Beyond MoCo: 7 Celebrities You May Not Know Have Ties to Prince George’s County

Over the years we have highlighted hundreds of celebrities with ties to Montgomery County, and we’ll continue to do so in the years to come. Today, however, we’re going to look at just five of many celebrities that you may not know have ties to neighboring Prince George’s County.

Martin Lawrence (Actor/Comedian)

Martin Lawrence came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor. He got his start playing Maurice Warfield in What’s Happening Now!! (1987–1988) and later had his breakout starring role in the Fox television sitcom Martin. He has also the Bad Boys franchise, and House Party, Boomerang, Wild Hogs, Nothing to Lose, Blue Streak, Life, Big Momma’s House, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, and more.

Lawrence was born in Germany where his father was serving in the U.S. military. When he was seven, his father left the military and the family moved from West Germany back to the United States, settling in Landover in Prince George’s County. During his teen years he attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Friendly High School. He lived in Apple Grove.

Kathie Lee Gifford (Television Personality)

Kathie Lee Gifford is perhaps best known for her 15-year run (1985–2000) on the talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, which she co-hosted with Regis Philbin, She is also known for her 11-year run with Hoda Kotb, on the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show (2008–2019). She has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 as part of the Today team.

Gifford grew up in Bowie, Maryland, and attended Bowie High School.

Mya (Singer/Actress)

Mya Marie Harrison began her career as a VJ and dance posse member on BET’s Teen Summit. She has recorded several albums and has achieved success on the billboard charts with her music. In addition to a music career, Harrison crossed over into acting and made her feature-film debut in 1999’s thriller In Too Deep starring LL Cool J and Omar Epps. She continued to appear in supporting roles in films such as Chicago (2002), Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004), Shall We Dance? (2004), and Cursed (2005).

Mya graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt at the age of 16, and then took a few classes at the University of Maryland, College Park, but her primary focus was on the recording studio.

Jim Henson (Puppeteer/Animator)

Jim Henson achieved worldwide notice as the creator of The Muppets characters and Fraggle Rock. In 1969, Henson joined the children’s educational television program Sesame Street (1969–present) where he helped to develop Muppet characters for the series. He and his creative team also appeared on the first season of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (1975–present). He produced The Muppet Show (1976–1981) during this period. He earned fame for his characters, particularly Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog and Ernie.

Henson was born in Mississippi, but moved to University Park in Prince George’s County with his family when he was a child. He graduated form Northwestern High School and later attended the University of Maryland in College Park.

Taraji P. Henson (Actress)

Taraji P. Henson began her Hollywood career in guest roles on several television shows before making her breakthrough in Baby Boy (2001). She has since received praise for her performances in Hustle & Flow (2005), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Date Night, the remake of The Karate Kid, Think Like a Man (and the sequel), Hidden Figures, TV’s Empire, and a lot more. In 2016, Time named Henson one of the 100 most influential people in the world. That year, she released a New York Times best selling autobiography titled Around the Way Girl.

Though she was born in Southeast D.C., she grew up in Prince George’s County and graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1988, where she was homecoming queen.

JC Chasez (Singer)

JC Chasez started out his career as a cast member on The Mickey Mouse Club before rising to stardom with *NSYNC. JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake were the two lead singers of what would become the popular boy band *NSYNC. The group was formed in 1995 and became popular in Europe in 1996. In 1998, the band released its debut album *NSYNC which sold 11 million copies and became very popular in the United States. The group released its second studio album No Strings Attached in 2000, which became the fastest-selling album of all time, selling 2.4 million copies in the first week (the record has since been broken).

Chasez grew up in Bowie and attended the former Robert Goddard Middle School and then Bowie High School.

Sugar Ray Leonard (Boxer)

Sugar Ray Leonard is often regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, he competed between 1977 and 1997, winning world titles in five weight divisions; the lineal championship in three weight divisions;  as well as the undisputed welterweight title. Leonard was part of “The Four Kings”, a group of boxers who all fought each other throughout the 1980s, consisting of Leonard, Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler

Leonard was born in North Carolina, but moved to the area with his family when he was three. They settled permanently in Palmer Park, Maryland when he was ten. His father worked as a supermarket night manager and his mother was a nurse. He attended Parkdale High School.

 

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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