Carver County's A-List

 Carver County doesn’t have many over-the-top famous people to claim.

In fact, the rock star Prince is probably the only world-famous resident that calls our wonderful county home (and most people think he lives in Minneapolis).

However, I thought the Herald could throw out a few names, with short biographies, and ask the public to add people they thought should be on the list.

They can be alive or dead, and may have only lived in the county for a short while. It doesn’t matter. (Judy Garland only lived in Grand Rapids, Minn. for four and one-half years and they have an annual festival and museum dedicated to her.)

The term “famous” is dreadfully relative, so have fun with who you add to the list.

As a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Prince still has Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen. He tore down his house, near Galpin Boulevard in Chanhassen but, with his business, owns 200 acres of land in Chanhassen. He’s definitely the most funky person to ever call Carver County home.

Edward Van Sloan, Chaska Edward Van Sloan (at left) in Dracula

Edward Van Sloan was a co-star in such 1930s horror movie classics as “Dracula,” “Frankenstein” and “The Mummy.”

Van Sloan had roles in at least 87 movies, according to the Internet Movie Database. His career ranged from the silent movie “Slander” in 1916, through his last movie in 1950.

Van Sloan (originally “Van Sloun”) was born on Nov. 1, 1882 and lived in Chaska during his childhood years. Edward was born on Nov. 1 1882. He probably lived in Chaska, off and on, for about 10 years.

In the art world, photographer Alec Soth has been the cat’s pajamas ever since he exploded onto the scene a couple years ago in the Whitney Biennial Exhibition in New York.

He lived in Chanhassen where he lived until he was 15 years old.

His family moved to their Chanhassen home, off of Galpin Boulevard, when Alec’s father, an attorney, began work at the Jonathan office of the Dorsey, Marquart, Windhorst, West & Halladay law firm in Jonathan Village Center in Chaska.

Soth, in his mid-30s, has published two books of photographs: “Niagra” and “Sleeping by the Mississippi.” Check out his work at www.alecsoth.com.

Former Minnesota Timberwolves guard Fred Hoiberg lives in Chaska, receiving six write-in-votes for mayor during the last city election.

Foster, who was one of the first Carver County commissioners, was also a member of the infamous Donner Party. Starving with the rest of the pioneers in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, he allegedly killed and ate two members of the party for food.

Of 89 settlers, 41 died, including William and Sarah Foster’s 1-year-old son Jeremiah.

William, with Sarah, later attempted to develop the town of San Francisco, near Carver, but gave up and moved back to California.

At the tender age of 8, Turner screen-tested for a part in the “Sound of Music.” Producers loved her and Turner eventually became Marta, the second youngest of the seven Von Trapp children. She shared the screen with heavyweights Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in one of the most beloved films of all time.

Turner did little acting after her turn in the “Sound of Music.” She moved to Chanhassen after marrying her husband Rick Larson.

Ross, best-known as Mrs. Cunningham from “Happy Days” was born in Watertown and grew up in Waconia. She has been in oodles of television shows and a few movies, too, but it was her role as Mrs. C. that made her a household name.

Art James was a regular among game show watchers in the ’60s and ’70s. As a host or announcer, James was involved in more than a dozen game shows including “Concentration,” “Say When!,” “Pay Cards!,” “Tic Tac Dough” and “Joker’s Wild.” He retired to Chaska and died in 2004 during a trip to Palm Springs.

As the creator and host of “Mr. Wizard,” the Waconia-born Herbert inspired children across the country to get interested in science. His weekly show, “Watch Mr. Wizard,” featured science experiments that children could recreate at home.

The show began in 1951 on NBC and ran for 14 years and more than 500 episodes. It was resurrected for a time in the ’70s and again as Mr. Wizard’s World on Nickelodeon in the ’80s. Herbert received a Peabody Award for his work.

Larry Graham, Chanhassen

Larry Graham, rock and roll bassist, is a Chanhassen resident. He played with the Sly and the Family Stone, which makes him (along with Prince) the second Carver County resident in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is credited with his innovative "slap" bass technique and being one of the leaders in developing the funk sound.

Jim “The Baron” von Raschke, Laketown Township

This wrestler is synonymous with old-school Minnesota. He was among the first of the professional wrestling superstars, with his use of the trademark “claw” on his hapless opponents.

He also lived in Laketown Township in Carver County for 2-1/2 years. He now calls Prior Lake home. The Baron is now embarking on another career – the stage, with his collaboration on the “The Baron” performed through May 27, 2007 at the History Theatre in St. Paul.

Tony Denman, Chanhassen

Since Denman had a role in one of the greatest movies ever made, “Fargo,” he makes the A-List.

Denman was a Chaska High School freshmen when he portrayed the accordion-playing Scotty Lundegaard in the 1996 Coen brothers film. His ill-fated father was played by William Macy.

According to the Internet Movie Data Base, Denman has appeared in everything from episodes of “7th Heaven,” to “Judging Amy” to National Lampoon’s “Dorm Daze” (parts 1 and 2).

Amy Adams, pictured in 1999.

Amy Adams, Chanhassen 

It's unknown Amy Adams ever had a mailing address in Carver County.

However, she appeared in so many Chanhassen Dinner Theatres performances between 1996 and 1998, that we'll include her as an honorary member of the Carver County A-List.

She took a short leave from musical theater to appear in the locally filmed "Drop Dead Gorgeous." From there, she went on to star ina number of movies and TV shows.

She was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in "Junebug." However, Adams really proved she had star power in the 2007 hit "Enchanted."

Amy Adams Chanhassen performances and start dates:

“Crazy for You,” Feb. 2, 1996 *

“State Fair” Jan. 31, 1997

“Brigadoon,” Jan. 30: 1998

“Good News,” Nov. 6, 1998 **

* Came in as a replacement.

** Left midway through show’s run to pursue Hollywood career

Adams may be the biggest star to come out of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, but here are a few other notable alumni:

Loni Anderson: Best known for her role in “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

Warren Frost: Has appeared in numerous television series, including reoccurring roles in “Twin Peaks,” “Matlock,” and “Seinfeld.”

T.R. Knight: Known for the television role of Dr. George O’Malley in “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Laura Osnes: Competed in NBC reality show “You’re the One That I Want,” and is now performing “Grease” on Broadway.

Ron Perlman: Starring roles in many movies, including “Hellboy” and “Enemy at the Gates,” as well as the “Beauty and the Beast” television series.

Pat Proft: Writer for many zany movie comedies, such as “Hot Shots,” “Police Academy” and “The Naked Gun.”