Jason Sudeikis Spotted in New Buffalo: The Heartwarming Annual Michigan Family Tradition Behind ‘Ted Lasso’ Star’s Visit

Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve ever spotted up close in West Michigan?

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Growing up right on Lake Michigan in South Haven, I am used to seeing our beach towns fill up with out-of-state license plates every summer. But one childhood memory from further down the coast always sticks with me.

Celebrities Spotted In West Michigan

My family was at the Celebration Cinema in Benton Harbor back in the late 90s. I can’t remember the movie, but I will never forget comedian Sinbad suddenly striding across the lobby. My dad, forever trying to make his kids laugh, walked right up to him, said, "What's up, my man?" and gave him a low five. Sinbad actually replied in kind! We were blown away, like, "Dad, are you secret best friends with Sinbad?!"

It’s a favorite memory of mine, and it proved early on that you never know who you'll run into around here.

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Honestly, spotting the famous among us is a bit of a tradition in these parts. We know that John C. Reilly is a regular, even composing a literal love letter to West Michigan. We also frequently welcome Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, who regularly vacations along Lake Michigan.

And just recently, another huge Hollywood star joined the list!

A Hollywood Sighting in Harbor Country

Jason Sudeikis, of Horrible Bosses and Ted Lasso fame, was officially spotted grabbing dinner at Villa Nova Pizzeria in New Buffalo.

Now, while it is entirely possible he was just there for a killer slice of pizza, it turns out there is likely a much bigger and deeply personal reason behind his visit.

Sudeikis actually has a major connection to the Great Lakes State. If you’re a fan of Ted Lasso, you might already know that he famously took direct inspiration for his character's iconic on-screen wardrobe from former UM football coach Jim Harbaugh! But his ties to Michigan go even deeper than a wardrobe choice.

Inside 'Nanapalooza' on the Waterfront

As it turns out, Jason Sudeikis visits Southwest Michigan every summer for a massive family event!

According to a profile originally published by NerdWallet, the Sudeikis clan has been gathering on the state line near Michigan City and the New Buffalo waterfront for over a decade. The annual multi-generational family reunion is affectionately dubbed "Nanapalooza."

Jason's mother, Kathy Sudeikis, started the tradition as a way to bring her many siblings and their large extended families together to honor their late mother. What started as a gathering of 40 people has ballooned to over 70 family members attending each summer, and the Ted Lasso star is reportedly among the dedicated crew who has never missed a single year.

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The Sudeikis family actually owns a waterfront property right on Lake Michigan that serves as the official home base for the entire reunion. That convenient lakeside headquarters likely explains why the Hollywood star was seen grabbing a bite at Villa Nova down in New Buffalo.

Their annual get-together is so legendary within the family that they even design custom merchandise for it every year. In fact, when Sudeikis famously accepted his 2021 Golden Globe virtually while wearing a tie-dyed hoodie, that exact hoodie was actually created by his sister for the "Nanapalooza" reunion attendees!

He talks about it more around the two and a half minute mark in this video:

Anyway, if you happen to spot Coach Lasso himself walking down by the beach or enjoying a slice of thin crust this week, give him a friendly wave, show him that classic Midwest hospitality, and let him enjoy his family time.