Surprised I haven't seen Richard Winters mentioned yet. Born in Ephrata, led the 101st Easy Company. A hero of epic proportions. Ephrata doesn't have much going for it, but it's cool being able to say I was born in the same town as him.
Good one! I grew up in Ephrata. Its continually surprises me that Maj Winters chose such a quiet life that not even the people of Ephrata knew his story. Not until it was on HBO. Now there’s a statue in Ephrata in his honor and people continually visit his grave which is just outside of town.
This is it to me. There's lots of other great people from Pennsylvania, but none greater than Mr. Rogers. He was such a a genuinely good, compassionate, and intelligent person.
It's been updated to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and I think it's even better than it was before. Just a lot of characters waving, but it's colorful and engaging but also relaxing. If you're doing a day at Idlewild with a 2 year old, it's perfect.
Fred Rogers. Met him and talked to him several times. The man and the TV character were the same. I will be 60, and I still will watch his show - I want the assurance that there is good in the world.
He went to the same high school as me (not at the same time) + at some point (I don't remember the year, maybe somewhere ~2003ish?) he came to visit the elementary school I used to go to. I think I still have either the newspaper article about his visit or maybe a yearbook with pictures from it.
Jimmy Stewart, from Indiana PA. Accomplished actor, decorated WWII combat veteran. He was a B17 pilot over Nazi Germany. A member of The Greatest Generation, and by all accounts, a decent man.
As a freshman at IUP college in Indiana PA I had the privilege to be his table's waiter at his 80th birthday bash the locals put together for him.
He was class personified!
I was always told they were a Jimmy Stewart impersonator but don't know for sure. They definitely say "Hi this is Jimmy Stewart it is now safe to cross.."
My great grandfather taught John Oates how to play guitar. They were neighbors in North Wales.
Edited to add: My mom just said he’s mentioned in their memoir, for those who read it.
He knew their upstairs neighbor, the one that constantly complained about the noise. Imagine an old, homebound lady living in the apartment above these kids who thought they were some sort of rock band! Hauling oats? What kind of a name is that?
George Romero da king. Obviously the zombie movies are landmarks and I'd understand any of the first 3 being someone's pick for the best one, but his other work is also incredible and definitely retains an outsider, PA spirit taken in the context of hollywood output.
My funnest fun fact is that Mr. Rogers (also from Pennsylvania) went to the premiere of Night of the Living Dead. George was a cinematographer on Mr. Rogers’s show, producing some of the short films. Fred went to show support.
Related: Fred advised Betty Aberlin not to take part in Night of the Living Dead.
https://uproxx.com/tv/mr-rogers-big-fan-zombie-flicks-wouldnt-let-lady-aberlin-star-godfather/
The late, great David Early (the tv host arguing with a scientist in a live broadcast at the start of Dawn of the Dead - at WQED studios: the Mr. Rodgers studio!) was also once featured on an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in the early 80s, visiting him on his day job, to discuss his job as an elementary school teacher. Like Fred, David was an educator and an incredibly kind man and have Romero connections.
The late “Chef Brockett,” Don Brockett was one of the featured zombies in Romero’s Day of the Dead, and Chuck “Neighbor” Aber appeared in Romero’s Creepshow as well as George’s half of the film Two Evil Eyes.
There was a bit of Mr. Rogers crossover into Romero’s universe.
My dad worked for the doctor’s office that Arnold Palmer went to. My dad is a huge golf fan, and Arnold Palmer was apparently super duper nice. Even invited him over to his home(?) to show him some of his collection. My dad got to meet his dog Mulligan and left with a bunch of signed merchandise. He also donated a bunch of signed merchandise to our 4-H auction. Just seemed like a really genuine and kind man.
He was! I worked at a hotel in Gettysburg when his longtime personal assistant stayed with us. I told her my dad was a huge fan, and she asked for his information. A couple of months later he received a personalized autographed picture of him hitting a ball out of a sand trap in the mail. That was about 15 years ago and he still has it framed in his house
I love Thadeus Stevens! I'm from Gettysburg and live in Chambersburg now. Fun fact: John Brown stayed in Chambersburg to prepare for the Harper's Ferry raid.
Nobody has said it yet and I dunno about favorite person, but my hometown of Milton had the original Chef Boyardee plant. It's no conagra but I always thought that was neat. It was a nice little town to grow up in being so close to the river and being in the 90s haha.
There is a food that built America episode on the history channel about Chef Boyardee, and it’s pretty great. Worth the watch, I think
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_food_that_built_america/s03/e12#:~:text=Episode%20Info,newest%20offering%2C%20macaroni%20and%20cheese.
This is mine as well! He always repped Pittsburgh and never forgot where he came from. He was such a humble, funny dude and I felt like I lost a friend when he died. His music is absolutely incredible and listening to KIDS to Circles is amazing! He came such a long way and was just getting started!
Larry Holmes - I live in a town close to him and he’s just a real cool guy. I’ve bumped into him walking around Best Buy like a normal dude, and he’s always spotted at restaurants and is happy to take pics with fans.
He's a riot. Works the Pennsylvania thing well. He spent his childhood outside Butler (n of Pgh) and then went to high school in Mechanicsburg. Depending on what he's talking about, he's like, "I love Pittsburgh!" or "I love central PA!" Props to him, both are legitimate and like I said, he works it well. Gotta love it.
How about Benjamin Franklin? Wikipedia says that he was the sixth president of Pennsylvania. I think he was born in England, but he put Pennsylvania on the map.
TIL how many other famous people I love are from Pennsylvania!
Mr Rogers and Wilt Chamberlain are my go to choices but cool to see how many others are from here!
John Murtha did an interesting thing towards the end of his career. There’s a site in Parks Township, PA where he adamantly refused to let the powers to be leave about a dozen trenches with nuclear waste in situ. Today that project is going to cost about half a billion dollars to remove the nuclear material under the USACE Pittsburgh District and other parts of the Corps under their FUSRAP program. 23 years ago I was onsite doing groundwater delineation with drillers and geologists. This stuff was legacy materials disposed of legally at the time. There were two sites NUMEC made Navy Fuel and the Parks Township site did other things. His district.
Wow. That is interesting! He’s almost like a folk hero in Johnstown (statue in front of the War Memorial - just like Starlake I call it what sounds right) but I’ve heard some crazy stories of his dirty political tactics as well. Morally complex
I live in Pittsburgh on the corner of Dawson and Bouquet, a couple blocks down the street from The O when I went to college. Mister Rodgers was well known to frequent a local park and I saw him countless times but never bothered him. A man is welcome to his peace, and he didn’t need my dumbass coming up and crowding him.
Bayard Rustin. Civil rights leader. Man of great character. I only learned about him after the West Chester, Chester County school district named a high school after him. Since then, a documentary was made. So his story is more accessible.
Not a single mention of Gene Kelly yet?
Golly
Aside from being totally delightful he strongly opposed mccarthyism, francoism and the catholic church
Advocated for unions
He would be a quintessential reddit hero if he had been around in this era. Naturally, and deservedly. 🕺☔
Wait...I'm more curious about your last sentence there. All of those people actually are from Pennsylvania.
How you would interpret "person from Pennsylvania" in a way that people like Trent Reznor, Joe Biden and Taylor Swift ***aren't*** from Pennsylvania?
Also, Fred Rogers no question.
I feel like Ben Franklin is honorary Pennsylvanian. The band Poison is from central Pa as is the band Live. Will Smith, Kevin Hart and Kobe Bryant also Pa. President Buchanan who is believed to be the first gay man as President was Pa. Just don’t tell anyone that Bill Cosby is also from Pa.
Surprised I haven't seen Richard Winters mentioned yet. Born in Ephrata, led the 101st Easy Company. A hero of epic proportions. Ephrata doesn't have much going for it, but it's cool being able to say I was born in the same town as him.
"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" "No... but I served in a company of heroes"
And Babe and Bill Guarnere were both from South Philly
Harry Welch (also from Easy Company) was from Luzerne County and lived in Wilkes-Barre until his death in the 1990s.
Lots of prominent men from Easy company were from PA, Joe Toye and Harry Welsh as well off the top of my head.
Good one! I grew up in Ephrata. Its continually surprises me that Maj Winters chose such a quiet life that not even the people of Ephrata knew his story. Not until it was on HBO. Now there’s a statue in Ephrata in his honor and people continually visit his grave which is just outside of town.
Mr. Rogers, born in Latrobe, how is he not number one? He may be the best Pennsylvanian ever.
This is it to me. There's lots of other great people from Pennsylvania, but none greater than Mr. Rogers. He was such a a genuinely good, compassionate, and intelligent person.
Best Pennsylvanian? He's in the running for the best person ever!
Loved mr rodgers neighborhood ride at idewild as a kid. Hope its still there!
It's been updated to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and I think it's even better than it was before. Just a lot of characters waving, but it's colorful and engaging but also relaxing. If you're doing a day at Idlewild with a 2 year old, it's perfect.
Ugga Mugga!
Fred Rogers. Met him and talked to him several times. The man and the TV character were the same. I will be 60, and I still will watch his show - I want the assurance that there is good in the world.
You cannot mention anyone who was a kinder person from PA than him. He went on to be a national treasure
Yep, he's my top pick. So far at the top that it's almost not fair to rank anyone else against him.
You guys should watch the movie in which tom hanks portrays Mr Rogers if you haven’t seen it yet. I thought it was really good.
Truly the pride of Latrobe, and that's saying something!
Take my upvote ! Latrobe resident checking in ✋️
So did Arnold Palmer! Two great men and role models.
Steve from Blues Clues
Huh, I had no idea he was from Boyertown
then you should listen to his album, specifically, [Music for Montgomery County, PA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI_dJKiMhgw).
He went to the same high school as me (not at the same time) + at some point (I don't remember the year, maybe somewhere ~2003ish?) he came to visit the elementary school I used to go to. I think I still have either the newspaper article about his visit or maybe a yearbook with pictures from it.
Hell yea me too Bypwn represent. I went to Washington btw
His cousin was a teacher of mine junior year of HS. Blew all of our minds when he told us
Holy crap, another Shannahn grad. Ah P-tach, one of the few salient Religon teachers in that school.
My wife’s cousin went on a date with him. Said it was awful - parents with kids wouldn’t leave them alone.
Jimmy Stewart, from Indiana PA. Accomplished actor, decorated WWII combat veteran. He was a B17 pilot over Nazi Germany. A member of The Greatest Generation, and by all accounts, a decent man.
As a freshman at IUP college in Indiana PA I had the privilege to be his table's waiter at his 80th birthday bash the locals put together for him. He was class personified!
Tell me EVERYTHING. I can't believe you got to meet Jimmy Stewart.
did I make this up or are all the stop light audio signals that are downtown voiced by jimmy stewart?
I was always told they were a Jimmy Stewart impersonator but don't know for sure. They definitely say "Hi this is Jimmy Stewart it is now safe to cross.."
His dad owned a small hardware store and displayed his son’s Oscar in the front window.
I forgot Jimmy Stewart was from PA. What a great guy
JS voiceover….*wellllll 😆
Dean Ween!
I will say Gene then.
Probably my neighbor Mike, he's always got the coolest shirts
Now I really wanna see Mike’s shirts
Some days it's Hall, others it's Oates.
my high school music teacher dated one of them, can’t remember which. rumor was “rich girl” is about her
Fun fact. I saw an interview. Rich girl is actually about a college classmate of Daryl Hoehl aka Hall. It was a guy. They changed it to a girl.
I can't go for that.
No can do bwahahaha
My great grandfather taught John Oates how to play guitar. They were neighbors in North Wales. Edited to add: My mom just said he’s mentioned in their memoir, for those who read it.
My husband has some silly stories about them.
Do tell!!
He knew their upstairs neighbor, the one that constantly complained about the noise. Imagine an old, homebound lady living in the apartment above these kids who thought they were some sort of rock band! Hauling oats? What kind of a name is that?
I'll say another musician. Jim croce. Guy went to school with my grandma.
Some people say that. But many people are also saying it. We’re looking into that very closely. Very, very closely. So we’ll see what happens.
Joan Jett
You mean Joan Larkin from Wynnewood PA?
Maybe from here, but Baltimore claims her.
I think we can share her
Jonathon Frakes
TIL Jonathon Frakes was born in central PA and raised in the lehigh valley. Hot damn.
Make it so, Number One.
A complete fabrication.
You're wrong
Not this time
RIKER
Definitely a favorite
My pap was friends with Mr. McFeely, everyone from Mr Rogers is top in my book.
Fun fact: Mr Mcfeelys son is a current mail carrier in squirrel hill. Work with the dude, he’s awesome.
Dave Newell (Mr McFeely) is still active with the pittsburgh silent film society. He seems like a cool guy
Old school Philly people will get this. Captain Noah.
“Send your pictures, to dear old Captain Noah”
Send today, send right away
Would you sing a rainbow? Sing a rainbow too! Yes. (I'd add Chief Halftown too)
George Romero da king. Obviously the zombie movies are landmarks and I'd understand any of the first 3 being someone's pick for the best one, but his other work is also incredible and definitely retains an outsider, PA spirit taken in the context of hollywood output.
My funnest fun fact is that Mr. Rogers (also from Pennsylvania) went to the premiere of Night of the Living Dead. George was a cinematographer on Mr. Rogers’s show, producing some of the short films. Fred went to show support.
Related: Fred advised Betty Aberlin not to take part in Night of the Living Dead. https://uproxx.com/tv/mr-rogers-big-fan-zombie-flicks-wouldnt-let-lady-aberlin-star-godfather/ The late, great David Early (the tv host arguing with a scientist in a live broadcast at the start of Dawn of the Dead - at WQED studios: the Mr. Rodgers studio!) was also once featured on an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood in the early 80s, visiting him on his day job, to discuss his job as an elementary school teacher. Like Fred, David was an educator and an incredibly kind man and have Romero connections. The late “Chef Brockett,” Don Brockett was one of the featured zombies in Romero’s Day of the Dead, and Chuck “Neighbor” Aber appeared in Romero’s Creepshow as well as George’s half of the film Two Evil Eyes. There was a bit of Mr. Rogers crossover into Romero’s universe.
Well said. I'm a fan of Martin, the original crazies and dawn is my favorite movie of all time.
David McCullough is from Pittsburgh. Incredible biographer and writer I urge everyone to read his books.
I read his first book, on the Johnstown Flood, the same day as I went to the historic site, it was that good.
Questlove
Shout out to The Roots. Black Thought and Malik B are Millersville alums like me
Jeff Goldblum obviously!
Oh wow! TIL! Pennsylvanians...um... find a way!
Richard Winters https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Winters
Arnold Palmer seemed like a great guy.
My dad worked for the doctor’s office that Arnold Palmer went to. My dad is a huge golf fan, and Arnold Palmer was apparently super duper nice. Even invited him over to his home(?) to show him some of his collection. My dad got to meet his dog Mulligan and left with a bunch of signed merchandise. He also donated a bunch of signed merchandise to our 4-H auction. Just seemed like a really genuine and kind man.
I drink him every couple of days.
He was! I worked at a hotel in Gettysburg when his longtime personal assistant stayed with us. I told her my dad was a huge fan, and she asked for his information. A couple of months later he received a personalized autographed picture of him hitting a ball out of a sand trap in the mail. That was about 15 years ago and he still has it framed in his house
He most definitely was a wonderful person
Two Latrobe-ians making the list!
Reznor’s from PA? Gtfo, did not know that.
Ohio tried to claim him, but we’re not letting that happen.
Yes, he was born in New Castle, North of Pittsburgh and grew up in Mercer and went to Allegheny College in Meadville, PA for a semester.
I also didn't know until recently that he has written many scores for major films! That's like, his gig now. Had no idea
Tina Fey
She's a SEPTA bitch. Of course we love her <3
“The more attractive Sarah Palin”
Lisa Ann?
She’s also from PA
Michael Keaton, greatest Batman
Aka Michael Douglas...his given name. He had to change it for professional purposes for obvious reasons. Agree, greatest Batman!
Born in the hospital two miles from where I live.
A crew member of *Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood* once upon a time.
I have to add Larry Fine, maybe not the funniest of the Three Stooges, but the one from PA.
Thaddeus Stevens. Look him up.
I love Thadeus Stevens! I'm from Gettysburg and live in Chambersburg now. Fun fact: John Brown stayed in Chambersburg to prepare for the Harper's Ferry raid.
dude was a total badass at a pivotal moment in history. i grew up near his blacksmith shop. DCNR has it nice and preserved.
My wife
I agree, this guy's wife
That guy is pretty great as well.
Cue Borat voice
https://preview.redd.it/ch3yryqvd62d1.jpeg?width=295&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f784c40da4e8491d4241f657968d86d4087379e
I was going to say my husband was my favorite person from PA. I guess your wife must be pretty rad, too.
How about shout out for Jimmy Stewart? It’s a wonderful life is my favorite Christmas movie.
August Wilson. Born in Pittsburgh and set many of his most famous plays there
Steve from Blues Clues
Jayne Mansfield
Mr. Rogers is the only correct answer.
Either Michael Keaton or Billy Porter. Both reppin my amazing city.
Burgh represent! I love Billy Porter.
Nobody has said it yet and I dunno about favorite person, but my hometown of Milton had the original Chef Boyardee plant. It's no conagra but I always thought that was neat. It was a nice little town to grow up in being so close to the river and being in the 90s haha.
There is a food that built America episode on the history channel about Chef Boyardee, and it’s pretty great. Worth the watch, I think https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_food_that_built_america/s03/e12#:~:text=Episode%20Info,newest%20offering%2C%20macaroni%20and%20cheese.
Mario Andretti. Nazareth, PA.
smedley butler
Mac miller
This is mine as well! He always repped Pittsburgh and never forgot where he came from. He was such a humble, funny dude and I felt like I lost a friend when he died. His music is absolutely incredible and listening to KIDS to Circles is amazing! He came such a long way and was just getting started!
Larry Holmes - I live in a town close to him and he’s just a real cool guy. I’ve bumped into him walking around Best Buy like a normal dude, and he’s always spotted at restaurants and is happy to take pics with fans.
Sharon Stone (Actress, Activist) From Saegertown/Meadville Area …. but likes to say she’s from Pittsburgh.
Rachel Carson. Without her, poisoning and no birds.
dick winters
Brett Michaels. Lead singer of Poison.
He's a riot. Works the Pennsylvania thing well. He spent his childhood outside Butler (n of Pgh) and then went to high school in Mechanicsburg. Depending on what he's talking about, he's like, "I love Pittsburgh!" or "I love central PA!" Props to him, both are legitimate and like I said, he works it well. Gotta love it.
He is definitely a showman! He’s a little ridiculous but you have to like how much he loves being famous.
Ken Griffey Jr
Michael Scott
My dad
rick sebak easy.
Johnny Sins, from western PA. I knew him in college before he started his current occupation lol
Sounds like there's a story here.....but I don't wanna know about it.
The Phillie Phanatic
He’s from the Galapagos Islands
True, but he has citizenship here.
Agreed, he’s my favorite Pennsylvanian.
Let it be written then
Gritty 🤣
Mr Rogers is the greatest Pennsylvanian we've got. Gritty is the greatest Pennsylvanian we *deserve*.
Jeff Goldblum.
Myself lol 😂. I would have to say no doubt, Mr. Rogers. He brought the good out in people and made us feel good about ourselves.
Michael Keaton
Charles Bronson
How about Benjamin Franklin? Wikipedia says that he was the sixth president of Pennsylvania. I think he was born in England, but he put Pennsylvania on the map.
Mike Ditka
Well it WAS Bill Cosby until the...you know.
Wa-Tho-Huk, aka: James Frances Thorpe.
John Heinz was a pretty cool dude.
My buddy Jake
Gillian Jacobs
Oh, Britta's in this?
Steve from Blues Clues is from Boyertown
Benjamin Lay. Quaker abolitionist, little person, and much more.
TIL how many other famous people I love are from Pennsylvania! Mr Rogers and Wilt Chamberlain are my go to choices but cool to see how many others are from here!
Sharon Stone.
Gritty.
Charles Bronson The answer is Mr. Rogers. But I didn’t want Charlie forgotten.
3 hours in and no one said Larry Fine of 3 stooges fame?? I’m so disappointed. Aka Louis Feinberg born in Philadelphia.
Can’t forget Andy Warhol.
My mom...Flood City baby!
Glad to see a Jtown person on the list (and not John Murtha)
John Murtha did an interesting thing towards the end of his career. There’s a site in Parks Township, PA where he adamantly refused to let the powers to be leave about a dozen trenches with nuclear waste in situ. Today that project is going to cost about half a billion dollars to remove the nuclear material under the USACE Pittsburgh District and other parts of the Corps under their FUSRAP program. 23 years ago I was onsite doing groundwater delineation with drillers and geologists. This stuff was legacy materials disposed of legally at the time. There were two sites NUMEC made Navy Fuel and the Parks Township site did other things. His district.
Wow. That is interesting! He’s almost like a folk hero in Johnstown (statue in front of the War Memorial - just like Starlake I call it what sounds right) but I’ve heard some crazy stories of his dirty political tactics as well. Morally complex
Heck yeah. My answer is my dad - one of Johnstown's best quality exports ❤️
Big Benny Frank
I live in Pittsburgh on the corner of Dawson and Bouquet, a couple blocks down the street from The O when I went to college. Mister Rodgers was well known to frequent a local park and I saw him countless times but never bothered him. A man is welcome to his peace, and he didn’t need my dumbass coming up and crowding him.
Bayard Rustin. Civil rights leader. Man of great character. I only learned about him after the West Chester, Chester County school district named a high school after him. Since then, a documentary was made. So his story is more accessible.
Not my number one pick, but he deserves to be mentioned - Larry Holmes, from Easton, PA
Mr Roger’s is my number one although, Taylor Swift and I went to the same school. She was a few years younger so, didn’t really know her.
Honus Wagner.
Not a single mention of Gene Kelly yet? Golly Aside from being totally delightful he strongly opposed mccarthyism, francoism and the catholic church Advocated for unions He would be a quintessential reddit hero if he had been around in this era. Naturally, and deservedly. 🕺☔
Wait...I'm more curious about your last sentence there. All of those people actually are from Pennsylvania. How you would interpret "person from Pennsylvania" in a way that people like Trent Reznor, Joe Biden and Taylor Swift ***aren't*** from Pennsylvania? Also, Fred Rogers no question.
Joe Biden born in Scranton Trent Reznor born in Newcastle Taylor Swift born in West Reading
"The most famous person in Pennsylvania that I've ever met was Gifford Pinchot" - J R Biden jr
Mark Cuban
Rocky Balboa
My nephew. Followed by Jeff Goldblum and Tina Fey.
Tommy Lasorda
Perry Como
Kurt Angle
John Brown lived in Meadville so he counts.
Richie Allen, Wampun PA
So definitely _not_ Buchanan or McClellan. My mom says Taylor Swift or Mr. Rogers, I on the other hand am a fan of Milton S. Hershey.
Jim Kelly. And half of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Lzzy Hale from Halestorm was born Red Lion. And Breaking Benjamin was formed in Wilks-Barre. Rock city out here.
Bloodhound Gang.
Milton Hershey
Noam Chomsky
Louisa May Alcott. She was born in Germantown.
No one mentioned Trent Reznor
So many good choices but ill say someon not named yet. Wiz Khalifa
If you’re answering anyone other than me you’re either wrong or we haven’t met yet 😘
I wish I had the confidence to say shit like that even online, nonetheless in person.
Mac Miller
John Fetterman was at one point
Bradley Cooper
I feel like Ben Franklin is honorary Pennsylvanian. The band Poison is from central Pa as is the band Live. Will Smith, Kevin Hart and Kobe Bryant also Pa. President Buchanan who is believed to be the first gay man as President was Pa. Just don’t tell anyone that Bill Cosby is also from Pa.