Discover the Hidden Celebrity Ties to Detroit with Steve Platto’s New Book

The Celebrity Connection: An Introduction

A fascinating world of celebrity connections to Detroit comes alive in Steve Platto’s latest book, “Motor City Famous: Celebrity Homes, Graves, and Little-Known Locales.” Released in November, this book explores the city’s rich history through the stories of 113 celebrities who have unexpected ties to Detroit. From legendary figures like Lucille Ball and John Hughes to renowned performers like Robin Williams and Christie Brinkley, Platto uncovers the stories you never knew existed.

The Journey to Discovery

Steve Platto, with a keen interest in genealogy and history, embarked on this extraordinary journey while researching his family tree. His passion for this project was ignited by a surprising revelation about Robin Williams.

Platto explained, “I was watching this Robin Williams documentary called ‘Come Inside My Mind,’ and in it, it mentioned that he had gone to Detroit Country Day.” This led him to investigate further, uncovering the story of a grand mansion in Bloomfield Hills once owned by Williams’ family.

Even though the mansion no longer stands, the original stone wall remains, a silent witness to this slice of history. Platto shared, “If you were to go there, there’s a stone wall that goes all around that corner of Opdyke and Woodward, and that was the original stone wall that surrounded the house when it was first built.”

From Facebook Fame to Published Pages

Platto’s initial findings sparked considerable interest when he posted about them on his Facebook page. Encouraged by his followers and inundated with suggestions for more famous connections, he decided to compile his discoveries into a book. “It just kind of snowballed,” Platto remarked, “and before I knew it, I had like…113 different people that came out of Detroit.”

Beyond the Ordinary: Unveiling Unexpected Ties

The book doesn’t just list addresses; it weaves rich narratives around each celebrity’s connection to Detroit. Platto took on the challenge of not only tracing addresses but also uncovering fascinating backstories. As he described, “I wanted to actually track down what that tie was, where that house was, what the address was, any little backstory that had to do with the tie to Detroit. So kind of putting on the Sherlock Holmes hat and finding out all these different things was really kind of the fun part of it.”

Notable Names and Lesser-Known Links

While many are aware of Detroit’s ties to cultural icons like Eminem, Stevie Wonder, and Tim Allen, “Motor City Famous” reveals more obscure connections. Literary legend Jack Kerouac is among the unexpected names that make an appearance.

Yet, not every finding made it into the book. Platto discovered after submitting his manuscript that even Snoop Dogg had lived in Detroit for a couple of years during the mid-1980s, working at a local McDonald’s.

Upcoming Event: Meet the Author

Interested readers have the opportunity to meet Steve Platto and dive deeper into his discoveries. He will be signing copies of his book at Dearborn Music from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Support Detroit Public Radio

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Conclusion

Steve Platto’s “Motor City Famous” offers readers an exciting journey through Detroit’s less-publicized celebrity stories, providing a unique angle on the city’s history. Whether you’re a Detroit native or a curious reader from afar, this book is a trove of fascinating anecdotes waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of Detroit’s hidden history.

Source: https://wdet.org/2024/12/03/new-book-highlights-little-known-celebrity-ties-to-the-city-of-detroit/