I've always been amazed by the talent that has come from Texarkana. Whether sports celebrities, musicians, television or movie stars, Texarkana and its nearby towns have always been a hotbed for some very popular celebrities.

Here are five actors and actresses who hail from Texarkana and the surrounding area.

1. Molly C. Quinn (Actress)

Since March 2009, Texarkana native Molly C. Quinn has appeared as Alexis Castle on the ABC hit television show Castle. In addition to playing the daughter of the main character of the show, she has appeared in movies such as We're The Millers in 2013, and was the voice of Belinda Cratchit in Disney's A Christmas Carol in 2009. Quinn supports the Susan G. Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure and if her schedule permits she makes a personal appearance at the event.

2. Ellen DeGeneres (Comedian/Talk Show Host/Actress)

Originally born in Metaire, Louisiana on January 26, 1958 but moved to Atlanta, Texas in 1974 where she lived and graduated from Atlanta High School, DeGeneres started performing standup comedy at small clubs and coffee houses. In 1981 she was the emcee at Clyde's Comedy Club in New Orleans. Named as Showtime's Funniest Person in America in 1982. In 1986 she appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Best known for her sitcom Ellen that ran from 1994-1998. She currently is the host of the very popular The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

3. Shelley Dowdy (Actress)

shelleydowdy.com
shelleydowdy.com
loading...

Shelley Dowdy was born in Texarkana, Ark., on August 15, 1974 and she is best known for her supporting roles in movies like Evan Almighty in 2007, Slackers 2002, and Garden Party in 2008. Watch the trailer for Evan Almighty below.

Dan Blocker is better known as Hoss Cartwright on the longest running TV western, Bonanza, from 1959-1973. Born in nearby De Kalb, Texas in 1928, many say that Blocker was the largest baby ever born in Bowie County. Blocker's first role on television was when he played a blacksmith on Gunsmoke. But it was his role on Bonanza playing the middle son to Ben Cartwright that made him into a lovable icon of that show until his untimely death (caused by a blood clot in the lungs) in 1972.

5. Corinne Mae Griffith (Actress/Author)

Born in Texarkana, Texas on November 26, 1895 Corinne was best known as "The Orchid Lady of the Screen" one of the most popular film actresses of the 1920s. Black Oxen was her biggest movie from 1923.  Corinne received a Academy Award nomination for The Divine Lady in 1929. After her acting career she wrote 11 books, including two best sellers. She died in 1979 in Santa Monica, Cali.

Do you of know any other movie or TV stars from Texarkana?

More From Kicker 102.5