The most famous celebrities hailing from the Detroit area

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Jul 13, 2019 at 12:48 pm

Detroit takes a special pride in cultivating and developing talented folks who later make it on a national and international level. We sing their praises as they advance through their careers and continue to create quality movies, music, art, and comedy. Here's a list of some of the most notable celebs from the Detroit area who have made an impact all around the world.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Page 2 of 3

Jessica Cauffiel
Legally Blonde and White Chicks are probably where youve seen the humorously animated Jessica Cauffel. Shes also a trained singer, having 20 years of performance experience in jazz, blues, pop, and musical theatre.
Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock

Jessica Cauffiel

Legally Blonde and White Chicks are probably where you’ve seen the humorously animated Jessica Cauffel. She’s also a trained singer, having 20 years of performance experience in jazz, blues, pop, and musical theatre.

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock

21 of 53

Martha Reeves
This former politician served as an elected council woman for the city of Detroit from 2005 to 2009 and was also the lead singer of the Motown group Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. The group scored over a dozen hits, including their signature Dancing in the Street. Reeves got her start in church choir, and after much success with her group she now performs as a solo act.
Bengt Nyman/Flickr/CC by 2.0

Martha Reeves

This former politician served as an elected council woman for the city of Detroit from 2005 to 2009 and was also the lead singer of the Motown group Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. The group scored over a dozen hits, including their signature “Dancing in the Street.” Reeves got her start in church choir, and after much success with her group she now performs as a solo act.

Bengt Nyman/Flickr/CC by 2.0

22 of 53

Proof
Notable Detroit rapper and childhood friend to Eminen, Proof made his come-up into the rap game while being a part of hip-hop group D12. Before his solo endeavors and releasing debut Searching for Jerry Garcia, he stood side-by-side with Eminem as his hype man, and completed small acting roles. Proof was fatally shot on April 11, 2006 at the age of 32.
Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Proof

Notable Detroit rapper and childhood friend to Eminen, Proof made his come-up into the rap game while being a part of hip-hop group D12. Before his solo endeavors and releasing debut Searching for Jerry Garcia, he stood side-by-side with Eminem as his hype man, and completed small acting roles. Proof was fatally shot on April 11, 2006 at the age of 32.

Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Royce Da 59
Rapper and lyricist Royce Da 59 is half of group Bad Meets Evil with Eminem, as well as other groups curated in Detroit. He has written for big producer and artist names such as Dr. Dre and P.Diddy, and his discography includes 13 studio albums, both solo and collaborative.
Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Royce Da 5’9

Rapper and lyricist Royce Da 5’9 is half of group Bad Meets Evil with Eminem, as well as other groups curated in Detroit. He has written for big producer and artist names such as Dr. Dre and P.Diddy, and his discography includes 13 studio albums, both solo and collaborative.

Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Teairra Marí
Discovered by L.A. Reid and later signed to Def Jam by JAY-Z, singer-songwriter and actress Teairra Marís career stemmed from strong R&B and hip-hop-influenced girl power anthems. In 2019 the songstress transitioned into television and film, starring in Lottery Ticket and being a regular on VHIs Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood.
Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Teairra Marí

Discovered by L.A. Reid and later signed to Def Jam by JAY-Z, singer-songwriter and actress Teairra Marí’s career stemmed from strong R&B and hip-hop-influenced girl power anthems. In 2019 the songstress transitioned into television and film, starring in Lottery Ticket and being a regular on VHI’s Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood.

Photo via Screengrab / YouTube

Tom Selleck
 Tom Selleck has been gracing our screens since the mid-1960s, starring in TVs most popular series, including Magnum P.I., Three Men and a Baby, Friends, and Blue Bloods. The Emmy award-winning actor has also been seen in multiple commercials, and he played the lead role of Murray in Broadways A Thousand Clowns.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck has been gracing our screens since the mid-1960s, starring in TV’s most popular series, including Magnum P.I., Three Men and a Baby, Friends, and Blue Bloods. The Emmy award-winning actor has also been seen in multiple commercials, and he played the lead role of Murray in Broadway’s A Thousand Clowns.

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Madonna
Bow down to the Queen of Pop! This singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman is known for pushing boundaries onstage and in music videos. She has been at the top of her game since the 80s, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and continues to influence other artists.  
JStone / Shutterstock

Madonna

Bow down to the “Queen of Pop!” This singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman is known for pushing boundaries onstage and in music videos. She has been at the top of her game since the ‘80s, has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and continues to influence other artists.

JStone / Shutterstock

Alice Cooper
Alice Coopers  take on rock n roll involves a series of horror film-themed visuals to accompany the hardcore tone of his music. Cooper, born Vincent Furnier, moved from Detroit to Phoenix in the late 1960s in order to pursue his music career, with bandmates Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith (the original band members of Alice Cooper). With a 50-year career, Alice Cooper is still touring the world with supergroup Hollywood Vampires, while also holding the moniker of the Godfather of Shock Rock.
Craig Sterken / Photo source

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper’s take on rock ‘n’ roll involves a series of horror film-themed visuals to accompany the hardcore tone of his music. Cooper, born Vincent Furnier, moved from Detroit to Phoenix in the late 1960s in order to pursue his music career, with bandmates Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith (the original band members of Alice Cooper). With a 50-year career, Alice Cooper is still touring the world with supergroup Hollywood Vampires, while also holding the moniker of the Godfather of Shock Rock.

Craig Sterken / Photo source

Loni Love
From engineering to stand-up comedy, Detroit-born Loni Love has marked her journey through Hollywood with her authentic character personality. The comedienne is one of four hosts for daytime talk show The Real, airing since 2013.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Loni Love

From engineering to stand-up comedy, Detroit-born Loni Love has marked her journey through Hollywood with her authentic character personality. The comedienne is one of four hosts for daytime talk show The Real, airing since 2013.

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Della Reese
The jazz and gospel-singing actress Della Reese achieved legendary status when her career passed the seven-decade mark. At the age of 6, Reese was already singing in her hometown of Detroit, and by her teenage years, she scored a spot touring beside Mahalia Jackson. Reeses successful music, film, and television career includes a lead role in the series Touched by an Angel (1994-2003); the first talk show to be hosted by a black woman, Della!; and numerous albums and singles released during the 1960s. Della Reese passed away on Nov. 19, 2017.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Della Reese

The jazz and gospel-singing actress Della Reese achieved legendary status when her career passed the seven-decade mark. At the age of 6, Reese was already singing in her hometown of Detroit, and by her teenage years, she scored a spot touring beside Mahalia Jackson. Reese’s successful music, film, and television career includes a lead role in the series Touched by an Angel (1994-2003); the first talk show to be hosted by a black woman, Della!; and numerous albums and singles released during the 1960s. Della Reese passed away on Nov. 19, 2017.

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Jemele Hill
Sports journalist Jemele Hill took on the media world by storm after leaving her 12 consecutive years with ESPN. In 2018, the Michigan State University graduate became a writer for The Atlantic, was awarded journalist of the year by the National Association of Black Journalists,  and has become an overall trailblazer for sports news.
Photo by Franchesca Lamarre

Jemele Hill

Sports journalist Jemele Hill took on the media world by storm after leaving her 12 consecutive years with ESPN. In 2018, the Michigan State University graduate became a writer for The Atlantic, was awarded journalist of the year by the National Association of Black Journalists, and has become an overall trailblazer for sports news.

Photo by Franchesca Lamarre

Ken Jeong
Thats Dr. Ken Jeong to you. This physician-turned-comedic actor is known for his role as Ben Chang on the CBS comedy Community, and is co-star to Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis in the popular billion-dollar box office franchise The Hangover. Jeongs punchlines and personality are what captivate his audience, as well as what landed him a slew of acting gigs. In 2004, Jeong married longtime girlfriend and breast cancer survivor Tran Ho, and they have twin daughters together. Jeongs first comedy special that premiered on Netflix, You Complete Me Ho, was released earlier this year on Valentines Day. 
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Ken Jeong

That’s Dr. Ken Jeong to you. This physician-turned-comedic actor is known for his role as Ben Chang on the CBS comedy Community, and is co-star to Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis in the popular billion-dollar box office franchise The Hangover. Jeong’s punchlines and personality are what captivate his audience, as well as what landed him a slew of acting gigs. In 2004, Jeong married longtime girlfriend and breast cancer survivor Tran Ho, and they have twin daughters together. Jeong’s first comedy special that premiered on Netflix, You Complete Me Ho, was released earlier this year on Valentine’s Day.

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Keegan Michael Key
Actor, comedian, writer, and producer Keegan Michael Key started in Comedy Centrals series Key & Peele and spent six seasons as a cast member on Mad TV. He has won several awards, including three Emmys.
Hunter Crenian / Shutterstock

Keegan Michael Key

Actor, comedian, writer, and producer Keegan Michael Key started in Comedy Centrals’ series Key & Peele and spent six seasons as a cast member on Mad TV. He has won several awards, including three Emmys.

Hunter Crenian / Shutterstock

Courtney B. Vance
Actor and producer Courtney B. Vance is known for The Hunt for Red October (1990), Space Cowboys (2000), and Dangerous Minds (1995). Now married to actress Angela Bassett, Vance attended Detroit Country Day School and graduated in 1978. He first became interested in theatre at Harvard University, and has become an award-winning actor. Vance received a Tony Award for the Broadway play Lucky Guy, in which he co-starred with Tom Hanks and Richard Masur.
DFree / Shutterstock

Courtney B. Vance

Actor and producer Courtney B. Vance is known for The Hunt for Red October (1990), Space Cowboys (2000), and Dangerous Minds (1995). Now married to actress Angela Bassett, Vance attended Detroit Country Day School and graduated in 1978. He first became interested in theatre at Harvard University, and has become an award-winning actor. Vance received a Tony Award for the Broadway play “Lucky Guy,” in which he co-starred with Tom Hanks and Richard Masur.

DFree / Shutterstock

Brandon T. Jackson
Stand-up comedian and actor Brandon T. Jacksons interned for local Detroit station, 93.1 FM, and became a guest host for 105.9 FM. Jackson continued reaching for the stars when he moved to L.A. at the age of 18 and was cast as an extra in films Ali, Bowling for Columbine, and the Detroits very own 8 Mile. Showtime at the Apollo opened major doors for Jackson, who later scored roles in blockbuster movies such as Roll Bounce alongside Shad Bow Wow Moss and Mike Epps, the Percy Jackson franchise as Grover Underwood, and Big Mommas House with legendary comedian Martin Lawrence.
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Brandon T. Jackson

Stand-up comedian and actor Brandon T. Jackson’s interned for local Detroit station, 93.1 FM, and became a guest host for 105.9 FM. Jackson continued reaching for the stars when he moved to L.A. at the age of 18 and was cast as an extra in films Ali, Bowling for Columbine, and the Detroit’s very own 8 Mile. Showtime at the Apollo opened major doors for Jackson, who later scored roles in blockbuster movies such as Roll Bounce alongside Shad “Bow Wow” Moss and Mike Epps, the Percy Jackson franchise as Grover Underwood, and Big Momma’s House with legendary comedian Martin Lawrence.

Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

Kenya Moore
Miss USA 1993 winner Kenya Moore has gone from playing small television and film roles to reality TV stardom. Moore graduated from Cass Technical High School and attended Wayne State University for a psychology degree with a minor in communication. In 2008, she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and in 2015 she took home seventh place in The Celebrity Apprentice 7. Her other appearances have been on Smart Guy, Living Single, The Parkers, The Jamie Foxx Show, Waiting to Exhale, and Deliver Us From Eva.
Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock

Kenya Moore

Miss USA 1993 winner Kenya Moore has gone from playing small television and film roles to reality TV stardom. Moore graduated from Cass Technical High School and attended Wayne State University for a psychology degree with a minor in communication. In 2008, she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and in 2015 she took home seventh place in The Celebrity Apprentice 7. Her other appearances have been on Smart Guy, Living Single, The Parkers, The Jamie Foxx Show, Waiting to Exhale, and Deliver Us From Eva.

Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock

Smokey Robinson
A singer-songwriter,whose career spans over four decades of hits, Robinson has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Living Legend Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, and the National Medal of Arts Awards from the president of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and the Song-writers Hall of Fame. Robinson was the vice president of Motown Records from the early 70s until the company was sold in the early 2000s.
Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock

Smokey Robinson

A singer-songwriter,whose career spans over four decades of hits, Robinson has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Living Legend Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, and the National Medal of Arts Awards from the president of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Song-writers’ Hall of Fame. Robinson was the vice president of Motown Records from the early ‘70s until the company was sold in the early 2000s.

Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock

Al Jean
Screenwriter and producer Al Jean is best known for his work on the iconic cartoon The Simpsons. Born and raised in Farmington Hills, Jean went on to graduate from Harvard University at just 20 years old. He began working in television with Mike Reiss during the 1980s.
Ovidiu Hrubaru/ Shutterstock

Al Jean

Screenwriter and producer Al Jean is best known for his work on the iconic cartoon The Simpsons. Born and raised in Farmington Hills, Jean went on to graduate from Harvard University at just 20 years old. He began working in television with Mike Reiss during the 1980s.

Ovidiu Hrubaru/ Shutterstock

Ray Parker Jr.
The 1984 film Ghostbusters is arguably one of the most popular and influential films of the 20th century. The theme song itself is one reason why its so pivotal, and we have writer and performer of the catchy tune Ray Parker Jr. to thank for that. Outside of Ghostbusters, Parker Jr. is one out of four members of the band Raydio, and hes also had his fair share of acting opportunities.
Eugene Powers / Shutterstock

Ray Parker Jr.

The 1984 film Ghostbusters is arguably one of the most popular and influential films of the 20th century. The theme song itself is one reason why it’s so pivotal, and we have writer and performer of the catchy tune Ray Parker Jr. to thank for that. Outside of Ghostbusters, Parker Jr. is one out of four members of the band Raydio, and he’s also had his fair share of acting opportunities.

Eugene Powers / Shutterstock

Judy Greer
If youve seen 13 Going on 30, which is arguably one of the best rom-coms of the 21st century, then you probably remember Livonia native Judy Greers notable role as mean girl and Six Chick leader, Lucy Wyman. Thats not all Greer is known for, as her resume runs deep in playing supporting characters in multiple projects like What Women Want, 27 Dresses, Two and a Half Men, The Descendants, Jurassic World, and, in 2018, popular horror franchise, Halloween.
Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock

Judy Greer

If you’ve seen 13 Going on 30, which is arguably one of the best rom-coms of the 21st century, then you probably remember Livonia native Judy Greer’s notable role as mean girl and Six Chick leader, Lucy Wyman. That’s not all Greer is known for, as her resume runs deep in playing supporting characters in multiple projects like What Women Want, 27 Dresses, Two and a Half Men, The Descendants, Jurassic World, and, in 2018, popular horror franchise, Halloween.

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock