Annette Bening was born on May 29, 1958 in Topeka, Kansas, the youngest of four children. Her family moved to California when she was young, and she grew up there. She graduated from San Francisco State University and began her acting career with the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, eventually moving to New York where she acted on the stage (including a Tony-award nomination in 1987 for her work in the Broadway play "Coastal Disturbances") and got her first film roles, in a few TV movies.

As is so often the case, her first big-screen role was in a forgettable movie, this one The Great Outdoors (1988), in which she had little screen time. However, her next work onscreen was in Milos Forman's Valmont (1989), a film adaptation of Choderlos de Laclos' "Les Liaisons Dangereuses". Unfortunately, de Laclos' story had also just served as the source of a more Hollywoodized and successful movie version, Dangerous Liaisons (1988), which had been released the previous year, and Foreman's treatment went little noticed. Bening's career turned an important corner the following year when she co-starred with Anjelica Huston and John Cusack in Stephen Frears's powerful, entertaining screen adaptation of Jim Thompson's novel The Grifters (1990), and her artful turn as a con artist gained her the first of several Academy award nominations. On the strength of this performance Warren Beatty cast Bening as Virginia Hill, Bugsy Siegel's fiery actress moll, in his Bugsy (1991), the story of Siegel's founding of Las Vegas. Although the movie itself did not fare well, it resulted in a relationship with Beatty which led to Bening's pregnancy and then her marriage to Beatty in 1992 - it was the second marriage for Bening, who had been separated from her first husband since 1986 but did not finalize her divorce until 1991. The couple then collaborated on the extravagant flop Love Affair (1994), though the next year her career rebounded with her turn as Queen Elizabeth in the highly-regarded 1995 production of Richard III (1995). Notable performances have since included an obsessive, pushy real estate agent in American Beauty (1999), and as the eponymous character in István Szabó's screen adaptation of the W. Somerset Maugham novel Being Julia (2004) - both were duly noted by the Academy, with Oscar nominations.

Bening has great poise and screen presence and, at her best, can turn in a very strong performance. Although her resume often features long stretches of mediocre productions before the next good part turns up, when it does, it proves worth the wait. Bening has four children with Beatty.

Lois Smith was born on 3 November 1930 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She is an actress, known for Minority Report (2002), Lady Bird (2017) and Twister (1996). She was previously married to Wesley Dale Smith.

Best known for his role as Zeke in Michael Jackson's Moonwalker, Brandon Quintin Adams has been involved in the business since toddler age. Appearing in commercials and print ads, was just the start of his career. At the age of 9, he landed his first television role as 'Peter' in the NBC sitcom, Empty Nest in 1988. As a result, his career soared and he landed roles in numerous television sitcoms (A Different World, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Moesha and Martin among others) and movies (Polly, The Mighty Ducks and The Sandlot among others) through the years.

After having previously taken a long hiatus to focus on family and music, Brandon is now back on the scene to resume his acting career.

The Topeka, Kansas native's career began after he graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater. He quickly found success as a model and moved to Los Angeles in 1999, when he scored the lead on the NBC hit, Passions (1999).

Acting is just one of Schuldt's many talents. In 2004, Schuldt worked with director Jonathan Walls and writer/actor/producer Jay Thames to create, write, finance, produce and star in the critically acclaimed independent film, Automatic (2005), which found enthusiastic audiences as an official selection at SXSW, Woodstock, Starz Denver, and the Deep Ellum Film Festival in Dallas.

Schuldt is also very active in the Lone Star Ensemble, the nonprofit theater group he founded in 2000, and the production company 35 Terrace.

In addition to her other achievements, she must surely be noted for her work in the series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in her part as Judge Ruth Linden. Over several appearances as a judge in the New York Family Court she certainly conveyed lawyer-like rigidity and judgmental firmness, but combined that with an underlying motherly understanding exactly appropriate to Family Court.

Alexus Geier, better known as Alix Lapri, most recently enjoyed filming next to Gerard Butler and 50 Cent, playing the role of Maloa, in the movie production Den of Thieves. She also starred on FOX TV's Red Band Society. Miss Lapri is also known for her role in DJ Caruso's Standing Up and her recurring role in BET's Reed Between the Lines.

Alix Lapri, originally from Topeka Kansas, moved to Atlanta to pursue her acting career at age 13, being labeled best actress with Nick Conti's Professional School of Acting and began her acting career from there.

On a scale of dramatic to comedic, Miss Lapri does it all, but she enjoys memorable roles that leave an impact most of all.

Eric Edwards has gained recognition on the big screen and on television, in live theater, and on the stand-up comedy circuit, working non-stop in all four mediums. In fact, in one year, Eric co-starred in two feature films, one television movie, and an original one-man show, all while simultaneously continuing as an active member and teacher of the prominent Los Angeles-based repertory group, Playhouse West. Eric produced, co-wrote, and co-starred in Fatman and Mr. Taco which was awarded Best Feature Film at the 11th annual East L.A. Chicano/Chicana Film Festival.

Eric got his feet wet in stand-up comedy opening for headliners like Andrew "Dice" Clay. His high-energy performances have entertained audiences in concert halls across the country and he's made numerous guest TV appearances including Fox's Townsend Television, BET's The Comic View, and as Tonya Harding's heavy-set hit man in Showtime's award-winning special, Attack of the 5'2" Women. Also, Eric appeared in the television movie Junior in Love in duel roles.

Eric has been active as both a Staff member and actor at Playhouse West, co-starring in the critically acclaimed dark comedy, Aaron Gillespie Will Make You A Star, which chronicles a group of actors as their dreams are met with harsh reality. Eric is also a cast member Welcome Home Soldier the longest running Drama in Los Angeles. Eric has also authored and starred in the critically acclaimed and capacity filled, Calorically Challenged... and Proud of It, a one-and-half man show. He works out regularly at L.A.'s premiere comedy club, The Comedy Store.

Eric has entertained audiences on the big screen as well. Eric received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the lovable misfit, "Doberman," in Universal's Sgt. Bilko, starring Steve Martin. He first received recognition as "Murph," the bully who gets taped to the chalkboard in Problem Child 2, as the Clampett's country cousin in The Beverly Hillbillies, and as Spanky's father in Universal's The Little Rascals. In New Line Cinema's National Lampoon's Senior Trip, Eric portrayed "Miosky" opposite Jeremy Renner (academy award nominee actor of the Hurt Locker) in the comedy about the politically incorrect misadventures of a pack of high school slackers who get a lesson in civics when they take a road trip to Washington D.C. He played "Pearl" in the Wesley Snipes blockbuster hit Blade (New Line).

In 1999 Eric Edwards has lost 210 pounds which lead to Eric co-writing and starring in another inspirational one-man comedy play, Just Step a.k.a. The Weight is Over aka Just Step. Since the show started in November of 1999, the play has been having a positive impact on packed houses in Los Angeles as well as critical praise for the LA Times, Recommended by the LA Weekly, and Noho LA. Since 2003, Eric appeared on Strong Medicine on The Lifetime Channel as Jimmy Falco. In 2007, Eric co starred in two feature films: Michael Kallio's Koreatown, and 110% when Blood, Sweat, and tears are not enough. And in 2008 you can see Eric on ABC's Desperate Housewives, opposite Felicity Huffman and American Dad. And in 2009 in the feature film Dead in Love, CW's Everybody Hates Chris, and more episodes of American Dad on FOX. And 2010, he has appeared in Criminal Minds on CBS and NBC's Parks and Recreation. As well the Video of The Weight is Over was picked the play at the Reel Recovery Film Festival 2010. And Eric's new original play A Mixed Tape premiere's November 2010 at Playhouse West. A Mixed tape is a romantic comedy of a 40'something single character actor/audience recruiter, who has given up on love, but with the help of a Banana, gorilla, a Single Mother, Tom Waits and some really cool flashbacks, things just might work out.

Gregg has worked steadily in film and television for over 30 years. He has played roles in films directed by Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, the Coen Brothers, and Woody Allen. He was first discovered while waiting tables in character at the popular Beverly Hills 50's-themed diner, Ed Debevics where he worked as the "security guard" Barney Fife. Rick Dees saw him there and put him on his late night show on ABC, Into the Night with Rick Dees. Gregg was a series regular for the one year run of the show. He later went on to star as Harold Skolnick in the films Revenge of the Nerds 3 and 4. Soon after, Gregg was cast as "Dan the Del Taco Guy" in the very successful advertising campaign that lasted six years and covered 58 television commercials and many more radio spots and personal appearances. During that time Gregg also portrayed Don Knotts in the NBC movie of week Behind the Scenes of Three's Company. Later, he was cast as Kenny James in the Emmy award winning pilot episode of the NBC hit show My Name is Earl. Gregg went on to portray Kenny in 20 episodes during the four year run of the show. Two years later he was cast as a series regular on the hit show, Raising Hope on Fox. Gregg played the grocery store manager Barney Hughes in 71 episodes during the four year run of the show. More recently, Gregg has directed shows for Pure Flix including Hitting the Breaks, Malibu Dan and The Beverlys. His recent acting credits include guest starring roles on NCIS: Los Angeles, Young Sheldon and NCIS. In 2017 he founded Gregg Binkley's "Working Actors Workshop." In 2024 he released the inspirational book GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER: Finding Success in Acting and Life, which has been endorsed by many Emmy award winners including Bryan Cranston, Greg Garcia and Eric Stonestreet. Gregg lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.

Sherie Rene Scott is an award-winning actor, singer, writer and producer. She has starred in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, can be heard on many solo and Grammy Award-winning original cast recordings, and has been seen in several film and television roles.

Scott founded the multiple Grammy Award-winning first independent Broadway record label, Sh-K-Boom/ Ghostlight Records (2000-2015), which was also honored with a Drama Desk Award for contributions to musical theater. Scott co-authored the critically acclaimed Tony award-nominated 'Everyday Rapture' and 'Whorl Inside A Loop' as well as authoring the New York Times and New York Magazine's 'Best of the Year' productions 'Piece Of Meat' and 'Twohander' performed with Todd Almond.

Selected Credits Include: 'Whorl Inside A Loop,' co-author/ actor, Second Stage; 'Everyday Rapture,' co-author/ actor, 3 Tony nominations, Lucille Lortel nomination; 'Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown,' Drama Desk nomination; John Guare's 'Landscape Of The Body,' winner of Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Actress; 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Tony ad Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress, Outer Critics nomination; 'The Little Mermaid' Outer Critics nomination; Elton John & Tim Rice's 'Aida,' Derwent Award; Randy Newman's 'Faust'; Kander & Ebb's 'Over and Over;' The Who's 'Tommy,' OBC; 'The Front Page' with John Goodman & Nathan Lane; 'The Portuguese Kid' written & directed by John Patrick Shanley.

Sheila Ryan was born on 8 June 1921 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She was an actress, known for Deadline for Murder (1946), Great Guns (1941) and The Lone Wolf in Mexico (1947). She was married to Pat Buttram, Edward Norris and Allan Lane. She died on 4 November 1975 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Katie Amanda Keane was born and raised in Kansas where she received her BFA in theatre. Her ultimate goal was always to move west, which she did, receiving her MFA in acting from Cal State University, Long Beach. A love of classical theatre led her to spend several seasons with Shakespeare Orange County captivating audiences as Katherine in Taming of the Shrew, Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, and Desdemona in Othello to name a few.

After building an impressive resume of guest star credits, Katie landed a series regular role on the ABC Family show Ruby and the Rockits where she performed along side legends David Cassidy and Shirley Jones.

Katie is also an accomplished writer. She has developed projects with some of the most well respected producers in town. When not acting or writing, she spends every second she can with her toddler, Huck, who is the absolute best thing in the world, or volunteering at Best Friends Animal Society with the most amazing dogs waiting for their forever home. Adopt don't shop!

Samantha Smith was born on 11 September 1993 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She is an actress, known for First Christmas (2020), Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008) and Pitch Perfect 2 (2015).

George Dickerson was born on 25 July 1933 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for Blue Velvet (1986), Death Warrant (1990) and After Dark, My Sweet (1990). He was married to Suzanne Hartman and Victoria Chess. He died on 10 January 2015 in Queens, New York City, New York, USA.

Roscoe Born was born on 24 November 1950 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for Powwow Highway (1988), All My Children (1970) and Ryan's Hope (1975). He was married to Roberta Weiss, Randall Edwards and Adrienne Hampton. He died on 3 March 2020 in the USA.

Born in Topeka, KS, Carson has degrees in History and Theatre from the University of Kansas. He holds an MFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Acting Program. He has also studied improvisation and performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade, IOWest, and The Peoples Improv Theatre. His career as an actor spans every aspect of stage and screen. His work is as varied as independent hits like Kissing Jessica Stein and summer blockbusters like The Wedding Crashers. On stage he's performed at the nation's most prestigious resident theaters, Shakespeare in the park, American premiers, and Broadway shows, including 5 Tony Award winning Peter And The Starcatcher.

Alban Branton was born on 12 November 1962 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for Amy (1981) and Little House on the Prairie (1974). He died on 5 July 2016 in California, USA.

Amy Lynn Best is a trained dancer and actress who started in the business by co-producing the independent feature horror film, The Resurrection Game, and co-stars as the pop psychologist turned zombie exterminator, Sister Mary Bliss. Like many independent film producers, Amy learned the film business from the ground up. On the short haunted house film Tenants, for instance, Amy studied cinematographer from that film's director of photography, Bill Fuller. Out of necessity, she learned the basics of grip work, camera operation, and the fine art of line producing. In addition to acting in and producing The Resurrection Game, Amy served the film as art director, additional photographer and craft services. On one shooting date in particular, she fed the cast and crew two specially-made lasagnas, then denied herself her nourishment due to the fact that she still had to go before the camera in a skin-tight leather-and-spandex costume. Born in Topeka, Kansas but raised as a Pittsburgh native, Amy studied acting and dancing since she was three years old. She has acted or worked on many films and made her feature directorial debut on Happy Cloud Pictures' Severe Injuries. Amy's most notable cameo is in Paul Scrabo's Dr. Horror's Erotic House of Idiots, a funny parody of the b-movie industry starring Debbie Rochon. An outspoken advocate for women in the horror industry, Amy co-created the Women in Horror Website Pretty-Scary.net

Daniel Gilchrist began his love of acting in high school where his initial interests were in production and writing. Upon graduating, he began working and volunteering for local theatre productions in his hometown of Topeka, Kansas. His first starring role was as The Creature in Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy's production of Frankenstein. He went on to have featured roles in Macbeth, Scrooge, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Tempest, The Addams Family, and To Kill a Mockingbird. He graduated from Washburn University in 2012 with a Bachelor's in Theatre.

Daniel transitioned from theatre to film as the titular character in Beast of the Water. He also played Demby, a sideshow giant, in the acclaimed Chained for Life. In Omniboat, he portrayed a main/dolphin creature voiced by Robert Redford.

Daniel attributes his love of the theatre to his older brother, Brendan Gilchrist, who died in 2007.

Ted North was born on 3 October 1916 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for The Unsuspected (1947), Chad Hanna (1940) and Syncopation (1942). He was married to Mary Beth Hughes. He died on 22 November 1975 in Florida, USA.

Gwendolyn Whiteside was born on 19 October 1974 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She is an actress, known for Cold Case (2003), Six Feet Under (2001) and Life Sentence (2004).

Fernando Andrés was born on 1 December 1997 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He is a director and producer, known for Rent Free (2024), Three Headed Beast (2022) and Knowing Me, Knowing You (2023).

Zach Hudson was born on 11 September 1972 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for Spider-Man (2002), Ford v Ferrari (2019) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007). He was married to Monica Braunger and Michelle Hudson. He died on 22 December 2022 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Oscar Smith was born on 28 October 1885 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. He was an actor, known for The Wizard (1927), College Scandal (1935) and Close Harmony (1929). He was married to Nora LaVertt. He died on 18 March 1956 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Joanne Jordan was born on 5 September 1920 in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She was an actress, known for Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe (1953), Written on the Wind (1956) and Loophole (1954). She was married to MacLeod. She died on 29 July 2009 in Calabasas, California, USA.

Jen Kater was born in Topeka, Kansas, USA. She is an actress and writer, known for CSI: Vegas (2021), American Auto (2021) and The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder (2022).