3 minute read
Claims to Fame
Hinsdale is known for stunning real estate, a vibrant downtown, countless professional services, and an amazing selection of retailers. Nationally rated as one of the best places to live in Illinois, it’s no wonder why so many famous people claim Hinsdale as their hometown. Even we were surprised to discover so many actors, entertainers, musicians, athletes, sports executives, politicians, and a cat— yes, even the “most famous cat in the world”—who call Hinsdale home.
BY KEMMIE RYAN
Morris the Cat
Easily the most recognizable cat in the world, Morris starred in 58 commercials between 1969 and 1978. Morris’s journey began at the Hinsdale Humane Society after staff members noticed his charismatic personality and contacted Bob Martwick, a professional animal trainer for the Leo Burnett advertising agency. Morris appeared on Good Morning America, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and The Oprah Winfrey Show before his death in 1978. Through the Morris’ Million Cat Rescue campaign, his feline star power helped to place 1 million cats in new homes and provide education about cat rescue.
DizzyReed
Hinsdale native rock star Reed is one of the longest-standing members of Guns N’ Roses. The musician and keyboardist has toured with the band since 1980, recording six albums, including the 2008 album “Chinese Democracy.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 with fellow band members.
Rob Stafford
Stafford continues to live in Hinsdale with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Addy. He started at WMAQ-TV in 2007 and currently anchors the station’s 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. Before joining WMAQ, he worked as a Chicago-based correspondent for Dateline NBC from 1996 to 2006 and won two Emmy awards and the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2000.
ChrisKlein
Best known for his role in the teen comedy franchise, American Pie, and as the serial killer Cicada on the CW’s The Flash, Klein was born in Hinsdale. He married Laina Rose Thyfault in 2015 and has two children.
The former professional hockey defenceman played in multiple leagues over his 18-year career, including KHL, NHL, and AHL teams. Sopel lived in Hinsdale during his time as a member of the 2010 Stanley Cup-winning Chicago Blackhawks team. After being diagnosed with dyslexia, he started the Brent Sopel Foundation.
Born and raised in Hinsdale, Campbell is an actress best known for her roles in Disney’s StarStruck and Prom, the CW’s The Originals, and CBS All Access’ Tell Me a Story. Campbell was discovered at age 11 while at a Chicago hair salon with her mother. She also appeared in singer Jesse McCartney’s 2018 music video, “Better With You.”
BrentSopel Danielle
Campbell
D.B.Sweeney
Known for his leading man role in film and television projects including The Cutting Edge, Lonesome Dove, and Eight Men Out, Sweeney moved to Hinsdale in 2013 with his wife, Ashley, and children, Cade and Cody. Sweeney is the official voice of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and founded Letters From Hollywood (militaryconnection.com/letters-from-hollywood), a website where entertainers provided letters of support to U.S. military members.
Pat
Quinn
Born in Chicago and raised in Hinsdale, Quinn attended St. Isaac Jogues School. The American lawyer and politician served as the 41st Governor of Illinois from 2009 to 2015, following terms as Lieutenant Governor of Illinois from 2003-2009, and Treasurer of Illinois from 1991-1995, as well as a commissioner on the Cook County Board of Tax Appeals, and revenue director under Chicago Mayor Harold Washington.
R. HaroldZook
Best known for his Cotswold style cottages in Hinsdale and suburban Chicago areas, Zook studied as an apprentice under famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw before building his home and studio in Hinsdale in 1924. The Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge was designed by Zook in 1928 in partnership with William F. McCaughey, and remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After being rescued from demolition, the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio serves as a monument to Hinsdale’s proud architectural history.
10th Year
