from around the world. The festival also features panel discussions and other events that create a dialogue between filmmakers and audiences.
The North Carolina Film Office
The North Carolina Film Office, part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, is dedicated to supporting and promoting the state’s film industry. The office provides a range of services to filmmakers, including location scouting assistance, permitting support, and access to local crew and vendors.
The North Carolina Film Office also offers a film incentive program that provides financial incentives to eligible productions that spend a minimum of $3 million in the state. The program has helped attract numerous high-profile productions to North Carolina, including the popular television series “Homeland” and “Stranger Things.”
Theater Companies in North Carolina
North Carolina has a rich theater scene, with numerous professional and community theater companies providing opportunities for , directors, and playwrights to showcase their talents. Some of the state’s most well-known theater companies include the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh, the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, and the Cape Fear Regional Theatre in Fayetteville.
The North Carolina Theatre, founded in 1984, is the state’s largest professional theater company. It produces a variety of musicals and plays each year, featuring both local and national talent. The Flat Rock Playhouse, founded in 1940, is one of the country’s oldest professional theaters. It produces a range of plays and musicals throughout the year, including world premieres and classic productions.
Actors Who Started Their Careers in North Carolina
North Carolina has produced some of the most talented in the entertainment industry, and many of them began their careers in this state. Michael C. Hall, Julianne Moore, and David Sedaris are just a few examples of North Carolinians who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood and beyond.
Michael C. Hall
Michael C. Hall was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1971. He attended Ravenscroft School, a private school in Raleigh, before attending Earlham College in Indiana. After college, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.
Hall’s breakthrough role came in 2001 when he was cast as David Fisher in the HBO series “Six Feet Under.” He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of a gay funeral director struggling with his sexuality and family issues. After “Six Feet Under” ended in 2005, Hall went on to star in the hit TV series “Dexter,” where he played the title character, a forensic blood spatter analyst who doubles as a serial killer.
Hall has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, including several Emmys and Golden Globes. He has also appeared in several films, including “Gamer,” “The Trouble with Bliss,” and “Peep World.”
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 1960. Her father was a military judge, and her family moved frequently during her childhood. She attended Frankfurt American High School in Germany before returning to the United States to attend Boston University.
Moore’s breakthrough role came in 1993 when she starred in the film “Short Cuts,” directed by Robert Altman. She received critical acclaim for her performance and went on to star in several successful films, including “Boogie Nights,” “The Hours,” and “Still Alice.”
Moore has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including several Oscars and Golden Globes. She has also been involved in several humanitarian causes, including the fight against gun violence and the promotion of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
David Sedaris
David Sedaris was born in Johnson City, New York, in 1956, but he grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Western Carolina University before transferring to Kent State University in Ohio, where he graduated with a degree in English.
Sedaris is best known for his humorous essays and short stories, which have been featured in The New Yorker, Esquire, and other publications. He has also written several bestselling books, including “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” and “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls.”
Sedaris has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Thurber Prize for American Humor and the Lambda Literary Award for Humor. He is also a frequent contributor to NPR’s “This American Life.”
Overall, North Carolina has produced some of the most talented and writers in the entertainment industry. From Michael C. Hall to Julianne Moore to David Sedaris, these North Carolinians have made a lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond.
