We have to admit, we had serious doubts when local residents recently reported seeing Emmanuel Lewis, star of the 1980s television sitcom Webster, at OLG Casino Brantford.

What the heck would Lewis be doing visiting our fair city, anyway? Those of you who remember Webster have to admit, it was a fair question.

Brant News set out to find the truth behind the rumours.

Turns out Lewis was in Brantford visiting the city as part of a trip to meet with the owners of Jukasa Media Group on Six Nations, who are considering opening a new production company and film studio.

That got us to thinking that Brant region has attracted its fair share of star power in recent years – maybe even a little more than its fair share.

Hollywood actor and director Kevin Smith took a shining to Brantford, making two consecutive appearances at the city’s Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament. Television personality Martha Stewart is also no stranger to Brant, having visited the area as recently as last year to look at Friesian horses produced by breeder Harry Witteveen.

And we shouldn’t forget our very own Brantford bred stars. While he isn’t seen in the city all that often, Wayne Gretzky does make an appearance every now and then. His dad Walter – a star in his own right – seems to be everywhere.

Considering all the celebrity sightings, we won’t be surprised when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are photographed by local paparazzi taking a stroll down Colborne Street.

Okay, perhaps only a little surprised.