Oscar host MacFarlane a Connecticut native

KENT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Before he was singing on the stage of the 85th Academy Awards, Oscar host Seth MacFarlane was entertaining friends in his native Kent, Connecticut.

"Fabulous kid, very funny, extremely talented you know," Paulette Menniti-Pizzo said. "Very, very talented, beyond his years."

Friends say MacFarlane could be found sitting in front of the businesses on North Main Street, drawing caricatures of anyone who walked by. It's no surprise to anyone here that MacFarlane grew up to become the creator, cartoonist, and voice of several prime time animated shows.

"He has always been a complete genius ever since he was knee high," said Anna Gowan, friend and owner of the Kingsley Tavern. "He was writing cartoons for the local newspaper."

Gowan's brother and MacFarlane were close even before birth.

"My mother and Seth's mother did Lamaze class together and Seth was born four days before my brother, Donnie," she said. "They have been really truly bonded. And when Donnie passed, Seth has always been a huge support and he continues to support this entire community."

From donating to businesses and schools, and stopping in town for a visit, friends say fame has not gone to MacFarlane's head.

"Seth is the most giving, the most caring, the most generous person," Gowan said.

"It's wonderful, it's wonderful, to have him come from Kent," Pizzo said. "It's awesome."

No matter where MacFarlane's career takes him, from behind animated characters or out front on the Oscar stage, they will always be cheering loudest here in Kent.