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One list:
1. Harrison Ford
- Ties to Wheaton: Born in Chicago but grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: One of the most globally recognized actors, known for playing Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones franchise.
- Enduring Fame: Ford remains a cultural icon. His roles are iconic, and both franchises (especially Star Wars) continue to be celebrated and expanded upon, keeping his legacy strong.
2. John Belushi
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: As a comedian and actor, Belushi reached immense fame with his work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Animal House. He was a trailblazer in sketch comedy.
- Enduring Fame: Though his life was tragically cut short, Belushi’s legacy endures through SNL's lasting cultural influence, and his work in Animal House and The Blues Brothers continues to be celebrated.
3. Steve Carell
- Ties to Wheaton: Moved to Wheaton in his teenage years.
- Peak Fame: Carell’s fame peaked with The Office, where his portrayal of Michael Scott became iconic. He has also enjoyed success in comedy films and as a producer.
- Enduring Fame: The Office remains a beloved series, and Carell continues to maintain a strong presence in Hollywood with a variety of high-profile projects, including The Big Short and Foxcatcher.
4. Jay Leno
- Ties to Wheaton: Lived in Wheaton during his formative years.
- Peak Fame: Leno became the long-time host of The Tonight Show, where he was a central figure in American late-night television for decades.
- Enduring Fame: Though his show ended in 2014, Leno remains a recognizable figure in pop culture and continues to make appearances, though his current relevance isn't as strong as during his peak.
5. Bob Woodward
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: Woodward gained national fame for his investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
- Enduring Fame: Woodward remains a respected journalist, and his books (such as All the President's Men) are still widely read. However, his profile has waned slightly from its peak.
6. Wes Craven
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: Craven became a pioneering figure in horror cinema with films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream, creating some of the most iconic characters and franchises in the genre.
- Enduring Fame: Craven’s influence on the horror genre endures, with his works still being celebrated and referenced today.
7. Dennis Hastert
- Ties to Wheaton: Lived in Wheaton and served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Peak Fame: Hastert was Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2007, one of the most powerful political figures in the country at the time.
- Enduring Fame: Hastert's legacy is marred by legal issues, particularly his conviction for sexual abuse and financial crimes, which has diminished his once-prominent standing.
8. Jim Belushi
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: Known for Saturday Night Live and the TV show According to Jim.
- Enduring Fame: While not as iconic as his late brother, Jim Belushi remains active in film, television, and music, but his cultural influence is lesser in comparison.
9. Brian Urlacher
- Ties to Wheaton: Moved to Wheaton during his high school years.
- Peak Fame: Urlacher was a star linebacker for the Chicago Bears and one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL during his career.
- Enduring Fame: While he is a Hall of Famer, Urlacher's post-retirement visibility has been quieter compared to other athletes of his stature, although he remains a respected figure in Chicago sports.
10. Kendall Gill
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton and attended Wheaton North High School.
- Peak Fame: Gill was a prominent NBA player, known for his time with the Chicago Bulls and other teams in the 1990s.
- Enduring Fame: Gill's fame has faded somewhat post-retirement, though he remains a respected analyst and commentator in basketball circles.
11. Chris O'Donnell
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: O'Donnell’s peak came in the 1990s, with his roles in Batman Forever, The Three Musketeers, and Scent of a Woman.
- Enduring Fame: O'Donnell has had a steady career, including his long-running role on NCIS: Los Angeles, but his peak fame has passed.
12. Shannon Purser
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: Purser gained significant attention for her role as Barb on Stranger Things.
- Enduring Fame: While Stranger Things remains popular, Purser’s fame has not yet reached the same lasting status as some of her co-stars, though she continues to act.
13. Zachary Knighton
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: Knighton became known for his role in the sitcom Happy Endings and later The Last Man on Earth.
- Enduring Fame: While he has a cult following, Knighton’s fame is niche, and he doesn’t have the same broad recognition as others on the list.
14. Toni Morrison
- Ties to Wheaton: Grew up in Wheaton.
- Peak Fame: As a singer and songwriter, Toni Morrison contributed significantly to the music scene in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Enduring Fame: She had a moderate career, but her fame has not endured in a major way like others on this list.
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