Jeremy Renner & other Celebs who lived in Modesto & area

[@vonwebber7852]

Holly Mackerel Jeff, this video brought tears to my eyes. I aways learn a lot from your videos, but this one went over the top on people I knew and places you filmed. When I was young kid, my family were bowlers at McHenry Bowl. I knew Art and Lee Renner at McHenry Bowl. We were at the bowl all the time. My dad has 2 - 300 games on the 300 board if they still have the board up. Then you showed my high schools. My freshman year was at Downey High. Beyer High was finished the next year and I was transferred there because we lived closer to Beyer. I went to Somerset Junior high too. Hope to go back for my Beyer High 50 year reunion next year. Lakewood Cemetery is where my family is buried too. Some of the markers you showed had the same design as my mom and dad head markers. Great job on the video of the famous people, I learned a lot about the folks from Modesto. There were other places you showed that I knew very well, but will spare you haha. What a nice job on the video! ( As usual)

[@jbenziggy]

@@vonwebber7852 I’m sorry I didn’t reply sooner! Great comment! You miss Modesto and your old stomping grounds! Maybe it’s time for a visit! I have been in the Modesto area for most of my life -since 1966 so I know it well!

[@vonwebber7852]

@@jbenziggy Thanks Jeff, no issues, I know you are a busy guy. Being in Colorado now, I don't get to visit Modesto as much. Hope to next year, if not sooner. Thank you for the reply!

[@irishgip71]

Excellent one today! Couldn’t believe the amount of stars in Modesto. Best one for me is Mr Renner. Hurt Locker is one of my favorites due to being disabled vet. Thank you sir for all the knowledge.

[@theoriginalsurferbob]

About say very early 1990’s, Jeremy worked at the Pizza Hut on McHenry. I worked at AAA displaying tow trucks overnight. Jeremy would deliver me a pizza a few times a week for several weeks. Cool kid.

[@EnligUlv]

Back when I worked at Gallo Winery, I remember Tim Olyphant sitting in the lobby where my wife would try to talk with him when she was the receptionist at the operations building; he was a lot quieter back then. His Father Chuck was our VP of Operations. Another famous actor lived in the same rest home that my mother in law work in Turlock…Slim Pickens.

[@jrswackhammer8205]

My favorite actor in this group is Ben Johnson. My dad is a big fan of old westerns. He grew up watching Rawhide on tv with a young Clint Eastwood and several others. So naturally, I grew up watching those same westerns. I'm very thankful that at 75, he's still with us ! Appreciate all the hard work you and Sarah do!

[@jbenziggy]

@@jrswackhammer8205 hold onto your dad as long as you can!

[@jrswackhammer8205]

​@@jbenziggyAbsolutely!!

[@davidrice3337]

Mr Johnson was the real deal - I grew up raising horses and it's how I make a living - Ben Johnson is a legendary figure and we still mention his name along with Dean Smith and Will Rogers

[@davidkulczyk678]

Jack Elam is my favorite cowboy actor... He always gave 110%

[@rebeccaanderson5191]

Oh my, memories!! My husband was from Modesto and we visited and then lived there about 1972-1975 when it had a population of 65,000. All the little towns around it were mentioned and brought back memories! We saw American Graffiti when it came out at the theater on McHenry Avenue and cruising commenced on the avenue just like in the movie after the film was over. I loved Harve Presnell in Paint Your Wagon and was thrilled when my MIL said they attended the premiere when it was held in Modesto with Harve. Modesto was a pretty town, my FIL had two Dennys franchises in town and realized his dream of building a boat shop Bob's Marine named for him and his BF (both boat racers) but he died not long after of cancer. He and my MIL are resting at Lakewood Cemetery in Hughson among the Presnells and Renners (I now see). Miss the Modesto of that time but it grew to over 250,000 in 80s and probably much more now.

[@richardbeee]

Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so very much!

[@Tom-zo2rc]

Attended Beyer in 80's and then Modesto JC. Hung out with Tim's brother Andy, and my mother golfed with their mother. Fine folks. Had a class or 2 with Jeremy at JC. It's definitely a small world. Thanks, Jeff.

[@joetanaka6446]

Me too!

[@thecenturion9277]

AWSOME thanks to you my brother Stanislause County Historian. Dude!, I have so much to share with you and our family of the greatest valley in the world.

[@donl1410]

Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, Merle Haggard, and especially Hedy Lamar, She was a beauty

[@keithtorgersen9664]

I heard a story about Merle Haggard on Paul Harvey. It could be apocryphal but it was very intriguing. When Merle was in prison, he was given the chance to escape with a guy. He turned it down, because he was almost out. The guy wound up getting caught a given a life sentence or death penalty, can’t remember for sure.

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

My goodness, Jeff. You covered a lot this morning. I love it.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Joyce!

[@chairlesnicol672]

Jack Elam washed "bread pants?" What were they? LoL! ​@@jbenziggy

[@jbenziggy]

@@chairlesnicol672 bread pans

[@BarbaraSalisbury-st7bu]

I was a fan of All My Children so have to say James Mitchell was one of my favorites you highlighted. As a kid, we watched all the westerns so I have to add Jack Elam to the list - he was a great actor. So sad hearing about the injury to his eye. It was so interesting hearing about all the show biz personalities and seeing where they lived and went to school. Another great video - thank you!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Packed full of celebrity stories... well done. Thank you for sharing Jeff. Take care. 🇺🇸

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@richdiddens4059]

You missed the Maddox Brothers and Rose. They lived in Modesto and I believe got their start there. Some claim that one of them played the first rock and roll riff on his bass guitar in the late 1930's. Back in the '30s, '40s, and early '50s Modesto was a western hub of C&W music with a lot of musicians living in Sunrise Village Mobile Home Park.

[@rosestewart5347]

Thank you so much. My husband knew Jeremy Renner when Jeremy was around 15 years Old My husband was good friend with his uncle. We met others here. We live in Modesto CA and we also graduated from Thomas Downey Highschool. Thank you so much for sharing 🙏

[@barbaramai7610]

Interesting episode, and very informative. I am old enough to appreciate Ben Johnson, Harve Presnell, Jack Elam and especially Hedy Lamar, who was very intelligent from all I have learned about her. Thanks Jeff!

[@philipcollins5440]

Jeff you always do such a great job as a History Hunter😊

[@noahjuan2234]

Nice job, Jeff. The Hedy Lamar segment brings back fond Turlock memories. I lived on Shasta around the corner from Sierra and encountered Hedy occasionally when walking home from school. She had a pink T-Bird convertible with a detachable top. I was friends with her mother-in-law's grandkids Brian and Nancy Boise, they visited their grandmother when in town from Fresno.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Your home town has had many famous folks Loved the video Jeff Thankyou for sharing it

[@haroldnelson3734]

That was awesome, Jeff! Once again, you are a Master of Research. OMG...Jeremy Renner as the Scarecrow! WOW!!

[@TheVEUTE]

Greetings from Australia. Great video Jeff. Big fan of Timothy Olyphant especially in Santa Clarita Diet and Justified.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bobby-io2rr]

Good morning Jeff. I really enjoyed this one. She was so beautiful. You haven't covered one very important person in Modesto That my friend is you and without you many fans could not learn all you teach us. God bless you my brother

[@unite4peaceonearth]

I live 3 blocks from Carol Channings house, 5 blocks from George Lucas parents house in North Modesto. I went to Beyer Highschool from 1990-94 just missing classes with Jeremy Renner. My father born in 1931 had me at 45 years old, who went to high-school with Harve Presnell (Fargo) and played football together at Modesto high wearing leather helmets. My father died at 91 years old just 2 years ago, he talked about Harve often, especially when he was in a movie we we're watching. It's amazing all the history that is around me, Modesto is such a small historical town. I'm sure I will never leave, and looking at what's going on in the rest of the world makes me think, there's no place like home. ❤

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Happy Sunday! Thanks for sharing this great story on the celebs who lived in Modesto. Thanks for sharing your photos with Carol Channing and Ben Johnson. Have a wonderful day!

[@metallampman]

Another good episode Jeff..

[@carolchmielewski5313]

Super excellent! I always see things I missed during our CA tours - thanks so much!

[@johnnyjesus8]

I can't imagine the time you put in to making this video it has to be one of the most researched. Absolutely brilliantly done. Thanks so much Jeff. Love it.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! Blessings, Johnny!

[@brianpreston3509]

Great stuff Jeff! Very interesting back stories on each celebrity.

[@leahreposa4599]

This was great! I had no idea there were so many! I loved Ben Johnson! This was a really really interesting episode.

[@paulmadmanlee5065]

Loved the special love Ben Johnson and Jack Elam!!

[@jbenziggy]

Two great guys who made a great impact on the silver screen!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Enjoyed this one for sure. I grew up watching westerns and was thrilled when at 19 the Air Force sent me to Montana. My love for the west came from watching westerns. Fun episode!

[@MantecaCa-f6w]

I’ve watched a couple of your videos here and there…but I’m from Manteca now I have to like and subscribe 😂

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for helping us with the comment, watching and subscribing!

[@WayneKline]

Another fantastic video Jeff, well done! Thank you for driving around in the heat of the day for us all.

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure! And you didn’t have to bust a sweat either! LOL

[@nadiemequire]

Another great video. I grew up near Sonora and my family made regular trips to Modesto and I attended MJC in 1966. It's refreshing to see a video that shows the good and unknown side of Modesto and surrounding cities.

[@greghall3396]

Awesome camera work in some beautiful neighborhoods. Thanks Jeff⁸

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah! Enjoyed the video, as usual!

[@tsgibson91]

Very interesting and great that you know and can let us all in on the famous people from our area. Awesome video. Keep it going.

[@brentmcmillan646]

Great video! Personally, I was very intrigued with the information about Jack Elam. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Brent!

[@terryeustice5399]

I always learn something interesting in your videos. Was unaware of all those celebrities lived in Madesto CA Channing, Spitz, and Presnell Hedy Lamarr In Turlock. Wow Jack Elam. He always died well in the westerns. Was a a Ben Johnson fan. Good stuff buddy! 💯👊👍❤️

[@jerryfountain7921]

That was a long one but packed full of information that you found and reported to us, wow! I had no idea there were that many movie folks who called central CA home. Thanks for enduring the 100° heat as all of us are experiencing. See ya next Sunday!

[@1bol390]

Great video tour! This is going to be in my top 10 favorites,

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@eddimariejulian5255]

Well done! We crossed paths with several of the persons mentioned in various activities through the years. Sometimes there were quiet visits into town; on other occasions they were here to promote a cause. Our location in the heart of downtown was convenient for their satisfying a yen for a favorite chocolate to gift someone else or simply enjoy eating !! Pleasant memories.!!!!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another FABULOUS HH vid and my weekly "fix" Jeff! Thnx!!! I got to meet Carol once at Mancini Bowl when my daughter was playing a concert there. She was quite a "card" for sure! So many celebs from this area!!! ~Chris

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool! I wish I had more time to chat with her but when she showed up she was pulled in many different directions!

[@swansfan6944]

Jacks story about his eye, reminds me of my late dad. He went blind in one eye 👁️ when he was accidentally stabbed in it with a pocket knife, in his first year of high school. He pulled the knife out, put his hand over it and ran home (which was on the same street, about 500 meters away). Thank you Jeff. ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@FlopSter-i1o]

Thanks for another great one about the San Joaquin Valley's history and the people who made it! Plenty of material for videos in that part of the state. Keep up the good work!

[@timemerich]

hi Jeff, was so nice running into you at ELO tonight! what a show! i have a friend who used to date Jeremy. they ended up living together for a while in the early 90s in Modesto. i remember he made some really good ramen! let me know when you're coming through Merced again. i know a place with amazing tacos!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for saying hi! It was such an unbelievable experience, one that I was waiting for over the past 40 years! Such great music! Thanks for letting me know about Jeremy Renner and his time in Modesto. Wish I could meet him for an interview!

[@rcdyer]

For twenty years I lived about half a mile from where Merle Haggard lived there in Riverbank. You're bringing back a lot of memories now

[@JC-jl5tj]

Great video Mr Duffy!

[@jbenziggy]

Ha ha ha.

[@JanisLC]

I loved this video so much! Loved learning about all the famous people and especially seeing all their homes and schools etc. Love Timothy Olyphant especially! Modesto and Turlock sure has a great history.. thanks for always bringing so much great info to us ! I didn’t want this video to end ! Loved it ! Great job ..

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff.... love this vlog...so many great actors and actresses from Modesto....and I remember them too...thanks for vlogging this for us....take care... Deborah 🇨🇦

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@74willjp]

One of your best videos! Very informative and entertaining! Love Jeremy Renner and Harve Presnell! Thank you for your hard work!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! Certainly a varied talent that came out of Modesto!

[@edwardaustin740]

This one was an amazing adventure. Thank you Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

You bet! Thank you very much, Edward!

[@footballlvnlady]

I knew of Carol Channing. Jeremy Renner I knew before but have followed since his snow machine accident. He has been through a lot recovering from that accident. I saw him on a late night talk show not long ago. He was talking about it. He had a strong will to live! Thank you for sharing all these celebrities and their history. It was very interesting and inspiring!

[@jbenziggy]

Jeremy has been put through quite a bit of recovery and rehabilitation. We are so glad that he is thriving today. I thank you so much for your nice comment and I’m glad that you appreciated watching this video. I certainly spent a lot of time going to these various places.

[@petemoss1951]

Thank you for the memories again today! Proud to have been born in this area! Great job!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sharylcherwa7369]

Thanks Jeff. This was informative & Entertaining. I really Enjoyed this. Not Like any of your usual videos. I Liked traveling around seeing famous sites that have probably long been forgotten. Carol Canning & jack Elam both Great Actors as I was growing up. A couple of names I had forgotten about myself. Thanks for the Reminder ❤

[@nickpaz2421]

Another great vide Jeff. Thanks for all of the history involving Modesto and the people that live there who became famous. I really enjoyed this video.

[@jbenziggy]

Very cool! Thank you! Glad to hear it!

[@theburtseoni]

Wow, who would have thought little ole Modesto would have so much talent coming from there? My wife and her family had met and knew Jack Elam when he lived near Medford, Oregon in his later years. They said he was a class act! Great job on this video Jeff!!

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! He seemed like a genuinely great guy!

[@Don-wo8zk]

Great Video, Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you for honoring us by watching!

[@darronsanders196]

Excellent video! I had no idea that Miss Channing lived on one of those big houses on Rumble, I always thought she lived out at Del Rio, and I didn’t know about Mr. Parnell either

[@connie2558]

Thanks, another great vid.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks again!

[@elainegottwald2878]

Great video!!!

[@tonylani2015]

Such an entertaining and informative video, Jeff. Thank you! 🤩

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@mdenten]

Love these videos! So interesting. 🧐

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

Ben Johnson and Jack Elam were two actors I enjoyed watching while growing up. As always Jeff this is super work you do, and so so informative. You covered some ground in this one. Really enjoyed the video.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it!

[@stevestreet2825]

Thank you Jeff

[@Czechbound]

That was very interesting. Very well researched. Thanks for taking the time to take us around. It looks like a beautiful part of the world. I believe Ms. Lemarre Greatings from Prague. CZ

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steveflaim2656]

Great video. Just spent the weekend in Modesto!

[@jbenziggy]

What brought you to Modesto?

[@steveflaim2656]

@@jbenziggy My brother and his family have lived there for many years. We had a memorial at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday afternoon for one of his children who passed away in June from cancer.

[@MountainGirlwIPA]

Great video. Recently moved to the area and appreciate the overall laid-back vibe . The one thing that stands out is that people are by and large a lot friendlier here. Cheers.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you and it’s good to know that you find the people of Modesto to be friendly. I am one of them.

[@joycehalperin9562]

I agree with you because when I moved here fr the central coast, I noticed right away how friendly the people were in Modesto.

[@barbaraaustin3633]

Great episode, Jeff! Thanks

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure! Thanks, Barbara!

[@robertbiastre6037]

Wow! Lots of folks came from the Modesto area! Thanks for the " tour' Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tillitrueheart971]

What a great history hunter you are - thank you!!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Jill!!

[@marydilley4455]

Always so professionally done and interesting episodes Jeff! Thank you for the history lessons on so many stars. You're the best!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate the glowing review, Mary!

[@janacollins-maguire4942]

Interesting video, thank you 💜☮️

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jkyontz]

I enjoyed your video, Jeff.

[@johnsaucerhunter]

What a wonderful walk down Modesto's Memory Lane Jeff! Knew of many of the stars were from MoTown, but you surprised me with a few I did not know about. My Father loved Harve Presnell singing the song "They call the Wind Mariah" from "Paint Your Wagon", and would sing it when he was working some times on a blustery day. He claimed that Paint Your Wagon was the only Musical that he liked. It also didn't hurt that Pop was really into Gold Prospecting, so there's that. He also was a big Louis L'Amour fan so any of the Movies featuring the Sacketts was on his list of reruns to watch which of course Ben Johnson was in as 'Cap Rountree'. Myself, I enjoyed Jeremy Renner in the Hurt Locker and even his role as HawkEye as I knew he was from Modesto. First saw Timothy Olyphant in a flick called "Hitman" when I first heard that he was from Modesto also. Any-who, I had a chance run-in with Carol Channing shopping at a roadside Fruit and Nut stand while visiting Modesto a number of years back, it was her voice that made my ears perk up while thinking "Boy that woman sounds just like Carol Channing".. and it was!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed again, Jeff and Sarah

[@lindafontes5033]

Thank you for all the history on Modesto, Ca. We moved here 14 years ago and love walking and driving through all the areas you went to. I had no idea all of these actors grew up here. I enjoy you show and Thank You for all your research.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the good feedback, Linda! Thanks! Hopefully you will continue to watch our videos produced weekly!

[@slink1957]

Nice work! Packed with valuable info. 😊

[@allanbeamer7110]

I retired from trucking 4 yrs ago. Spent alot of time in the Central Valley 30 yrs ago running back & forth to the various coolers & produce sheds. Orange County boy developed a love & affection for the CV back then. I used to give tours of the homes of the stars about 40 yrs ago and knew some were up that way. I think after meeting a couple over the years and as I watched your video is just how regular folk from otherwise unremarkable and humble places become "somebody" with time. It really is a construct of our culture, isn't it! Otherwise, we are all really just the same, putting on our pants one leg at a time, like everybody else. Thanks for the great video. Had me remembering the smells of citrus trees and the heat all over again. Greetings from Utah brother! 😊

[@redmccoy8633]

Great episode 👏 Thanx

[@lorenzojoneson]

this episode is great.

[@aprilrich807]

Wow. Just Wow!! I’m in a History Hunters rabbit hole this morning!!

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! Thanks

[@jstewardjr]

Another great video, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aletabowling4389]

Excellent video today, Jeff! We always enjoy your videos but this one was extra special ! You are very thorough in your research! Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate the good word, Aleta!

[@dorisodermann3297]

My husband and I always enjoy your videos. You do a great job researching. Keep up the good work. We appreciate you. My favorite was Carol Channing and my husband’s was Ben Johnson

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Doris! Glad we are making the grade in your household. Sarah and I send our blessings to you!

[@marceyvogt2007]

I love to hear about famous people who came from humble beginnings. Modesto had quite a few. Interesting. Thank you.☮️💖🎶

[@karenmiller2642]

Always look forward to your videos. Never disappointed.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that!

[@CarlosHerrera-oh9ec]

Thanks for sharing. …Modesto is pretty cool!,,!

[@lucas1956-y3x]

Thanks for sharing, I truly enjoyed this episode.😊😊

[@buckybadger02]

Thanks Jeff for yet again another amazing well made video.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! Happy to hear you liked the trip!

[@handy-fy1bn]

This was an amazing and fun watch. I can't believe some of the stars on this list. I'm a big fan of Jeremy Renner. But I had no idea that Harve Prenell was from Modesto. Thanks for a great video!

[@richs6205]

Extensive research on this episode Jeff. Always nice to hear and see where some celebrities grew-up, normal times like most of us.

[@jbenziggy]

It was interesting to watch Hillbilly Elegy last night and see how JD Vance got away from a very toxic family environment. Most of these celebrities that I featured in this program had very supportive families which I think is always key to successful people. It’s always inspiring to hear about the ones who managed to change directions from a bad family environment.

[@TheRunningFatGuy]

Thank you for the history lesson Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! I’m glad that you enjoyed it!

[@stevelinscome728]

Thanks Jeff! Modesto, my high school years late 60s to early 70s. I lived a block away from Swim & Racket Club. My last year of high school ('71), I remember others talking about another alumnus from Downey that was making a movie in one of the BART tunnels(THX- 1138), Lucas. I love Modesto and surrounding towns. Now, I live in SW Washington state. 🙋‍♂️❤️🏍💨

[@caroletomlinson5480]

Ben Johnson’s Osage connection-neat! I noticed Jack Elam’s deep voice more so than his eye. What a spot, Modesto. More interesting than I thought!

[@jeffgalley1224]

Great video! Thanks!

[@JedCurrie]

Good video thanks 😊

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome 😊 thanks!

[@briannave7326]

Thanks for another interesting episode.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you for your time watching!

[@coolmoodee]

Jeff. Thanks for the video. Out of all the people you show cased. Ben Johnson would be my favorite . He was one hell of a cowboy who could ride a horse to no end. Plus im a big John Wayne fan . So there's that . Keep up the good work . Todd from Chicago.

[@ScottEBoling]

I like how you covered so many people in several locations all in one episode.

[@judithmitchell4667]

Incredible amount of celebrities in this area. What a lot of leg work this must have been. Thank you. You are appreciated. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎤

[@jbenziggy]

It did take a lot of research and a lot of traveling to do this one, but I really appreciate how it turned out and I appreciate that you enjoyed it. God bless you and have a great week!

[@judithmitchell4667]

@@jbenziggy You as well, my friend.