With yet another award going to an Illinois-born actress last night at the Emmys, I figured it was time to do a bit of research.

Just about every year, when award season comes around, which by the way we're on the cusp of, someone from Illinois scoops up an award.

70th Emmy Awards - Creative Perspective
Rachel Brosnahan. Credit: Getty Images
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Whether it be Rachel Brosnahan, she's born in Wisconsin but grew up in Illinois, scoring an award for The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, or like last night native Chicagoan, Gillian Anderson scoring her second Emmy in a supporting role for Netflix's hit show The Crown.

"The Crown" 73rd Primetime Emmys Celebration - Red Carpet Arrivals
Gillian Anderson Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
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So it got me thinking, there's plenty of great actresses who were born in Illinois who have gone on to score some major hardware and star in some serious box office blockbusters.

Hollywood legends like Raquel Welch and Betty White got their start in Illinois. Oscar winners like Frances McDormand and Jennifer Hudson were both born in the Land of Lincoln too.

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Jennifer Hudson Credit: Getty Images
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There were some surprises too like I had no idea Welch was from Chicago, and Calista Flockhart from Ally McBeal was born in Freeport.

Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' And Legendary Pictures' "42" - Arrivals
Calista Flockhart Credit: Getty Images
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For some reason, I always knew about Joan Allen being from Rochelle, but for some, that's kind of a surprise.

I was most surprised though when I found out Cecily Strong from Saturday Night Live was born in Illinois, she grew up in Springfield.

73rd Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals
Cecily Strong Credit: Getty Images
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Speaking of growing up in the middle of the state, did you know Jennie Garth from Beverly Hills 90210 wasn't actually born in California? Nope, she grew up in Urbana, Illinois.

Much Love Animal Rescue 3rd Annual Spoken Woof Benefit
Jennie Garth Credit: Getty Images
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Check out the full list:

40 Famous Actresses You Probably Didn't Know Were Born in Illinois

From guest-starring roles to Academy Award winners, Illinois has its fair share of famed actresses.

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

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