February 22, 2026

Lancaster's Community Newsletter

Famous Faces of Lancaster

Here’s our Famous Faces of Lancaster photo collage featuring a few pop culture icons and sports figures from Lancaster County.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff, a Lancaster native, is known for his roles as King George III in the original Broadway production of Hamilton, Holden Ford in Netflix’s Mindhunter, and Jesse St. James on Glee.

Taylor Kinney

Raised in Neffsville, Taylor Kinney became a household name as Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, a role he held for more than a decade and over 200 episodes.

Kristen Wiig

SNL and film star Kristen Wiig moved with her family to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the age of three, and attended Nitrauer Elementary School and Manheim Township Middle School until eighth grade.

Johnny Weir

Johnny Weir, who grew up in Quarryville, is one of the most recognizable figures in American figure skating. A three-time U.S. national champion and two-time Olympian, Weir became a prominent broadcaster, helping bring skating to a wider audience.

Nick Kurtz

Nick Kurtz is nicknamed “Big Amish” because he’s big, and he’s from Lancaster! This MLB player won AL Rookie of the Year and hit four home runs in one game last season.

Matt Nagy

Matt Nagy, the former Manheim Central Baron, is a long-time NFL coach and currently the offensive coordinator of the New York Giants.

Amanda Balionis

Amanda Balionis, a Manheim Township graduate, is a CBS Sports reporter who covers golf, college football, and the NFL.

Adam Cole

Known by his ring name, Adam Cole, Austin Jenkins is an American professional wrestler who was raised in Manheim.

The Innocence Mission

The Innocence Mission is one of the most successful bands in American indie music. Their song “Bright As Yellow” became a defining track of the 90s.

Jim Furyk

Jim Furyk, long based in Lancaster County, is one of the most consistent and respected golfers of his generation. A U.S. Open champion and former world No. 1.

Brad Rutter

Brad Rutter is the highest-earning contestant in Jeopardy! history, winning more than $5 million across multiple tournaments.

Brianna Wiest

Author Brianna Wiest went to Elizabethtown College. Her books have sold millions of copies, and regularly appear on global bestseller lists.