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Famous Chicagoans share their favorite memories of the city

Notable natives share their best childhood memories.

Stars: They’re just like us! Not really. But a lot of them grew up here, and we’ve collected dozens of their funny, touching or just plain unbelievable childhood stories.

commonillo
The South Side native recalls his first intro to hip-hop and a stint as a Bulls ball boy.
mavisstaplesillo3
The gospel giant once sneaked secular music through a blues club’s door.
memoriesMelmans
The LEYE heirs and Paris Club bosses recall growing up in the restaurant business.
memoriesLarLubovitchNEW
The Tony Award–winning choreographer remembers playing a corpse for Ruth Page.
chicagomemoriesCheRhymefestSmith
The hip-hop artist and aspiring politico remembers Regal talent shows and artists’ communities.
michaelmanillo
The Public Enemies director’s works lift imagery and story lines from his Chicago childhood.
memoriesDaveEggers
The best-selling author and kids’ writing mentor experienced his own little Woodstock on the North Shore.
memoriesJimJacobsNEW
The writer/composer revisits the Taft High memories that inspired him to write the original Grease.
memoriesRahmEmanuel
The mayor-elect takes a trip down memory lane (also known as State Street).
dansavageillo
The “Savage Love” columnist took refuge in “arty-farty” movie palaces.
memoriesDougSohnNEW
Greasy bags of fries and divey dog stands were big influences on Hot Doug’s owner.
memoriesEvanLysacekNEW
The Olympic gold-medalist figure skater remembers hitting the ice at Skate on State.
memoriesMindySegal
The pastry ace spent her teen years seeking out cool vintage finds and dancing to new wave.
memoriesStewartDybek
The author recalls the creepy haunts of Near South Side viaducts.
memoriesVictorSkrebneski
The pioneering fashion photographer remembers his first run-in with art.
overandoutJenniferBeals
We mined our Over & Out archives for some of our favorite personalities’ childhood stories.
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