Dick Van Dyke tops list of Illinois actors
Illinois Top 200 project puts Van Dyke at No. 1, followed by Murray, Hackman and Ford
 

[August 23, 2018]   He was Rob Petrie, Bert the Chimney Sweep, Caractacus Potts and countless other characters. Now Dick Van Dyke’s latest role is top actor in Illinois history, as chosen by voters in the Illinois Top 200 project.

Van Dyke, who grew up in Danville, was followed by Bill Murray of “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day” fame and two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, a fellow Danville native.

Also in the top five: Harrison Ford, king of the Hollywood blockbusters, and Gary Sinise, a character actor who has played everything from “Lieutenant Dan” to corrupt cops.

“The creative arts, specifically theater, film, and comedy, are deeply imbedded in the fabric of our state,” said Illinois FILM Office Director Christine Dudley. “These talented Illinoisans have shaped their genres and the entire industry. We celebrate their achievements and our rich history as we continue to cultivate the next generation of great talent and a thriving film industry here in Illinois.”

The Illinois Top 200 project lets Illinoisans vote every two weeks on the most inspiring leaders, greatest inventions, top businesses and much more. By the state’s 200th birthday on Dec. 3, voters will have chosen 10 favorites in 20 different categories – the Illinois Top 200.

Voting in the next category, top entertainers, is underway at www.IllinoisTop200.com. The nominees include Richard Pryor, Walt Disney, Shonda Rhimes, Katherine Dunham and Bob Newhart.

Here are the top 10 Illinois actors chosen in online voting:

1. Dick Van Dyke – The beloved actor, singer and dancer was raised in Danville. He won a Tony for “Bye Bye Birdie,” then reached national stardom with “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and appeared in such films as “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

2. Bill Murray – After growing up in Wilmette, Murray achieved fame on “Saturday Night Live” and later starred in such classic comedies as "Ghostbusters," "Caddyshack” and “Groundhog Day.”

3. Gene Hackman – Hackman spent most of his childhood in Danville, later joining the Marines and then embarking on a film career that includes "The French Connection," "Hoosiers" and "Mississippi Burning." He won two Oscars.

4. Harrison Ford – Born in Chicago and raised in its suburbs, Ford became a Hollywood superstar playing Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Other notable movies include “The Fugitive,” “Blade Runner” and “Witness.”

5. Gary Sinise – Sinise grew up in Blue Island, studied at Illinois State and launched his career at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre. He won two Emmys and received an Oscar nomination for “Forrest Gump.”

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