Celebrities that Live in Charleston

The Lowcountry has long drawn notable figures from across the entertainment (and other) industries, thanks to its rich history, coastal beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Here are a few famous personalities who currently - at last check - have homes in the Charleston area (this does not mean they were born here, grew up here, or consider Charleston their primary residence):

Bill Murray

Comedic legend Bill Murray—of Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day fame—owns a home on Sullivan’s Island. He also co-owns the Charleston RiverDogs and has had ownership stakes in local restaurants, making him a familiar face around town.

Darius Rucker

Best known as the frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish and later as a country solo artist, Rucker grew up in Charleston and continues to live in the area, often participating in philanthropic work locally. Despite moving to London in early 2025, he still has a home in the area.

Stephen Colbert

While Colbert is a household name as the host of The Late Show, his roots trace back to Charleston, where he attended school and often returns. He maintains a strong connection to the region and has a home on Sullivan's Island.

Danny McBride

Actor, comedian and writer Danny McBride relocated to Sullivan's Island after filming on-location locally. He has since established production operations in the area, drawn to the city’s vibe and film-friendly environment.

John Goodman

Actor John Goodman, who rose to fame as Dan Conner on the sitcom Roseanne and has appeared in films such as The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Argo, lives on Sullivan’s Island. He purchased a home there after starring in The Righteous Gemstones, which filmed in the Charleston area.

Michelle Branch and Patrick Carney

Singer-songwriter Michelle Branch and Patrick Carney, drummer for The Black Keys, also call the Charleston area home. In 2020, the couple purchased a home in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant.

Dan Marino

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has a home on Kiawah Island.

Tara Lipinski

Tara Lipinski, the 1998 Olympics ladies’ figure skating gold medalist and current analyst for NBC Sports, owns a home on Kiawah Island. 

Patty Hearst

Heiress, author, and actress Patty Hearst bought a property on the peninsula in 2019. The granddaughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, she became a household name in the 1970s following her highly publicized kidnapping and subsequent transformation into a complex cultural figure. In later years, Hearst built a quieter life focused on family, philanthropy, and her passion for dog breeding — her French Bulldogs have won top honors at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows.

Andie MacDowell

Actress and former model Andie MacDowell - who starred with alongside Murray in Groundhog Day - lives on Kiawah Island. She has also starred in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and the TV series Maid.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the retired NASCAR driver, has a home on Sullivan's Island. Known as “Junior,” he became one of the sport’s most popular figures, earning 15 consecutive NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards. Over his career, he won 26 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Daytona 500s (2004 and 2014).

Thomas Gibson

Actor Thomas Gibson, who was born in Charleston, still has a home in the area. The Bishop England High School and College of Charleston graduate is probably best known for his roles in Criminal Minds, Dharma & Greg, and Chicago Hope.

Will Patton

Will Patton is an actor and producer known for his work in film, television, and theater. He has appeared in movies such as Remember the Titans, Armageddon, and No Country for Old Men, and has had recurring roles on TV series including Falling Skies and Yellowstone. He is a Charleston native that still lives in the area.

Ryan Stasik 

Musician Ryan Stasik, best known as the bassist and co-founder of Umphrey’s McGee, lives in the Charleston area. He is also a member of the popular local synthwave band Doom Flamingo, which is currently on an indefinite break.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley, who served as the 116th governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and as the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from January 2017 to December 2018, has a home on Kiawah Island.

Frank Abagnale

Frank Abagnale, the security consultant and former con artist whose early life inspired the book and film Catch Me If You Can, has long called the Charleston area home. He lives in the region with his wife, Kelly, and travels from Charleston for speaking engagements and corporate consulting work around the world.

Ted Valentine

Ted Valentine, a longtime former NCAA men’s basketball referee known for his animated style and on-court presence, earning the nickname “TV Teddy,” moved to Charleston in 2003. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Valentine officiated thousands of Division I games, including multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament matchups, becoming one of the most recognizable officials in college basketball.

Former Residents/Rumored Residents/Other

Reese Witherspoon

Though often associated with other locations, Witherspoon reportedly owned a beach home on Sullivan’s Island, taken part in events in the city, and has been spotted around town several times. Plus, Draper James, her Southern-inspired lifestyle and fashion brand, temporarily set up shop on King Street.

Daryl Hall

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall, who is best known as the co-founder and principal lead vocalist of Hall & Oates, had a home in downtown Charleston for several years. He bought and renovated a house on Meeting Street in the 2010s, which he lived in before selling it during the pandemic. 

Ben Bridwell

Ben Bridwell, the frontman for the indie rock group Band of Horses, is a South Carolina native who reportedly moved back to the Charleston area after some time away. It's unclear if he still lives in the area.

Judge Judy Sheindlin

Television icon and former Manhattan family court judge Judith Sheindlin, best known as Judge Judy, has long been one of the most recognizable and influential figures in television. Her hit courtroom show, which ran for 25 years, made her one of the highest-paid personalities in TV history. She reportedly lived in the area, but those reports could not be confirmed.

Brett Gardner

Former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder Brett Gardner spent his entire career with the New York Yankees, but did you know, he was born in South Carolina? He attended Holly Hill Academy in Holly Hill and also played American Legion Baseball for St. George Post 105. After attending a walk-on tryout in 2001, Gardner went on to become a three-year starter for the College of Charleston. He reportedly still has a home in the area, but that is unconfirmed.

A.J. Green

A.J. Green, the former NFL wide receiver, attended Summerville High School where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. He want on to star at the University of Georgia before turning pro. 

Carlos Dunlap

Former NFL defensive end Carlos Dunlap was born in North Charleston and attended Fort Dorchester High School. He went on to star with the Florida Gators. He often holds charitable events in the Charleston area with The Carlos Dunlap Foundation.

The Cast of Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality

Cast members of the long-running Bravo reality TV shows Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality have, or still do, live in the Charleston area.