Jodie Turner-Smith, who spent her formative years growing up in Montgomery County, is taking on the role of Athena in the latest installment of Disney’s Tron franchise. Known for her powerful performances in films like Queen & Slim and After Yang, Turner-Smith continues to rise as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic talents.
Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring just celebrated its 100th anniversary and has long been known for producing some of the region’s most accomplished and influential graduates. From Oscar and Pulitzer winners to bestselling authors, journalists, and actors, the school’s alumni roster features far more than just six well-known names, but these standout former students represent the wide range of talent that has emerged from Blair over the decades:
Every October, The MoCoShow and families across the country revisit Halloweentown, the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie that has become a Halloween classic. With its whimsical world of witches, goblins, and magic, the film introduced audiences to Marnie Piper, a teenager who discovers her family’s supernatural heritage. What many people may not realize is that the actress behind Marnie, Kimberly J. Brown, grew up right here in Gaithersburg.
CBS’s hit sitcom Ghosts has solidified its place as one of America’s favorite shows, ranking as the 16th most-watched program in the 2024-25 Nielsen ratings with 12.1 million viewers. It was also the 11th most watched network series. While the national success is impressive, the series carries an especially meaningful connection for Montgomery County, as two of its stars are graduates of Rockville’s Thomas S. Wootton High School.
One of the most infamous episodes of Bar Rescue took Jon Taffer to Silver Spring, MD, where he confronted the struggling Piratz Tavern, located at 8402 Georgia Avenue. The pirate-themed bar sat in a prime downtown spot surrounded by office buildings, but its gimmick-heavy atmosphere, inconsistent service, and unprofessional staff alienated the very customers who might have kept it afloat. (more…)
Tillman, a native of Prince George’s County, MD has made history at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. The Severance star won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Black man ever to win in the category. According to Variety, it was the only acting field in the Emmys’ 77-year history that had never before honored a Black performer.
Rei Ami’s career has reached new heights with her starring role in one of the year’s biggest animated films: Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters. For the breakout artist, Montgomery County, Maryland played a pivotal role in shaping her journey.
In the world of sports broadcasting, few names resonate as strongly as Scott Van Pelt. Known for his insightful commentary, engaging personality, and the iconic SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt, he has become one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices. But before he reached the national stage, Van Pelt’s story began right here in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Rapper and actress Lil’ Kim will perform on Saturday, October 25 at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, MD. (more…)
Goldie Hawn, a Hollywood icon with a career spanning over five decades, began her journey to stardom right here in Montgomery County. Her name is often among the first mentioned when discussing celebrities from our area.
A recent conversation about Montgomery County’s most famous residents of all-time has sparked a lively debate, prompted by a story about actor Sylvester Stallone’s formative years in the area. Stallone, a global icon with a career spanning over five decades, lived in the county from approximately ages five to fifteen. His time here included attending Woodlin Elementary School and Montgomery Hills Junior High, periods that undoubtedly shaped the future star.