Cleveland has its fair share of famous children, from Halle Berry to Drew Carey to Phil Donahue to Paul Newman to President James A. Garfield. 

There are some you probably don’t know about, though, folks who grew up in neighborhoods like University Circle, Shaker Square, and Little Italy. They include:

Joe Shuster & Jerry Siegel, creators of Superman

That’s right, the world’s first superhero (and still one of the most popular) was created by two guys from Cleveland. Artist Joe Shuster was born in Canada and moved to Cleveland as a young boy, where he met Cleveland native Jerry Siegel. Together, they changed the world of entertainment forever.

Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails

One of the most influential rock bands in the world got its start right here in Cleveland. Reznor was born in Pennsylvania and came to Cleveland during his college years.

There must have been something in the air here, because his trademark howls and searing industrialized guitar work was born right in Cleveland.

Brian Michael Bendis, comic writer

You may not recognize his name, but you probably know his work. Brian Michael Bendis is a comic book writer who got his start doing black and white stories about Cleveland serial killers (“Torso”) and who has since written stories that have had a major influence on those Marvel movies everyone loves so much. He is also a consultant on the Netflix show Daredevil.

Wes Craven, horror director

The master of horror not only directed cult classics like The Hills Have Eyes and The Last House on the Left, he is also the creator of the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Makes one wonder what this Cleveland native saw in his hometown to inspire films like that.

Frankie Yankovic, music legend

Not all the music that comes out of Cleveland is loud and aggressive. Frankie Yankovic was known as “America’s Polka King.” He released over 200 recordings and helped keep his traditional Slovenian music alive during a time when jazz, pop, and rock were taking over.

Harlan Ellison, writer 

One of the most celebrated science fiction writers in history, you probably know more of his work than you realize. James Cameron’s The Terminator was partially based on one of his stories, for instance, and his work has appeared on or influenced shows like Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, and many more.

Not bad for a little guy from Cleveland.

Do you actually know your dentist? Your accountant? Your hairdresser?

Shouldn’t you know your insurance agent, too…?

At Virgil E. Brown Insurance, we live and work on the East Side of Cleveland, which means we can serve and understand your needs in ways that the bigger companies can’t. (Or won’t.)

Call Stan right now at 216-851-3304 or email him at info@virgilbrownins.com to learn exactly how we can help.