Meet a famous Iowan: Elijah Wood

Instead of going off to college, Elijah Wood headed to Middle Earth.

In the 'Lord of The Rings” movies, Wood played Frodo Baggins, a hairy-footed hobbit unexpectedly tasked with shepherding the One Ring to Mount Doom, the only place it can be destroyed.

While the Shire was home to Baggins, Cedar Rapids was home to Wood. He lived here until he was 7 years old, and he was a student at St. Patrick's Elementary School when a talent agent discovered him, according to Gazette archives.

Playing Frodo made him a household name. He told The Gazette in 2007 that he was flattered Iowans still cheer on his TV and film career.

'I hold a great fondness for Iowa and for my childhood while growing up there,” he said. 'It was amazing.”

Hometown: Cedar Rapids

Fun fact: In an interview with Wired this February, Wood said his favorite food ever is pizza. He especially loves frozen pizza. Relatable.

Comments: molly.duffy@thegazette.com