Actors

Fred Rogers

Host of the popular long-running public television children's show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Rogers' mild manner, cardigan sweaters and soft speaking voice made him widely beloved. Used gentle charm and mannerisms to communicate with his audience of children. Topics centered on matters of concern to children, from everyday fears related to going to sleep, getting immunizations and disappointment about not getting one's way to losing a loved one to death and physical handicaps. He used simple songs and, on nearly every show, segments from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe to make his point. The show debuted on WQED-TV in Pittsburgh in 1967 and was picked up by PBS the next year, becoming a staple of public TV stations around the United States. First-run shows were produced from 1968 to 1975, at which time production was suspended until 1979. New programs were taped through 2001 for broadcast alongside the original 460 episodes, the most notable coming in 1991 with Rogers' shows focusing on calming children's fears during the Persian Gulf War. Rogers ended production of the show in 2001, but reruns of the show continued to be aired on many PBS stations. Following his death in 2003, his legacy continues with the Fred M. Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe PA.

Jimmy Stewart

Started in the movies in the 1930s, making light comedies as a wide-eyed innocent. Appeared in 20 films before earning an Oscar nomination for his defining role in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, (1939) and the next year won an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story. The word "Philadelphia" on his Oscar was misspelled and, ironically, was kept in the window of his father's hardware store located on Philadelphia Street in Indiana, PA. Career was interrupted by World War II, in which he served as a combat pilot. Returned from the war with a distinguished record and soon starred in It's A Wonderful Life, (1946), earning another Oscar nomination. Appeared in dozens of westerns, including Destry Rides Again, (1939) and Winchester '73 (1950), and made notable appearances in Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948), Rear Window (1954) and Vertigo (1958). The Jimmy Stewart Museum was dedicated in his hometown of Indiana in 1995. When he died in 1997, over 3,000 people (mostly Hollywood celebrities) went to his funeral to pay respects.

Shirley Jones

Grew up in Smithton, PA, where grandfather William B. Jones founded the Jones Brewery in 1907 that's still in operation. A gifted child with natural singing ability, studied under Ralph Lewando, one of Pittsburgh's top vocal coaches. After graduating from South Huntingdon High School, was spotted by a scout photographer for The 1952 Miss Pittsburgh Pageant and went on to compete for the title of Miss Pennsylvania. The prize was a two year scholarship to the drama school at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Planned to go on to college but instead went to New York City in the summer of 1953. There she was discovered by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein who cast her as Laurie in the 1955 movie version of their hit stage musical Oklahoma!. Later played the same role on Broadway and established a career in both theater and the movies, including the musicals The Music Man (1962) and Carousel (1956). Won a 1960 Academy Award for her portrayal of a prostitute in the film Elmer Gantry. From 1970-74, starred on the TV show The Partridge Family as Shirley Partridge, the mother of a rock act who also sang in the band and co-starred her real-life stepson, early '70s heartthrob David Cassidy. Married to actors Jack Cassidy from 1956-74, and Marty Ingles.

Sharon Stone

A cool blonde who combined brainy sex appeal and old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, was one of Hollywood's biggest stars during the 1990s. Born and raised in Meadville, won a college scholarship at 15 before graduating from high school. Attended Edinboro University near Erie and studied creative writing and fine arts. Dropped out and worked as a $500 a day model at the Eileen Ford Agency. Turned to acting in the late 70's and began in B-movies like King Solomon's Mines (1985) and Police Academy 4 (1987). Made 17 movies before becoming a superstar in Basic Instinct (1992). In 1995 she was nominated for an Oscar for her role in Martin Scorsese's crime film Casino. Filmed Diabolique in Pittsburgh in 1996.

Michael Keaton

Born Michael Douglas in Coraopolis where his family still lives. Attended Montour High School and studied speech at Kent State University in Ohio. Started as a stagehand on Pittsburgh public TV show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood (1968). Began acting but couldn't keep his name because there was already a Michael Douglas in movies and a Mike Douglas on TV. Had seen an article on Diane Keaton and chose Keaton although has never legally changed his name. The manic morgue comedy Night Shift (1982), his movie debut, was typical of his comedy style. Became a star as the frenetic title ghoul in Tim Burton's dark comedy Beetlejuice (1988). Burton cast him as the title role in Batman (1989). There was a great deal of comic fan anger over his selection, forcing the studio to release an advance trailer both to show that Keaton could do the role well and that the movie would not be a campy parody like the TV show Batman. Played the Caped Crusader in the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns. Active in Pittsburgh charities, particularly Parental Stress Center, with whom he donates his time and energies, including celebrity hockey games and movie premiers held in Pittsburgh.

Jeff Goldblum

Studied acting and piano and started on the New York stage. Was noticed by Robert Altman, who cast him in California Split (1974) and Nashville (1975). In 1983, had a memorable role in the comedy The Big Chill, and was the star of the Mel Brooks-produced remake of The Fly (1986). Has appeared in several comedies and small-budget dramas, but is best known for his appearances in the 1990s blockbuster sci-fi thrillers Jurassic Park (1993), Independence Day (1996) and Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997). Appeared in the 2004 production of Pittsburgh CLO's Music Man.

Dennis Miller

In the 1970s, won an award from Playboy Magazine for submitting the joke of the year. Became a household name thanks to his years on TV's Saturday Night Live (1985-91) where he was a writer and the host of the "Weekend Update" news segment. After a short-lived TV series in 1992 and small roles in feature films, had great success on cable television (HBO) with the Emmy Award-winning Dennis Miller Live (1994-2002), a stand-up routine that included rants about social and political issues. In 2000 he began as a commentator for NFL Monday Night Football, but left in 2002. Ended up with a gig on the Fox News talk show Hannity & Colmes, followed by his own show on CNBC in 2004.