OHIO — Each year since 2003 the Capitol Square Foundation recognizes Ohioans who had a significant role and created a lasting significance in world, American or Ohio history.

This year, movie stars take center stage as Dorothy Dandridge, Clark Gable and Paul Newman join the 62 previously recognized Great Ohioans. 

What You Need To Know

  • Since 2003, the Capitol Square Foundation recognizes Ohioans for their contribution to the world, state or country's history

  • Molly P. Kreuzman, the program director of Ohio Goes to the Movies, recommended three actors for this year's selections

  • Dorothy Dandridge, Clark Gable and Paul Newman were recognized by the commission
  • To celebrate America's 250th birthday next year, Ohio will present movies in all 88 counties

“Ohio has an extensive list of incredible film and television stars,” said Capitol Square Foundation Chairman Charles Moses in a news release. “Ohio’s contribution to the arts should be appreciated, and we are proud to recognize these three Ohioans for their work.”

Nominations came from across the state from citizens and organizations before the three were announced by the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Capitol Square Foundation. Selection criteria requires checking whether the nominee was born in the state or lived within it for at least five years and whether the event the nominee participated in occurred 25 years ago.

“The Ohio Statehouse is excited to add three stars to the Great Ohioans exhibit,” said Phil Miller, CSRAB Assistant Director in a news release, “We welcome visitors to learn about these and all the Great Ohioans who made an impact in people’s lives.”

Dandridge was an actress, singer and dancer who was born Nov. 9, 1922, in Cleveland. She was the first African American to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. Dandridge was known for her work in 1945’s film musical “Carmen Jones,” but she continued to breakout, becoming the first Black woman featured on Life magazine’s cover and to headline to headline the Waldorf-Astoria’s prestigious Empire Room in 1955.

Meanwhile, Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio on Feb. 1, 1901. After he starred in “The Painted Desert” MGM offered Gable a contract which led to him starring in “Dance, Fools, Dance” and “It Happened One Night,” which he won an Academy Award for. Gable became one of Hollywood’s stars during its Golden Age.

Gable also served as a pilot in World War II, where he achieved the rank of major.

Newman was raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio and became an actor, philanthropist and film director. He attended Kenyon College after serving in the Navy, where he played football. He majored in theatre. Newman started a family and then entered the world of film where he won multiple Academy Award nominations and an award for “The Color of Money.” Newman was a race car driver enthusiast and began his own food company that has raised millions for charities. He also created Flying Horse Farms, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses.

The three were recommended by Molly P. Kreuzman, the program director of Ohio Goes to the Movies, which is a signature event taking place in 2026 as part of the America 250-Ohio Commission to celebrate America's 250th birthday next year. To celebrate, Ohio will present movies in all 88 counties to celebrate Ohio actors, directors, writers, composers, animators and more.