(John Sciulli / Getty Images for Spotify)
Baltimore has its fair share of celebrities, and many -- like Michael Phelps and Jada Pinkett Smith-- make their local ties known. But some have Maryland connections that are less obvious -- like those on this list.
(John-John Williams IV)
The singer-songwriter — whose debut album, "Heard It in a Past Life," is earning plenty of praise from critics — grew up in Easton on Maryland's Eastern Shore. (John Sciulli / Getty Images for Spotify)
The Columbia-born actor ("Midnight, Texas" and "unREAL") graduated from Atholton High School. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
OK, so he might not qualify as a "celebrity" just yet, but Dundalk teenager Richie Merritt, left, is starring alongside Matthew McConaughey in the movie "White Boy Rick," and his performance is receiving mostly rave reviews. (Scott Garfield / Sony Pictures Entertainment)
The "Modern Family" actress grew up in Baltimore, and still has family members who live here. (Richard Shotwell / Associated Press)
The legendary actress was born in Washington and was raised in Takoma Park. After taking some time away from acting, Hawn appeared this year in “Snatched” with Amy Schumer, a Towson University grad. (Tim Whitby / Getty Images)
The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter was born in North Carolina, but moved to Baltimore as a young child and even attended the Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory program for performing arts. She released "Native Invader," her 15th studio album, in September. (Mark Davis / AP)
The queen of indie films like “Party Girl,” “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” and “For Your Consideration” was born in Baltimore -- although her family moved to the south shortly after her birth. Most recently she’s appeared in shows like "Louie," "Portlandia," "Search Party," "New Girl" and "The Good Wife." (MATT SAYLES / AP)
The Baltimore-born model married actor Kevin Hart last year. Recently, stories of Hart’s alleged infidelity have thrust her back into the public eye. (Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images)
The singer and actress known for her 2004 hit song ‘Dip It Low” has Maryland roots. Although she was born in Jersey City, N.J., she was raised in Waldorf, in Southern Maryland. (Rich Fury / Getty Images)
The actress, known for her appearances in the early '80s show “Beauty And The Beast” and the “Terminator” movie series, is originally from Salisbury. Last month, her ex-husband, director James Cameron, announced that Hamilton would be returning for a new "Terminator" movie. (STEPHEN J. BOITANO / AP)
The former "Mickey Mouse Club" star and NSYNC heartthrob was born in Bowie. Now, Chasez works as a writer and producer for singers like David Archuleta and Matthew Morrison. He’s also appeared as a judge on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” (Nick Ut / AP)
The actress, known for the CBS sitcom "Mom" and movies like "The House Bunny" and the "Scary Movie" franchise, was born in Baltimore. She talked to Sun reporter Chris Kaltenbach about her career and upbringing last year. (Jay L. Clendenin / TNS)
The comedian known for his hit '90s show “Martin” and for hosting “Def Comedy Jam” has become a major Hollywood star, appearing in such movies as the“Bad Boys” series with Will Smith. Lawrence was an Army brat born in Germany but spent his teenage years in Landover. He was recently honored as a “90s Game Changer” during the “Hip Hop Honors” on VH1. (John Sciulli / Getty Images for VH/Viacom)
The "Wheel of Fortune" host has a home in Severna Park. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
The director of “Being John Malkovich,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Her,” was born in Rockville. He’s also directed a number of music videos for artists like Kanye West, Fatboy Slim, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and the late Notorious BIG. (Sven Kaestner / AP)
The "You" and “Gossip Girl” actor was born in Baltimore before soon moving with his family outside of Richmond. The family then hopped around throughout the country. (Michael Loccisano / Getty Images for Alison Brod PR)
The rock legend known for her 1982 No. 1 hit "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was born in a suburb of Philadelphia but attend high school in Rockville after her family moved there. She's also a big Orioles fan. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
The stand-up comedian known for his bristly delivery was born in Washington, D.C. but was raised in Silver Spring. He’s appeared in numerous television shows including "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and "The Big Bang Theory." He’s also set to appear in the 2018 Netflix project "The Last Laugh,” starring Chevy Chase and Ricahrd Dreyfuss, according to Variety. (Rick Diamond / Getty Images for CMT)
The Baltimore native and Baltimore School For The Arts graduate is known for her appearances on Broadway in “Rent” (and in the movie version) and on the big screen for “Death Proof,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Annie." On the small screen, Thoms has appeared in “Cold Case,” “Veep,” “Criminal Minds” and “American Gods.” (Handout)
The Baltimore native is married to rapper Waka Flocka Flame and is a cast member on the VH1 reality show "Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta." She's also built a considerable social media following with 4.8 million Instagram followers. She is also a singer and fashion designer. (Bennett Raglin / Getty Images for BET)
The Frederick-born actor, shown in this 1999 file photo, is known for his roles in “The Faculty,” “The Cooler,” and “Alpha Dog." He’s also appeared on the NBC/TNT show “Southland” and currently stars in TNT’s “Animal Kingdom.” (DOUG MCDONALD)
The actress, known for her roles as Claire Danes’ mother in the ABC drama “My So-Called Life,” is from Baltimore. She has also had a recurring role in the Showtime series “House of Lies” and has appeared in “Scandal,” “Mad Men,” and “NCIS.” (Mark Seliger / ABC)
The actress, playwright, and professor is originally from Baltimore. The Western High School alumna has appeared in “The West Wing,” and as stoic nurse Gloria Akalitus in Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie.” But she's perhaps best known for her one-woman plays like "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992," about the Rodney King riots, and "Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education," about to the school-to-prison pipeline. (Nancy Crampton / Baltimore Sun)
The host of shows like "Dirty Jobs" is originally from Baltimore. He’s currently hosting “Returning the Favor,” a Facebook TV show. (Dawson Childers / Baltimore Sun)