Article updated: 1/2/2013 3:12 PM

In Hollywood, suburban strengths shine through

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Fremd High School graduate Robert Lorenz directs Clint Eastwood in a scene from Lorenz's directorial debut "Trouble With the Curve."

Nick Celozzi

Katherine Cunningham.

Soprano Ailyn Perez stars in a concert staging of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" at Ravinia Festival's Martin Theatre in Highland Park.

Wheaton native Jim Belushi declares that Gino's pizza is the best in Chicago, except maybe for Lou Malnati's. Or Giordano's.

Director Jay Chandrasekhar, who grew up in Hinsdale, makes a cameo appearance in his comedy movie "The Babymakers." .

Mark DeCarlo

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Amy Carlson

About this Article

Even before we started our “From Suburbs to Showbiz” news team, we knew people from the suburbs were something special. We quickly found out how right we were. Every time we talked to local people who've made it big in show business, we heard testimonials about the strengths and qualities that come from growing up around here. It's not that they're any better than the others. It's just that ... well. hey, let's let our interviewees speak for themselves. Comedian, actor, and “Windy City Live” contributor Mark DeCarlo, a Downers Grove native: