Celebrities that Call Charleston Home

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 have made the Charleston area their home:

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.

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.

Reese Witherspoon

Though often associated with other locations, Witherspoon reportedly owns 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.

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 lives on Sullivan's 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 in the Charleston area. 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).

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.