Melanie Paxson’s work has definitely garnered her a lot of attention over the years, and some of that has been right in her hometown. Paxson was born in Champaign, Illinois, and grew up in Mahomet, Illinois. When she had a role in 2013’s “Saving Mr. Banks” alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, B.J. Novak, and Jason Schwartzman, Champaign’s local paper celebrated.
Paxson’s parents, Gay and Randy Moore, saw the movie on opening night and then spoke to a writer at The News-Gazette about the film. Gay Moore was particularly happy that her friends liked the movie, too. “They loved it. And I got the nicest email from a friend in Florida who thought Melanie sparkled and did really well.”
The paper also noted that Melanie Paxson attended the Hollywood premiere with her husband and her brother, Ryan Moore, who is an aspiring actor. Melanie Paxson’s mom also referenced her notable voice, telling the paper that “People who know her say when she’s appearing in a TV commercial and they’re in another room, they run in to see it because they recognize her voice.”
