While we’re proud of all of our citizens here in Brookfield, Wisconsin, some residents carry a little more star power than others. It’s always exciting to hear that someone came from our humble town and made a name for themselves in one way or another. Whether famous or infamous, we’re just happy that part of their story took place in our great city.
Al Capone
The world-renowned gangster was a Chicago native, but he did own a home here in Brookfield, Wisconsin, that he used for running moonshine. Formerly Bluemound Road, the street has since been renamed Capone Court since the late gangster had his second home here. In fact, many Chicago-area gangsters frequented the more rural Wisconsin during the prohibition era. The home still stands today, complete with its lookout spot, and an underground tunnel connecting to the home next door. This location was specifically chosen as it was far enough away from the police that he could easily go about his business without worry.
Martin P. Robinson
You may not know his name, but you certainly know his onscreen characters. Martin P. Robinson is a voice actor and puppeteer who moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin, from Dearborn, Michigan. He is best known for his work as Mr. Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street and his work on Little Shop of Horrors. He also helped bring Leonardo the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to life in the film from 1990. He now trains his fellow puppeteers taking on the mantle of Sesame Street characters, showing the next generation how to sing, dance, and spell with their puppets.
Theodore Kanavas
It’s not every day that you can say a United States senator is from your city! Theodore Kanavas served ten years as a Wisconsin Republican in the 33rd district. While in office, the software industry guru pushed for better job creation measures and increased economic development. Some of his better-known works as a senator were sponsoring the Broadband Deployment Act, the Angel Investment tax credits act referred to as Act 255, and his attempt at bringing a little slice of Hollywood to Brookfield, Wisconsin, with the Film Wisconsin tax credit initiative. Although no longer active, he did great work for our state during his time in office.
Kenny Harrison
Like any good Midwestern region, there are quite a few athletes who make up the history of Brookfield, Wisconsin. And while those other athletes made great contributions to football, wrestling, and hockey, one athlete stands apart from the rest. Kenny Harrison was a track and field star, specializing in the triple jump and winning the gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics and earning the title of the third greatest triple jumper in history. He also brought home the gold in the 1991 World Championship held in Tokyo, Japan. His personal best Triple Jump was an astounding 59 feet, 4 inches. No wonder he’s an international star!
Who knows? Maybe after moving here to Brookfield, Wisconsin, you could be the next big local celebrity for the history books as well! And if not, we’d love to have you here anyway.