The idea of Akron celebrities has been mentioned in past articles.  I have always thought the idea of an Akron celebrity was pretty funny.

This is the short list I work from (in no particular order – sorry, LeBron): LeBron James, Chrissy Hynde, Chris Bryant, the Black Keys, Dr. Bob Smith, Judy Resnick, the Goodyear blimp, Mark Mothersbaugh, John Brown, David Giffels, Zippy, Don Plusquellic, John S. Knight, Chris “Beanie” Wells, and Cindy George. Of course some of these folks, well mainly Cindy George, may be more infamous than actually famous, but I believe they should all nevertheless be considered Akron celebrities.

Who else is there? Is it you? Who else should be considered? Have you run into any of these people only to discover a certain level of arrogance or were they like most Akronites – down to earth?

National fame is interesting, but Akron fame is even more unusual.  Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your black & white headshot on the wall at Luigi’s?  I think the only way to get up there is to have bowled a perfect game in the early 1950’s.

Additionally let it be known the proper way to greet an Akron celebrity is not to gawk, ask for an autograph, or photo opportunity.  Instead the proper Akron celebrity salute is to simply whisper into the wind, “Akron Celebrity.” The people on this list are all ordinary people from an ordinary place that are connected to something extraordinary.  Akron is only as great as the people that live here and help build the future.

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