In this increasingly homogenized world, it can sometimes be tough to tell where people are from just by listening to them talk. In fact, some of these celebrities are known for their ability to take on the accents of other regions or countries as part of their job, so you’d never know they have North Carolina roots.
Eric Church
It’s no coincidence Eric Church wrote the tribute to homesickness, “Carolina.” He grew up in Granite Falls and graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone.
She’s America’s sweetheart, but Sandy graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville with a degree in drama.
Charlie Daniels
The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but North Carolina claims Charlie. He was born and raised in the Wilmington area.
Zach Galifianakis
This funny man is a native of tiny Wilkesboro and also attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He still returns to his home state to spend time at this farm in Allegheny County.
Ken Jeong
Like his “The Hangover” trilogy counterpart Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong is also from North Carolina. Jeong hails from Greensboro and is a graduate of Duke University in Durham and has a medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That’s right, your favorite Asian thug is also a licensed doctor.
Scotty McCreery
This “American Idol” alum is from Garner, and attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh while also juggling a busy touring schedule.
Julianne Moore
Though her mother was from Scotland, Julianne Moore was born in Fort Bragg, while her father was stationed there. Bonus fact: Moore’s grandparents still live in Georgetown, South Carolina, and watched her win the 2015 Academy Award from their home there.
Maureen O’Boyle
You may remember her cameo as herself in “So I Married An Axe Murderer” or as the host of “Extra” and “A Current Affair.” O’Boyle has since returned to her Charlotte roots and is now a lead anchor for the CBS affiliate there.
Kellie Pickler
Before she was a country music star, Kellie was a roller skating waitress at the Sonic in Albemarle.
Jaime Pressly
So maybe Jaime Pressly hasn’t lost her Kinston accent completely. Or maybe she turned it up a notch or four to play Joy on “My Name Is Earl.”
Jim Rash
Jim Rash is a Charlotte native, but do you think he and Ken Jeong knew each other while they were studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, or did they meet on the set of “Community”?
Paul Schneider
Remember way back at the beginning of “Parks and Recreation” when Leslie Knope had a thing for Mark Brendanawicz? That was Asheville native Paul Schneider.
Randy Travis
The sign in his hometown no longer says it is “The Birthplace of Randy Travis,” but he’s still Marshville’s native son. Forever and ever, amen.
Evan Rachel Wood
Born and raised in Raleigh, Wood is the daughter of the Executive Director of a regional theater company father and a mother who is also an actress and acting coach.
Image Source: CMA, PR Photos
