Located on the east coast of the U.S, New Jersey is considered as one of the most popular states in the whole of North America. Besides these celebrities, there are many more well-known faces who hail from New Jersey. It is also widely believed that New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S, because people move to this part of America in considering numbers every year. Not many know that it has great historic significance.
1. Whitney Houston
| Whitney Houston | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Whitney Elizabeth Houston |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | February 11, 2012 |
| Burial place | Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, New Jersey |
| Education | Mount Saint Dominic Academy |
| Occupations | Singer, actress, producer |
| Years active | 1977-2012 |
| Spouse | Bobby Brown (m. 1992; div. 2007) |
| Children | Bobbi Kristina Brown |
| Parent | Cissy Houston (mother) |
| Relatives | Gary Garland (half-brother) |
| Awards | Eight Grammy Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards, two Emmy Awards, 28 Guinness World Records |
| Musical career genres | R&B, pop, dance-pop, soul, gospel |
| Labels | Arista, RCA |
| Bestselling Music Artist | Sold over 200 million records worldwide |
| Influence | Named one of the greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone |
| Notable Achievements | 11 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, seven consecutive number-one singles |
| Filmography | The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, The Preacher’s Wife |
| Notable Soundtracks | The Bodyguard (bestselling soundtrack album of all time) |
| Final Studio Album | I Look to You (2009) |
| Accidental Death | Drowned in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills |
| Causes | Heart disease and cocaine use contributing factors |
| Legacy | Dramatized in the biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody |
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, U.S, on August 9, 1963. She is the one and only artist to have had 7 consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, from “Saving All My Love for You” in 1985 to “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” in 1988. She enhanced her fame upon entering the movie industry. Her films and recordings generated both great success and controversy.
Whitney Houston, born in Newark, NJ, was an American singer and actress. Her powerful and soulful voice made her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She began singing in church before pursuing a music career, and her hits such as “I Will Always Love You” and “The Greatest Love of All” have become classics. Check out our article on attractive black female celebrities for more inspiring black women like Whitney.
2. David Copperfield
| David Copperfield | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Copperfield |
| Birthdate | September 16, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Metuchen, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Magician |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Partner | Chloé Gosselin |
| Children | 3 |
| Guinness World Records | 11 records including most commercially successful magician |
| Emmy Awards | 21 wins out of 38 nominations |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star recipient |
| Knighthood | Awarded by the French government |
| Notable Illusions | – Disappearance of a Learjet |
| Gross Earnings | Over US$4 billion |
| Resort Islands | Manages 11 resort islands in The Bahamas |
David Seth Kotkin was born on September 16, 1956. His career in television began in earnest when he was discovered by Joseph Cates, a producer of Broadway shows and television specials. Cates produced a magic special in 1977 for ABC called The Magic of ABC, hosted by Copperfield, as well as several The Magic of David Copperfield specials on CBS between 1978 and 2001. There have been 18 Copperfield TV specials and 2 documentaries between September 7, 1977, and April 3, 2001.
3. Frank Sinatra
| Frank Sinatra | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Sinatra |
| Nickname | Chairman of the Board, Ol’ Blue Eyes |
| Born | December 12, 1915 |
| Birthplace | Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, actor, producer |
| Musical Career | Genres: Traditional pop, easy listening, jazz, swing, big band |
| Labels | RCA Victor, Columbia, Capitol, Reprise, Warner Bros. |
| Formerly of | Rat Pack |
| Spouses | Nancy Barbato (m. 1939; div. 1951) |
| Children | Nancy, Frank Jr., Tina |
| Burial Place | Desert Memorial Park |
| Years Active | 1935–1995 |
| Best-Selling Artist | One of the world’s best-selling music artists with an estimated 150 million record sales |
| Awards and Honors | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (From Here to Eternity, 1953) |
| Legacy | Included in Time magazine’s compilation of the 20th century’s 100 most influential people |
Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915. He started singing professionally as a teenager, but although he never learned to read music, he learned it by ear. He got his first breakthrough in 1935 when his mother persuaded a local singing group named the 3 Flashes to allow him to join. Baritone Fred Tamburro said that “Frank hung around us like we were gods or something”, admitting that they only took him on board because of his car and could chauffeur the group around.
4. Meryl Streep
| Meryl Streep | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meryl Streep |
| Birthdate | June 22, 1949 (age 74) |
| Birthplace | Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Education | Vassar College (BA) Yale University (MFA) |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Spouse | Don Gummer (m. 1978) |
| Children | Henry, Mamie, Grace, Louisa |
| Awards | 3 Academy Awards 8 Golden Globe Awards AFI Life Achievement Award Kennedy Center Honor |
| Description | Meryl Streep, the renowned American actress, is known for her versatility and acclaimed performances. |
| Early Stage Debut | Made stage debut in 1975 with “Trelawny of the Wells” and received a Tony Award nomination. |
| Film Debut | Made film debut in 1977 with “Julia”. |
| Breakthrough Roles | Won Academy Awards for “Kramer vs. Kramer” (1979) and “Sophie’s Choice” (1982). |
| Career Revival | Regained stardom with notable roles in the 2000s and 2010s, receiving critical acclaim and awards. |
| Honorary Awards | Received AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honor, and other prestigious honors. |
| Personal Background | Born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, Meryl Streep comes from an artistic and diverse ancestry. |
| Education and Career | Graduated from Vassar College and Yale School of Drama, honing her acting skills and achieving success. |
| Notable Film and Stage | Demonstrated her talent and versatility through a wide range of performances in various films and stage plays. |
Mary Louise Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey, on June 22, 1949. She is the daughter of pharmaceutical executive Harry William Streep, Jr and artist Mary Wilkinson Streep. She has two younger brothers, Dana David Streep and Harry William Streep III, both actors. Her father was of Swiss and German descent; Streep’s lineage traced back to Loffenau, from where his great-great-grandfather, Gottfried Streeb, immigrated to the U.S and where one of her ancestors served as mayor.
Meryl Streep, a legendary actress, was born in Summit, New Jersey. She is one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood, known for her talent and versatility. To read more about famous female celebrities, check out 51 Most Stunning Women Celebrities Over 50 Year-Old. This article features leading women in the industry who have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
5. Michael Douglas
| Michael Douglas | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Douglas |
| Birthdate | September 25, 1944 |
| Birthplace | New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Citizenship | United States, United Kingdom (Bermuda) |
| Education | University of California, Santa Barbara |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Producer |
| Years Active | 1966–present |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Diandra Luker (m. 1977; div. 2000), Catherine Zeta-Jones (m. 2000) |
| Children | 3, including Cameron Douglas |
| Parent(s) | Kirk Douglas, Diana Dill |
| Relatives | Joel Douglas (brother), Peter Douglas (half-brother), Eric Douglas (half-brother), Anne Buydens (stepmother) |
| Awards | 2 Academy Awards, 5 Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Award, Cecil B. DeMille Award, AFI Life Achievement Award |
| Notable Films | One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Wall Street, Fatal Attraction, Basic Instinct, Traffic, Wonder Boys |
| Television | The Streets of San Francisco, The Kominsky Method |
| Humanitarian and Activism | Board member of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Honorary board member of Ploughshares Fund, United Nations Messenger of Peace |
| Philanthropy | Advocate for anti-war causes, nuclear disarmament, and human rights |
| Marital Status | Married to Catherine Zeta-Jones since 2000 |
Michael Kirk Douglas was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S, on September 25, 1944. His first TV breakthrough play came with a 1969 CBS Playhouse special, The Experiment—and it was the one and only time he was billed as “M.K. Douglas”. On November 24, 1969, Douglas formed his first independent film production company, Bigstick Productions, Limited. Michael started his film career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, appearing in little known films such as Hail, Hero!, Adam at 6 A.M., and Summertree.
6. Sandra Dee
| Sandra Dee | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sandra Dee |
| Birthdate | April 23, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | University High School |
| Occupations | Actress, Model |
| Years Active | 1957–1983 |
| Known For | Imitation of Life, Gidget, A Summer Place |
| Spouse | Bobby Darin (m. 1960; div. 1967) |
| Children | 1 |
| Resting Place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park |
| Golden Globe Award | Most Promising Newcomer (Until They Sail, 1958) |
| Breakthrough Films | Imitation of Life, Gidget |
| Box Office Success | Imitation of Life – highest-grossing film in Universal’s history |
| Declining Career | Contract dropped by Universal Pictures |
| Comeback Attempt | The Dunwich Horror (1970) |
| Television Appearances | Night Gallery, Fantasy Island, Police Woman |
| Final Film | Lost (1983) |
| Health Struggles | Anorexia nervosa, complications from kidney disease |
| Reclusive Years | Self-described recluse after retiring from acting |
Alexandra Zuck was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. Producer Ross Hunter claimed to have discovered her on Park Avenue in New York City with her mother when she was twelve. In an interview in 1959, Dee recalled that she “grew up fast,” surrounded mostly by the older, and was “never held back in anything she wanted to do.”
During her modeling career, Dee attempted to lose weight to “be as skinny as the high-fashion models,” although an improper diet “ruined her skin, hair, nails—everything.”
Known for her innocent and sweet image on screen, Sandra Dee was a popular pin-up girl in the ’50s. If you’re looking to channel her classic Hollywood look, check out the 20 Most Beautiful Pin-Up Girls of The ’50s article on Hood MWR. You might find some inspiration from the iconic hairstyles and makeup looks that defined the pin-up era.
7. Peter Dinklage
| Peter Dinklage | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Dinklage |
| Birthdate | June 11, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Jersey Shore, New Jersey, U.S. or Morristown, New Jersey |
| Alma Mater | Bennington College |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Years Active | 1993–present |
| Notable Works | Game of Thrones, The Station Agent, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and more |
| Height | 4 ft 5 in (1.35 m) |
| Spouse | Erica Schmidt (m. 2005) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and more |
| Dwarfism Awareness | Advocate for social awareness concerning dwarfs |
Peter Hayden Dinklage is an American actor, producer who was born on June 11, 1969. In May 2009, he was the first person to be cast, as showrunners D. B. Weiss and David Benioff noted that Dinklage, whom they described as witty, funny and smart, was their first choice for the role, as the actor is “core of humanity, covered by a shell of sardonic dry wit, is pretty well in keeping with the character.”
8. Joe Pesci
| Joe Pesci | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joe Pesci |
| Birthdate | February 9, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Musician, Singer |
| Years Active | 1961–present |
| Notable Collaborations | Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese |
| Famous Films | Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Goodfellas) |
| Musical Career | Jazz, Soft Rock |
| Albums | Little Joe Sure Can Sing!, Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You |
| Retirement | Announced retirement in 1999, but returned to acting in subsequent years |
| Spouse | Claudia Haro (m. 1988; div. 1992) |
| Partners | Angie Everhart (2000–2008) |
| Children | 1 |
Joseph Frank Pesci was born in Newark, New Jersey, U.S, on February 9, 1943. His father, Angelo Pesci was a forklift driver for General Motors and a bartender, and his mother, Maria (Mesce) worked part time as a barber. He is of Italian descent with family origins both in Aquilonia and Turin in the province of Avellino. Pesci grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, and graduated from Belleville High School. By the time Pesci was 5 years old, he was appearing in plays in New York.
Joe Pesci is a well-known actor who hails from New Jersey. He is famous for his portrayal of tough guys in movies like Goodfellas and Casino. If you are a fan of his work, you may also want to check out our article on the Top 50 Best Comedy Actors Of All Time, which features some of the funniest actors in Hollywood.
9. Kevin Spacey
| Kevin Spacey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Spacey |
| Birthdate | July 26, 1959 |
| Birthplace | South Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer, singer |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Notable Works | The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, L.A. Confidential, Glengarry Glen Ross, Se7en, Baby Driver |
| Awards | Two Academy Awards, BAFTA Award, Tony Award, two Laurence Olivier Awards, four SAG Awards |
| Honors | Hollywood Walk of Fame star, Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
| Controversies | Allegations of sexual misconduct |
| Legal Situation | Currently facing criminal charges for an alleged sexual assault in the UK |
Kevin Spacey Fowler was born in South Orange, New Jersey, on July 26, 1959, to Thomas Geoffrey Fowler, a technical writer and data consultant, and Kathleen Ann (née Knutson), a secretary. His family moved to Southern California when he was four years old. Spacey has an older brother, Randy Fowler, from whom Spacey is estranged and a sister. His brother has said that their father, whom he described as a racist, was sexually and physically abusive.
10. Tara Reid
| Tara Reid | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tara Donna Reid |
| Birthdate | November 8, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Wyckoff, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Notable Films | American Pie, The Big Lebowski, Sharknado series |
| Education | Attended Professional Children’s School in Manhattan |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish, Scottish, Italian, French, Hungarian, English |
| Reality Show | Taradise (2005), Celebrity Big Brother 8 (2011) |
| Commercial Appearances | Jell-O, McDonald’s, Dodo Australia, Crayola |
| Fashion Ventures | Mantra clothing line, swimwear line, Shark by Tara perfume |
Tara Donna Reid was born on November 8, 1975, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, the daughter of Thomas Reid and Donna (née Bennett), both of whom were day-care center owners and teachers. Her father also worked on Wall Street. She is of mainly Irish with some Hungarian, Scottish, Italian, French, and English descent. She studied in Professional Children’s School in Manhattan, along with fellow actors Jerry O’Connell, Christina Ricci, Macaulay Culkin, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Donald Faison.
11. Ed Harris
| Ed Harris | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ed Harris |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Columbia University |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Spouse | Amy Madigan (m. 1983) |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Works | Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Pollock, The Hours |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (Game Change) |
| Notable Roles | John Glenn in The Right Stuff |
| Latest Projects | Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series, Wonder Man |
Edward Allen Harris started his career on the stage. He played an FBI agent in the world premiere of Thomas Rickman’s play Baalam at the Pasadena Repertory Theatre located at the historic The Hotel Carver in 1976. He followed that at the Pasadena Repertory Theatre in 1976 playing Lot in the West Coast premiere of Tennessee Williams’s play Kingdom of Earth (aka The Seven Descents of Myrtle).
Ed Harris, a famous American actor from New Jersey well-known for his versatile acting skills. He has won several awards for his performances, including four Academy Award nominations and one Golden Globe award. If you’re interested in other bald celebrities like him, check out our article on the 50 Famous Bald Celebrities for more inspiration on great looks for bald men.
12. Janeane Garofalo
| Janeane Garofalo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Janeane Marie Garofalo |
| Birthdate | September 28, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Newton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, radio |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Genres | Alternative comedy |
| Occupation | Comedian, actress, former radio co-host |
| Notable Shows | The Ben Stiller Show, The Larry Sanders Show, Saturday Night Live |
| Notable Movies | The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Wet Hot American Summer, Reality Bites, Mystery Men, Clay Pigeons, The Independent, among others |
| Notable TV Roles | Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, 24, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, Ideal |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian/Irish |
| Alma Mater | Providence College |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) |
| Awards | Two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series |
Janeane Marie Garofalo was born in Newton, New Jersey, the daughter of Carmine and Joan Garofalo. Her father is a former executive at Exxon. Her mother was a secretary, in the petrochemical industry, who died of cancer when Janeane was 24. . Garofalo is of Italian and Irish descent. She was raised in various places, including Ontario, California; Madison, New Jersey; and Houston, Texas, where she graduated from James E. Taylor High School.
13. Jon Bon Jovi
| Jon Bon Jovi | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jon Bon Jovi |
| Birthdate | March 2, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | St. Joseph High School, Sayreville War Memorial High School |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Actor |
| Spouse | Dorothea Hurley (m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
| Musical Career | Bon Jovi (current), Scandal (former) |
| Genres | Hard rock, Glam metal, Arena rock, Pop rock, Country rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Labels | Island, Mercury |
| Band Formation | Founder and Frontman of Bon Jovi |
| Acting Career | Moonlight and Valentino, U-571, Sex and the City, Ally McBeal, The West Wing |
| Songwriters Hall of Fame | Inducted in 2009 |
| Philanthropy | Founder of The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation |
| Early Musical Career | Played in bands like Raze, Atlantic City Expressway, John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones |
| Bon Jovi Band Formation | Formed Bon Jovi in 1983 with David Bryan, Alec John Such, Richie Sambora, and Tico Torres |
| Career Milestones | Breakthrough success with the album “Slippery When Wet,” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018 |
| Solo Projects | Recorded soundtracks for movies like Young Guns II and Stand Up Guys |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder and former owner of the Philadelphia Soul (Arena Football League team) |
| Philanthropic Endeavors | Support for charitable foundations and housing rehabilitation projects |
| Political Engagement | Supporter of Democratic politicians, involvement in fundraising events and campaigns |
John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born on March 2, 1962. In March 1983, he called David Bryan, who in turn called an experienced drummer named Tico Torres and bassist Alec John Such. Guitarist Richie Sambora later participated in the band; Bon Jovi, Such, Sambora, Bryan, and Torres became the founding members of Bon Jovi.
In 1984 and 1985, Bon Jovi released their first 2 albums and their debut single “Runaway” managed to crack the Top 40.
If you are looking for 80s rock bands, check out our list of the top 20 best rock bands of the 80s. Jon Bon Jovi, a New Jersey native, gained fame in the 80s with his band, Bon Jovi, and still remains relevant today. With hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” it’s no surprise why they are considered one of the best rock bands of all time.
14. John Travolta
| John Travolta | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Joseph Travolta |
| Birthdate | February 18, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | Kelly Preston (m. 1991; died 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Ellen Travolta (sister), Margaret Travolta (sister), Joey Travolta (brother) |
| Awards | Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, Primetime Emmy Award |
| Notable Films | Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, Face/Off, Hairspray, Bolt |
| Albums | 9 albums released, 4 singles charted on Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 |
| Other Achievements | IIFA Award for Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema |
| Personal Interests | Private pilot, Scientology convert |
| Early Life | Raised in Englewood, New Jersey, in an Irish-American household |
| Education | Attended Dwight Morrow High School |
| Career Highlights | Box office successes in the 1970s, resurgence in the 1990s, critically acclaimed performances |
| Family Tragedy | Death of his son Jett in 2009 |
| Relationship Status | Married to Kelly Preston from 1991 until her death in 2020 |
| Current Residence | Ocala, Florida |
John Joseph Travolta was born in Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. After dropping out of school, he moved across the Hudson River to New York City, then landed a job in the touring company of the musical Grease and on Broadway in Over Here!, singing the Sherman Brothers’ song “Dream Drummin'”. He then moved to Los Angeles for professional reasons.
Travolta’s first screen role in California was as a fall victim in Emergency! (Season 2, Episode 2) in September, 1972
15. Jack Nicholson
| Jack Nicholson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Nicholson |
| Birthdate | April 22, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Neptune City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Manasquan High School |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Years active | 1955-2010 |
| Works | Filmography |
| Spouse | Sandra Knight (m. 1962; div. 1968) |
| Partners | Anjelica Huston (1973–1990) Rebecca Broussard (1989–1994) Lara Flynn Boyle (1999–2004) |
| Children | 6, including Lorraine and Ray |
| Awards | Three Academy Awards Three BAFTA Awards Six Golden Globe Awards Grammy Award Screen Actors Guild Award |
| Achievements | Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time |
| Notable Films | One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) As Good as It Gets (1997) Terms of Endearment (1983) The Shining (1980) |
| Directing Career | Directed three films: Drive, He Said (1971), Goin’ South (1978), and The Two Jakes (1990) |
| Early Life | Born on April 22, 1937, in Neptune City, New Jersey |
| Military Service | Served in the California Air National Guard |
| Early Acting Days | Worked as an office worker for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera |
| Breakthrough Roles | Easy Rider (1969) – Received first Oscar nomination |
| Writing Career | Co-wrote the screenplay for The Trip (1967) and Head, which starred The Monkees |
John Joseph Nicholson was born in Neptune City, New Jersey, U.S. He got a job as an office worker for animation directors Joseph Barbera and William Hanna at the MGM cartoon studio. The studio offered him an entry-level job as an animator, but he denied, citing his desire to become an actor. While receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 56th Golden Globe Awards, Nocholson recalled that his first day as a working actor was 5 May, 1955, which he considered a lucky number, because 5 was the jersey number of his boyhood idol, Joe DiMaggio.
If you are a fan of Jack Nicholson, you may be interested in our list of pro-life celebrities. Nicholson, who was born and raised in New Jersey, has famously spoken out about his opposition to abortion. Check out our article to see who else shares this stance in Hollywood.
16. Jerry Lewis
| Jerry Lewis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jerry Lewis |
| Birthdate | March 16, 1926 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Comedian, actor, singer, filmmaker, humanitarian |
| Collaborations | Teamed up with Dean Martin to form Martin and Lewis in 1946 |
| Notable Achievements | Early and prominent user of video assist |
| Family | Parents: Daniel “Danny” Levitch and Rachael “Rae” Levitch |
| Spouses | Patti Palmer (m. 1944; div. 1980), SanDee Pitnick (m. 1983) |
| Children | 7 children, including Gary Lewis |
| Education | Expelled from Weequahic High School and dropped out of Irvington High School |
| Notable Performances | Concert stages, nightclubs, casinos, theaters |
| Awards | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (2009) |
| Discography | Released albums: “Jerry Lewis Just Sings,” “More Jerry Lewis,” “Jerry Lewis Sings for Children” |
| Legacy | Regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time |
Joseph Levitch was born in Newark, New Jersey, U.S, on March 16, 1926. In 1945, Lewis was 19 years old when he first met singer Dean Martin, who was 27 years old at the Glass Hat Club in New York City, in which the two performed until they debuted at 500 Club in Atlantic City as Lewis and Martin on July 25, 1946. The duo got attention as a double act with Martin serving as the man to Lewis’s zany antics.
17. Shaquille O’Neal
| Shaquille O Neal | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal |
| Nickname | Shaq |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1972 |
| Age | 51 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 7 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 325 lb |
| Position | Center |
| Teams Played For | Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, |
| NBA Championships | 4 |
| NBA MVP Awards | 1 (1999-2000) |
| NBA All-Star | 15 times |
| College | Louisiana State University (LSU) |
| Career Statistics | Points: 28,596 (23.7 ppg) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Additional Career | Sports Analyst, Rapper, Actor, Reality Show Star |
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal was born on March 6, 1972. After playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers, he was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the highest overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. O’Neal quickly became one of the best centers in the league, winning Rookie of the Year award in 1992–1993 and leading his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After 4 years with the Magic, he signed as a free agent with the LA Lakers. They won 3 consecutive championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
18. Ice-T
| Ice T | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tracy Lauren Marrow |
| Stage Name | Ice-T |
| Birthdate | February 16, 1958 (age 65) |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1982–present |
| Spouse | Coco Austin |
| Children | 3 |
| Musical Genres | Hip hop, heavy metal, gangsta rap, political rap, rap |
| Record Labels | Sire Records, Rhyme $yndicate Records, Priority Records, |
| Associated Acts | Body Count, Uncle Jamm’s Army |
| Notable Albums | Rhyme Pays, Power, O.G. Original Gangster |
| Notable Songs | “Cop Killer,” “O.G. Original Gangster,” “Body Count” |
| Notable Films | New Jack City, Surviving the Game |
| Notable TV Series | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit |
| Reality Show | Ice Loves Coco |
| True Crime Show | In Ice Cold Blood |
| Military Service | United States Army |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 25th Infantry Division |
Tracy Lauren Marrow, the son of Alice and Solomon Alice Marrow, was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 16, 1958. His father, Solomon was African-American and his mother, Alice was from a Louisiana Creole background. For decades, he worked as a conveyor belt mechanic at the Rapistan Conveyor Company. When he was a child, his family relocated to upscale Summit, New Jersey.
19. John Amos
| John Amos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Allen Amos Jr. |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1939 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | Adult Kunta Kinte in “Roots,” James Evans Sr. on “Good Times” |
| Alma Mater | Colorado State University (BA) |
| Years Active | 1970–present |
| Spouses | Noel J. Mickelson (m. 1965; div. 1975), Lillian Lehman (m. 1978; div. 1979) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Roles | Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on “The West Wing,” Washington, DC Mayor Ethan Baker on “The District” |
| Film Appearances | “The Beastmaster” (1982), “Coming to America” (1988), “Die Hard 2” (1990), “Coming 2 America” (2021) |
| Football Career | Played college football at Colorado State University and briefly played for the American Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs |
| Residence | Westcliffe, Colorado |
John Allen Amos Jr. became well known in his first major television role, playing Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, from 1970 to 1973. Upon the death of Betty White, he and Joyce Bulifant (who played Marie Slaughter) became the last surviving semi-regular cast members of that show (not counting child actors). In 1971, he appeared with Anson Williams in a commercial for McDonald’s.
John Amos, born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, is an accomplished actor widely known for his roles in iconic black sitcoms and TV dramas. He is also included in our list of top 20 African American film actors, as he has achieved success in both films and television series.
20. Lauryn Hill
| Lauryn Hill | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lauryn Hill |
| Birth Name | Lauryn Noelle Hill |
| Also known as | Ms. Lauryn Hill, L. Boogie |
| Born | May 26, 1975 (age 48) |
| Birthplace | East Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actress |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Soul, Reggae |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Labels | Columbia, Island, Ruffhouse |
| Member of | Fugees |
| Partner | Rohan Marley (1996–2009) |
| Children | 6, including Selah Marley |
| Grammy Awards | 8 (most for a female rapper) |
| Billboard Records | First woman rapper to debut at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with their first entries |
| Album Sales | “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is one of the best-selling albums of all time |
| Cultural Impact | Breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rapping, bringing hip hop and neo soul to popular music |
| Film Career | Starred in “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993) |
| Solo Success | Grammy-winning debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998) |
| Guinness World Records | First woman rapper to earn a Diamond-certification by RIAA |
| Time Magazine Cover | First rapper to grace the cover of Time magazine |
| NAACP’s President’s Award | Recognized for humanitarian work |
| Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame | Inducted into the Walk of Fame |
Lauryn Noelle Hill was born May 26, 1975. While a freshman in high school, through mutual friends, Prakazrel Michel approached Hill about a music group he was creating. Hill and Pras started under the name Translator Crew. They came up with that name because they wanted to rhyme in different languages. Another female vocalist was soon replaced by Prakazrel’s cousin, multi-instrumentalist Wyclef Jean. The group began performing in local showcases and high school talent shows.
21. Ray Liotta
| Ray Liotta | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ray Liotta |
| Birthdate | December 18, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Occupations | Actor, film producer |
| Years Active | 1978–2022 |
| Notable Works | “Goodfellas,” “Field of Dreams,” “Cop Land” |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award |
| Spouse | Michelle Grace (m. 1997; div. 2004) |
| Children | 1 daughter, Karsen |
| Education | University of Miami (BFA) |
| Breakthrough Role | “Something Wild” (1986) |
| Iconic Roles | Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams” (1989) |
Ray Liotta was born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. He was abandoned at an orphanage, Liotta was adopted at the age of 6 months by auto-parts store owner Alfred Liotta and township clerk Mary (née Edgar). His adoptive parents were of Scottish and Italian descent. Alfred was a personnel director and president of a local Democratic Party club.
22. Christina Ricci
| Christina Ricci | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christina Ricci |
| Birthdate | February 12, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress, producer |
| Notable Achievements | Nominated for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Emmy |
| Film Debut | Mermaids (1990) |
| Breakout Role | Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (1991) |
| Teen Idol Status | Established through roles in Casper and Now and Then |
| Adult-Oriented Roles | Transitioned with The Ice Storm and independent films |
| Television Career | Appeared in Ally McBeal, Grey’s Anatomy, and produced her own series |
| Broadway Debut | Time Stands Still (2010) |
| Activism | National spokesperson for RAINN |
| Family Background | Italian, Irish, and Scottish ancestry; raised in New Jersey |
Christina Ricci was born in Santa Monica, California, on February 12, 1980, the youngest of four children of Ralph Ricci and Sarah (née Murdoch). Her father had a varied career, including many jobs as a lawyer, gym teacher, primal scream therapist, and drug counselor. Her mother worked as a Ford Agency model during the 1960s and later became a real estate agent. Regarding her surname, she has stated, “The Italian blood has been bred out of me.
Looking for actresses who rock the black hair? Check out our list of 51 Famous Actresses With Black Hair that includes Christina Ricci. From classic Hollywood stars to contemporary actresses, this list features some of the most gorgeous women with luscious, dark locks, making it the perfect place to inspire your next hair color change.
23. Ian Ziering
| Ian Ziering | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ian Andrew Ziering |
| Birthdate | March 30, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Mountain High School, New Jersey |
| Alma Mater | William Paterson University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Role | Steve Sanders on Beverly Hills, 90210 |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Notable Works | – Biker Mice from Mars – Sharknado – Swamp Thing |
| Awards | Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Drama (1991) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Spouses | – Nikki Schieler (m. 1997; div. 2002) |
| Children | 2 |
Ian Andrew Ziering was born on March 30, 1964. in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. In 1990, he began his portrayal of the character Steve Sanders on the hit series Beverly Hills, 90210. Sanders was a high school student and also friend of Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestly), 1 of the series’ other central characters. He is 1 of only 4 series regulars to appear on the show for its entire duration of ten seasons until 2000.
24. Martha Stewart
| Martha Stewart | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martha Helen Stewart |
| Birthdate | August 3, 1941 |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Retail businesswoman, writer, television personality |
| Alma Mater | Barnard College, Columbia University |
| Founder | Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia |
| Business Ventures | Publishing, broadcasting, merchandising, e-commerce |
| Notable Works | Martha Stewart Living magazine, bestselling books |
| Television Programs | Martha Stewart Living, The Martha Stewart Show |
| Conviction | Felony charges related to the ImClone stock trading case |
| Prison Sentence | Served five months in federal prison |
| Comeback | Successfully rebuilt her media empire |
| Company Acquisition | Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia acquired by Sequential Brands |
| Podcast | The Martha Stewart Podcast, in partnership with iHeart Radio |
Martha Helen Kostyra was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 3, 1941. She is the second of six children born to parents Martha (née Ruszkowski; 1914–2007) and Edward Kostyra (1912–1979) and is of Polish heritage. Her parents both were teachers, but her father later became a pharmaceutical salesman. When she was three years old, the family relocated to Nutley, New Jersey.
When Stewart was ten years old, she worked as the occasional babysitter for the children of Yogi Berra, Gil McDougald, and Mickey Mantle, all players for the New York Yankees.
25. Vera Farmiga
| Vera Farmiga | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vera Farmiga |
| Birthdate | August 6, 1973 |
| Birthplace | Clifton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress, Director, Producer |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Spouses | Sebastian Roché (m. 1997; div. 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Taissa Farmiga (sister) |
| Breakthrough Role | Starring role as a drug addict in “Down to the Bone” (2004) |
| Critical Acclaim | Nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Up in the Air” (2009) |
| Directorial Debut | Acclaimed drama film “Higher Ground” (2011) |
| Paranormal Investigator | Portrayed Lorraine Warren in “The Conjuring” films |
| Television Series | Starred as Norma Louise Bates in “Bates Motel” |
| Notable TV Miniseries | Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award for “When They See Us” (2019) |
| Ukrainian Heritage | Raised in an insular Ukrainian American community |
| Musical Talent | Classically trained pianist and semi-professional folk dancer |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University |
Vera Ann Farmiga was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. In February 1996, she starred as Miranda in the American Conservatory Theater’s production of The Tempest. That same year, she portrayed Anne Hartman in a production of Good at The Barrow Group. Farmiga made her Broadway debut alongside Ed Harris and Daniel Massey in October 1996, understudying the role of Emmi Straube in Ronald Harwood’s play Taking Sides. Following these stage roles, she co-starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame western television film Rose Hill in April 1997, portraying Emily Elliot.
You might recognize this talented actress from her roles in films such as “The Conjuring” and “Up in the Air.” Vera Farmiga is a proud native of New Jersey and has even directed and starred in the film “Higher Ground” which takes place in the state. If you want to check out other popular actors over 40, you can take a look at this list of hot actors over 40 on Hood MWR.
26. Kevin Smith
| Kevin Smith | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Smith |
| Born | August 2, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor |
| Years Active | 1992-present |
| Style | Comedy, Horror, Fantasy |
| Spouse | Jennifer Schwalbach Smith |
| Children | Harley Quinn Smith |
| Famous Films | Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, |
| Notable Projects | View Askewniverse, True North Trilogy, |
| Comic Book Store | Owner of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash |
| Podcasts | SModcast, Fatman Beyond, Hollywood Babble-On |
| Philanthropy | Active supporter of LGBT rights |
Kevin Patrick Smith was born on August 2, 1970. On his 21st birthday, he saw Richard Linklater’s comedy Slacker. Smith was impressed that Linklater shot and set the film in his hometown of Texas rather than on another soundstage in a major city, he was inspired to become a filmmaker, and to set films where he lived. Smith has said, “It was the movie that got me off my ass; it was the movie that lit a fire under me, the movie that made me think, ‘Hey, I could be a filmmaker.’ And I had never seen a movie like that before ever in my life.”
27. Ali Larter
| Ali Larter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ali Larter |
| Birthdate | February 28, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Cherry Hill, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Notable Roles | Clear Rivers in the Final Destination franchise, Claire Redfield in the Resident Evil films |
| Career Highlights | Portrayed fictional model Allegra Coleman in a magazine hoax, Led the Bollywood film Marigold, Starred in the thriller Obsessed |
| Recognition | Listed in Maxim, FHM, and Stuff magazines, Featured in People magazine’s “Best Dressed List” (2007) |
| Cookbook | Released cookbook titled “Kitchen Revelry: A Year of Festive Menus from My Home to Yours” in September 2013 |
| Early Life | Born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey |
| Modeling Career | Started modeling at age 14, Signed with Ford Modeling Agency |
| Breakthrough Films | Varsity Blues (1999), House on Haunted Hill (1999) |
| Successful Films | Legally Blonde (2001), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) |
| TV Series | Played Niki Sanders and Tracy Strauss on Heroes (2006–2010) |
| Highest-Grossing Films | Resident Evil: Afterlife, Final Destination |
| Critical Acclaim | Praised for her performance in Obsessed, MTV Movie Award for Best Fight with Beyonce |
| Personal Life | Married to Hayes MacArthur since 2009, Mother of two children |
| Latest Film | Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) |
| Total Worldwide Box Office Gross | Over US$1.31 billion |
Alison Elizabeth Larter was born on February 28, 1976. She started her modeling career at the age of fourteen when a modeling scout discovered her on the street and asked her to star in a Phillies commercial advertisement; this led to a modeling contract with Ford Modeling Agency in New York city. Larter subsequently skipped the senior year to model in Japan, Australia, and Italy the former a country she would temporarily settle in at the age of 17.
28. Zach Braff
| Zach Braff | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachary Israel Braff |
| Birthdate | April 6, 1975 |
| Birthplace | South Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Notable Works | Scrubs (TV series), Garden State (film), Wish I Was Here (film), BoJack Horseman (TV series) |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award nomination, Golden Globe Award nominations, Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack Album |
| Education | Northwestern University (Film Studies) |
| Family | Father – Harold Irwin “Hal” Braff (trial attorney and professor), Mother – Anne Brodzinsky (clinical psychologist), Brother – Joshua Braff (author), Brother – Adam Braff (writer and producer), Stepsister – Jessica Kirson (stand-up comedian) |
| Directorial Debut | Garden State – Filmed in New Jersey with critical acclaim and cult following |
| Stage Performances | All New People (dark comedy), Bullets Over Broadway (musical adaptation) |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Diagnosed at age ten |
| Filmography | Chicken Little, Oz the Great and Powerful, BoJack Horseman, In Dubious Battle |
| Directing Achievements | Directed episodes of Scrubs, nominated for Directors Guild of America Award |
| Recent Projects | Ted Lasso (TV series), In The Time It Takes To Get There (short film), A Good Person (drama film) |
| Other Ventures | Executive producer of documentaries, music video director, voice-over work |
| Upcoming Projects | Open Hearts (remake), Swingles (film project) |
| Personal Life | Raised with a strong Jewish upbringing, bar mitzvah service at Oheb Shalom Congregation |
| Influences | Childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker, friendship with Lauryn Hill and other actors from Stagedoor Manor |
Zachary Israel Braff was born on April 6, 1975. One of Braff’s earliest plays was in High, a proposed 1989 CBS tv series with a cast that also included Craig Ferguson and Gwyneth Paltrow; the television pilot never made it on air. He appeared in the 1990s series The Baby-sitters Club, in an episode “Dawn Saves the Trees.” Braff appeared in Woody Allen’s 1993 film Manhattan Murder Mystery.
If you’re a fan of actor and filmmaker Zach Braff, you may also be interested in learning about Florence Pugh’s height. Although she is a relatively new face in Hollywood, the English actress has already made a big impression with her talent and beauty. Discover how tall she is and see if she shares any physical similarities with other celebrities on our list of celebrities who look alike.
29. Chelsea Handler
| Chelsea Handler | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chelsea Handler |
| Birth Name | Chelsea Joy Handler |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1975 (age 48) |
| Birthplace | Livingston, New Jersey, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comedian, actress, writer, television host, producer |
| Notable Works | Hosted Chelsea Lately on E! network from 2007 to 2014, Chelsea on Netflix from 2016 to 2017 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, sketch comedy, blue comedy, insult comedy, surreal humor, satire, sarcasm |
| Subjects | American culture, American politics, everyday life, pop culture, current events, sex, gender differences, human behavior |
Chelsea Joy Handler was a part of the all-female cast of Oxygen’s hidden camera reality tv series Girls Behaving Badly, which aired between 2002 and 2005. Other programs on which Handler has appeared include The Bernie Mac Show, The Practice, My Wife and Kids, and Weekends at the D.L. Handler was a correspondent on The Tonight Show as well as a regular commentator on E! and Scarborough Country. She hosted the first episode of the reality television show On the Lot but dropped out before the second episode aired, saying that she left “because I smelled the disaster happening before it did.”
30. Joe Dante
| Joe Dante | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joe Dante |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | University of the Arts, Thomas Jefferson University |
| Occupation(s) | Director, producer, editor, actor |
| Years Active | 1968–present |
| Notable Films | Gremlins, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, The Howling, Explorers |
| Filmmaking Style | Blending B-movie genre, radicalism, and cartoon comedy |
| Collaborations | Worked with Steven Spielberg and John Sayles |
| Cult Following | Films like Gremlins and Explorers developed a cult following |
| Notable TV Projects | Directed episodes for Masters of Horror and Amazing Stories |
American actor Joseph James Dante Jr. was born on November 28, 1946. His famous films including Gremlins in 1984 alongside its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch in 1990—often mix 1950s-style B films with cartoon comedy.
Dante’s movies also include Piranha in 1978, The Howling in 1981, Explorers in 1985, Innerspace in 1987, The ‘Burbs in 1989, Matinee in 1993, Small Soldiers in 1998, and Looney Tunes: Back in Action in 2003.
If you are a fan of Hollywood comedies, then you might have heard of Joe Dante. Born in Morristown, NJ, the director has directed some of Hollywood’s most famous movies, including “Gremlins” and “Small Soldiers.” Check out our list of famous redhead actors to see other notable actors and actresses with red hair like Joe Dante.
31. Frankie Valli
| Frankie Valli | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frankie Valli |
| Birth Name | Francesco Stephen Castelluccio |
| Also known as | Frankie Valley |
| Born | May 3, 1934 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Rock, pop, disco, blue-eyed soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actor |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years Active | 1953–present |
| Labels | Philips, Motown, Private Stock, Warner Bros., MCA, UMG |
| Member of | The Four Seasons |
| Formerly of | The Four Lovers |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Mandel, MaryAnn Hannigan, Randy Clohessy, Jackie Jacobs |
| Unique Vocal Style | Unusually powerful lead falsetto voice |
| Chart Success | Scored numerous top 40 hits with the Four Seasons and as a solo artist |
| Notable Hits | “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Grease” |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame |
| Early Inspirations | Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s performance at a young age |
| Musical Adaptation | Portrayed by John Lloyd Young in the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” |
| Broadway Debut | Made Broadway debut with a concert engagement in 2012 |
| Recent Album Release | Released “Tis the Seasons,” a Christmas album, in 2016 |
Francesco Stephen Castelluccio was born on May 3, 1934, to an Italian family in Newark, New Jersey; he was the eldest of 3 sons. His mother, Mary Rinaldi, was a beer company employee and homemaker; his father, Anthony Castelluccio, was a display designer for Lionel model trains and barber. He was inspired to take up a singing career at the age of seven after his mother brought him to see the young Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theater in Manhattan, New York City.
32. Hope Davis
| Hope Davis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hope Davis |
| Birthdate | March 23, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Spouse | Jon Patrick Walker |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma Mater | Vassar College |
Hope Davis was born on March 23, 1964. She co-starred as the self-deprecating and bitter Mia with Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne in the second season (2009) of HBO’s In Treatment, a dramatic series that tracks the backstory and progress of five patients during their series of psychological therapeutic sessions. Mia is a successful, unmarried malpractice attorney who returns to therapy with Dr. Paul Weston after a 20-year absence because of a lack of stability in her personal life.
Actress Hope Davis, who was born in Englewood, New Jersey, has had a successful career in film, television, and theater. Find out more about her and other attractive celebrities over 40 at Hood MWR.
33. Bobby Cannavale
| Bobby Cannavale | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bobby Cannavale |
| Birthdate | May 3, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Union City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Partner | Rose Byrne (2012–present) |
| Children | 3, including Jake Cannavale |
| Known For | Standout performances in TV series like “Third Watch,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Nurse Jackie” |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series |
| Broadway Success | Tony Award nominee for roles in “Mauritius” and “The Motherfucker with the Hat” |
| Film Appearances | Notable films include “Blue Jasmine,” “I, Tonya,” “The Irishman,” and “Blonde” |
| Voice Acting | Voiced recurring roles in animated series such as “BoJack Horseman” and “Big Mouth” |
Roberto Michael Cannavale was born in Union City, New Jersey, U.S. He participated in the cast of Ally McBeal for the last five episodes in 2002, but the show was then canceled. After that, he starred with Sheryl Lee and Yancey Arias in the miniseries Kingpin. Cannavale briefly starred in the last two episodes of Oz in 2003. He also appeared in the film The Station Agent as a man who befriends a little person removed from society.
34. Marc Maron
| Marc Maron | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Maron |
| Birthdate | September 27, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, podcast, television, film |
| Alma Mater | Boston University |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Genres | Alternative comedy, black comedy, self-deprecation, cringe comedy, satire, observational comedy |
| Spouse | Kimberly Reiss, Mishna Wolff |
| Notable Works and Roles | Morning Sedition, WTF with Marc Maron, The Marc Maron Show, Maron, Glow |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, podcaster, writer, actor, musician |
| Late Show Appearances | Frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman |
| Late Night Appearances | Appeared more than forty times on Late Night with Conan O’Brien |
| Comedy Central Hosting | Hosted Comedy Central’s Short Attention Span Theater from 1993 to 1994 |
| Air America | Regular on Air America from 2004 to 2009, hosting The Marc Maron Show and co-hosting Morning Sedition and Breakroom Live |
| Podcasting Success | Host of the twice-weekly podcast WTF with Marc Maron since September 2009 |
| Television Series | Starred in the IFC comedy series Maron (2013-2016) and co-starred in the Netflix series GLOW (2017-2019) |
| Film Roles | Had a minor role in Joker (2019) and provided the voice of Mr. Snake in The Bad Guys (2022) |
| Family Background | Born to a Jewish family, originally from Poland and Ukraine |
| Education | Graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in English literature |
| Stand-up Career | Started performing stand-up in 1987 and became part of the New York alternative comedy scene |
| Book and Show Releases | Released one-man shows “Jerusalem Syndrome” and “Scorching the Earth” |
| Podcast Influence | WTF with Marc Maron has released over 1,000 episodes and influenced the long-form interview podcast format |
| Awards | Recipient of the first-ever Governors Award by the Podcast Academy for Excellence in Audio |
Marcus David Maron was born on September 27, 1963, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of father Barry Ralph Maron, an orthopedic surgeon and mother Toby.He has a younger brother, Craig.
He is from a Jewish family, originally from Poland and Ukraine, including Drohobych. He stayed in Wayne, New Jersey until he was six. Maron’s father participated in the U.S. Air Force for 2 years for his medical residency in Alaska, and so Maron and his family moved there.
If you are a fan of the widely celebrated podcast “WTF with Marc Maron,” you might be interested to know that he is one of the 50 famous celebrities who have opened up about BPD. Maron’s podcast has had some of the most in-depth interviews with high-profile guests in the entertainment industry. His personal story about dealing with borderline personality disorder has inspired many.
35. Wayne Shorter
| Wayne Shorter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wayne Shorter |
| Birthdate | August 25, 1933 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Death | March 2, 2023 (aged 89), Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Modal jazz, crossover jazz, post-bop, hard bop, jazz fusion, third stream |
| Occupation | Musician, composer |
| Instrument | Tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone |
| Years Active | 1958–2021 |
| Labels | Blue Note, Columbia, Verve |
| Formerly of | Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet, The Manhattan Project, Weather Report |
Wayne Shorter was born on August 25, 1933, and studied in Newark Arts High School, from which he graduated in 1952. He loved music, being motivated by his father to take up the clarinet as a child. While in high school he also performed with the Nat Phipps Band in Newark. After graduating from NYU with a degree in music education in 1956, Shorter spent 2 years in the U.S. Army, during that time he played briefly with Horace Silver.
36. Jane Krakowski
| Jane Krakowski | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jane Krakowski |
| Birthdate | October 11, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Parsippany High School |
| Occupations | Actress |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Known for | Starring role as Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock |
| Partner(s) | Robert Godley (2009–2013) |
| Children | 1 |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 4 nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series |
| Golden Globe Awards | Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Ally McBeal) |
| Tony Awards | Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Nine) |
| Laurence Olivier Award | Best Actress in a Musical (Guys and Dolls) |
| Film Debut | National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) |
| Notable Films | The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000) |
| Broadway Productions | Starlight Express (1987) |
| Notable TV Series | Ally McBeal (1997-2002) |
Jane Krajkowski was born in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S, on October 11, 1968. Her first major television appearance was as Theresa Rebecca Kendall in the NBC soap opera Search for Tomorrow for the NBC Daytime programming block, which she performed from 1984 until the show stopped on December 26, 1986. Krajkowski was nominated for two consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for her role in 1986 and 1987.
37. Genie Francis
| Genie Francis | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Genie Francis |
| Birthdate | May 26, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Known for | Role of Laura Spencer on General Hospital |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Award (2007) |
| Soap Opera Career | General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, |
| Notable Role | Luke and Laura’s wedding on General Hospital |
| Family | Father: Ivor Francis, Mother: Rosemary Daley |
| Children | Jameson Ivor Frakes, Elizabeth Frances Frakes |
| Residence | Calabasas, California |
American actress Eugenie Ann Francis was born in Englewood, New Jersey, on May 26, 1962. Her father was Canadian actor Ivor Francis. Her mother, Rosemary Daley, is a former model /actress of Lithuanian descent. Genie has a younger brother, Kenneth; an older brother, Ivor Jr.; and an older half-sister, Shelley, from her father’s first marriage. She is best known for starring as Laura Spencer on the TV soap opera General Hospital.
Born and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Genie Francis is best known for her role as Laura Spencer on the soap opera General Hospital. She has also appeared in numerous television shows and movies throughout her career. Check out the 50 Most Iconic Canadian Celebrities to see which other stars of screen and stage made the list! (Canadian Celebrities)
38. Jay Mohr
| Jay Mohr | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jon Ferguson “Jay” Mohr |
| Birthdate | August 23, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Verona, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, stand-up comedian, writer, radio host |
| Known For | Films: “Jerry Maguire,” “Small Soldiers,” “Go” |
| Notable Awards | Primetime Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor, 1999) |
| Podcast | Mohr Stories |
| Books | “Gasping for Airtime: Two Years in the Trenches of Saturday Night Live” |
| Family | Ex-spouses: Nicole Chamberlain, Nikki Cox |
| Engagement | Engaged to Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss |
Jon Ferguson Mohr was born in Verona, New Jersey to Jon Wood Mohr, a marketing executive, and Iva Jean (née Ferguson), a nurse. He has two sisters, Virginia and Julia. He is of Scottish ancestry. Mohr was raised Presbyterian, but later converted to Roman Catholicism. He graduated from Verona High School in 1988. In high school, he was on the wrestling team, and he served as its captain during his senior year.
39. Bill Bellamy
| Bill Bellamy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Bellamy |
| Birthdate | April 7, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Stand-up Comedian |
| Notable Achievement | Coined the phrase “booty call” on HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam |
| Education | Seton Hall Preparatory School, Rutgers University (Major: Economics) |
| Career Highlights | – Notable presence on MTV as a VJ and host of MTV programs |
| Family Connection | Cousin of basketball player Shaquille O’Neal |
| Additional Projects | Voiced Skeeter on Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter and Marcus Hill in the NARC video game |
| Film Appearance | Played FBI Agent Sanders in Kindergarten Cop 2 (2016) |
American actor William Bellamy was born on April 7, 1965. In 2002, he had a co-starring appearance in the Fox Network television show Fastlane alongside Tiffani Thiessen and Peter Facinelli. Bellamy also appeared frequently as a guest on the late night E! talk show Chelsea Lately. He hosted seasons 5 and 6 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing reality show (2007 and 2008). In 2014, he had a recurring appearance as Councilman Powell on the TV Land original series Hot in Cleveland.
Born on April 7, 1965, in Newark, New Jersey, Bill Bellamy is an American actor and comedian. Bellamy is famous for his appearance as a host on “MTV Jamz” and for starring in movies such as “How to Be a Player” and “Love Jones.” Learn more about your favorite celebrity Bill Bellamy from vegan celebrities section where you can read interesting facts about celebrities who live a vegan lifestyle.
40. Kelly Ripa
| Kelly Ripa | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Ripa |
| Birthdate | October 2, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Berlin, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actress, talk show host, television producer, dancer |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | Mark Consuelos (married in 1996) |
| Children | 3 |
| Co-host of Live! | Co-host of the syndicated morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark in various formats |
| Acting Career | Best known for roles in All My Children and Hope & Faith |
| Production Company | Co-owns a New York-based production company, Milojo |
| Power in Media | Named one of the Most Powerful People in Media |
| Ancestry | Three-quarters Italian and one-quarter Irish |
| Education | Graduated from Eastern Regional High School |
| Philanthropy | Supports ovarian cancer research and Mothers Against Drunk Driving |
| Fashion and Endorsements | Spokesperson for Rykä and Electrolux, and oversees The Kelly Ripa Collection fitness-inspired activewear |
| Production Ventures | Co-founded the production company Milojo and served as co-executive producer of the series Exhumed |
| Awards and Recognition | Winner of Soap Opera Digest Awards and Daytime Emmy nominations; Inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame |
Kelly Ripa was born and grew up in Berlin, New Jersey, on October 2, 1970, the daughter of Joseph Ripa, a bus driver and labor union president who attended Rutgers University, and Esther, a homemaker. She has a sister, Linda, a children’s book writer. She was on a local dance show, named Dancing on Air, before it got picked up by USA Network and was renamed Dance Party USA.
41. Laura San Giacomo
| Laura San Giacomo | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura San Giacomo |
| Birthdate | November 14, 1961 |
| Birthplace | West Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University (Bachelor of Fine Arts) |
| Notable Works | Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Pretty Woman, Just Shoot Me!, Saving Grace |
| Awards | Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female, Golden Globe Award nominee |
| Spouses | Cameron Dye, Matt Adler |
| Children | 1 |
| Film Debut | Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) |
| Television Debut | Crime Story (1988) |
Laura San Giacomo was born on November 14, 1961. Her first television appearances were four episodes on three television series during 1987. Two notable plays were in Crime Story in 1988 for the episode “Protected Witness” (Episode 13 / Season 2) as Theresa Farantino, and in 1989 in Miami Vice for the episode, “Leap of Faith” (Episode 21 / Season 5) as Tania Lewis. The Miami Vice episode featured a guest appearance by her future husband, actor Cameron Dye, one year before their marriage.
42. Zoe Saldana
| Zoe Saldana | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zoë Saldana |
| Birthdate | June 19, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Spouse | Marco Perego-Saldaña (married in 2013) |
| Children | 3 |
| Notable Achievements | – Appeared in the three highest-grossing films of all time: “Avatar,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and “Avengers: Endgame” |
| Influence | Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023 |
Zoë Yadira Saldaña Nazari was born on June 19, 1978 in Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. The Dominican and Puerto Rican actress has made it big in Hollywood ever since her role as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar. She’s also incredibly proud of being an Afro-Latina. As a Latina, I think we should be very proud of our heritage,” she told Latina magazine. She strongly disagrees with anyone who denies their roots as she said, “We tend to look for European roots and reject the indigenous and the African, and that’s disgusting.”
Zoe Saldana is a renowned Afro-Latina actress who has made waves in Hollywood with her stunning performances. If you’re looking for more Afro-Latino celebrities, check out 50 Afro Latino Celebrities on Hood MWR. You’ll find many talented and beautiful faces on this list that inspire and celebrate the diversity of our world.
43. Kristen Connolly
| Kristen Connolly | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristen Connolly |
| Birthdate | July 12, 1980 (age 42) |
| Birthplace | Montclair, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known For | The Cabin in the Woods, House of Cards, Zoo |
| Notable Works | The Cabin in the Woods, House of Cards, The Bay |
| Recurring Roles | Guiding Light, As the World Turns |
| Mainstream Breakout | The Cabin in the Woods (2012) |
| Additional Series | The Whispers, Zoo |
| Film Adaptation | A Good Marriage (based on Stephen King’s short story) |
| Spouse | Stephen O’Reilly |
| Children | 2 |
| Nationality | American |
Kristen Connolly was born in Montclair, New Jersey, U.S. She began her career with recurring appearances on several CollegeHumor digital shorts. Connolly appeared as an extra on the films The Happening, Mona Lisa Smile, and Meet Dave. She has also appeared on 2 CBS daytime soap operas with recurring roles on As the World Turns and Guiding Light.
She first got mainstream recognition in 2012, after appearing as the main protagonist Dana in the Joss Whedon/Drew Goddard movie The Cabin in the Woods.
44. Frankie Muniz
| Frankie Muniz | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frankie Muniz |
| Birthdate | December 5, 1985 (age 37) |
| Birthplace | Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, race car driver |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | Paige Price (m. 2020) |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable TV Show | Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006) |
| Notable Film Roles | Deuces Wild (2002), Big Fat Liar (2002), Agent Cody Banks (2003), Racing Stripes (2005) |
| Awards/Nominations | Emmy Award nomination, two Golden Globe Award nominations, The Hollywood Reporter “Young Star Award” |
| Racing Career | Competed in the Atlantic Championship (2008), joined Rette Jones Racing for a full season in ARCA (2023) |
| Music Career | Drummer for Kingsfoil (2012-2014) |
Frankie Muniz IV was born on December 5, 1985, in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, the son of restaurateur Francisco Muniz III and nurse Denise. His father is Puerto Rican, while his mother is half Italian and half Irish. He has an elder sister called Cristina. When Muniz was 4 years old, his family moved to Knightdale, North Carolina, where he was raised. He was discovered at the age of 8 at a talent program in Raleigh, North Carolina, acting Tiny Tim in a local production of A Christmas Carol.
This New Jersey native Frankie Muniz is not only a great actor but also a talented musician and racecar driver. If you’re interested in knowing about other famous actors, don’t forget to check out our article on the 50 Most Famous Hispanic Actors of All Time.
45. Sterling Hayden
| Sterling Hayden | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sterling Walter Hayden |
| Birthdate | March 26, 1916 |
| Birthplace | Upper Montclair, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | May 23, 1986 |
| Other Names | Sterling Relyea Walter, John Hamilton |
| Occupations | Actor, author, sailor, model, soldier |
| Years Active | 1941–1982 |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) |
| Spouse(s) | Madeleine Carroll, Betty Ann de Noon, Catherine Devine McConnell |
| Children | 4 (Christian, Dana, Gretchen, Matthew) |
| Military Service | United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Office of Strategic Services (OSS) |
| Notable Films | The Asphalt Jungle, Johnny Guitar, The Killing, Dr. Strangelove |
| Notable Roles | General Jack D. Ripper, Captain McCluskey, Leo Dalcò |
| Notable Traits | Distinctive “rapid-fire baritone” voice, commanding screen presence |
| Personal Passion | Sailing and voyages as a sailor |
| Autobiography | Expressed remorse over past actions and distaste for them |
Sterling Relyea Walter dropped out of high school at the age of sixteen and took a job as a mate on a schooner. His first voyage was to Newport Beach, California, from New London, Connecticut. After that, he was a fisherman on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, ran a charter yacht, and served as a fireman on elevent trips to Cuba aboard a steamer.
Hayden skippered a trading schooner in the Caribbean after earning his master’s license, and in 1937 he served as mate on a world cruise of the schooner Yankee.
46. Jason Biggs
| Jason Biggs | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Matthew Biggs |
| Birthdate | May 12, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Pompton Plains, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Comedian |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Known For | – Portraying Jim Levenstein in the “American Pie” film series |
| Notable Films | – American Pie |
| Notable TV Series | – Orange Is the New Black |
| Awards/Nominations | – Nominated for Daytime Emmy Award for “As the World Turns” |
Jason Matthew Biggs was born on November 8, 1975. He started acting at the age of five. He made his television first appearance in the short lived FOX series Drexell’s Class in 1991.
In 1988, 10 years old, he received his Screen Actors Guild card for participating in a television commercial for Pathmark. Biggs later recalled in an interview in TV Guide in 2015, “I remember I had to eat a doughnut in one of the shots. Over and over again. Awesome.”
47. Queen Latifah
| Queen Latifah | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dana Elaine Owens (Queen Latifah) |
| Birthdate | March 18, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupations | Rapper, Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Film Producer, Talk Show Host |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Musical Genres | Hip hop, progressive rap, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, dance |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Labels | Verve, A&M, Interscope, Motown, PolyGram, Tommy Boy, Warner Bros., Disney |
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Dana Elaine Owens stayed primarily in East Orange, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Lancelot Amos Owens, who was a police officer, and Rita Lamae (née Bray; d. 2018), who was a teacher at Irvington High School. Her parents divorced when Latifah was ten.
Latifah grew up in the Baptist faith. She studied in Essex Catholic Girls’ High School in Irvington and Catholic school in Newark, New Jersey, but graduated from Irvington High School.
Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, Queen Latifah is a well-known actress, rapper, and singer, who has won numerous awards. She has made a huge impact on the music industry with her distinct voice and empowering lyrics. Check out more famous women rappers in this article.
48. Mj Rodriguez
| Mj Rodriguez | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mj Rodriguez |
| Birthdate | January 7, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Berklee College of Music |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
| Notable Work | Pose (TV Series), Rent (Theater Production) |
| Representation | Olay Body, Apple TV’s Comedy Series, Access Records |
| Transgender Advocate | Yes |
A Dominican-American poet and author Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, who was born on February 15, 1988, in New York City. Following graduation from George Washington University, Acevedo went into the classroom as a Teach for America Corps participant in 2010. She kept on teaching eighth-grade English in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Although the school’s population was 78% Latino and 20% black, she was the first Latino teacher to teach a core subject. Although raised as Catholic, she no longer practices the religion.
49. Roy Scheider
| Roy Scheider | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roy Richard Scheider |
| Birthdate | November 10, 1932 |
| Birthplace | Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Rutgers University, Franklin and Marshall College |
| Occupations | Actor, amateur boxer |
| Years Active | 1952–2008 |
| Best-known Roles | Chief Martin Brody in Jaws |
| Awards | Nominated for two Academy Awards, Golden Globe Award, and BAFTA Award |
| Notable Quote | “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” |
| Boxer Career | Participated in organized boxing competitions as a welterweight |
| Military Service | Served in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant |
| Illness and Death | Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004 |
Roy Richard Scheider was born in Orange, New Jersey, U.S. His first film role was in the horror movie The Curse of the Living Corpse in 1964.
On television, he performed running roles on two CBS soap operas, The Secret Storm and Love of Life, and also played character roles in episodes of Coronet Blue, and Camera Three. He was in the TV film Lamp at Midnight (1966).
In 1968, Scheider appeared with the New York Shakespeare Festival and won an Obie Award.
50. Jason Alexander
| Jason Alexander | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Alexander |
| Birthdate | September 23, 1959 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | Livingston High School, Boston University |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Singer, Host, Director |
| Notable Role | George Costanza on Seinfeld |
| Awards | 7 Primetime Emmy Award nominations |
| Broadway Achievements | Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical |
| Filmography | Pretty Woman, Shallow Hal, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (voice) |
| Television | Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel |
| Directing Career | Directed musicals on Broadway and at Reprise Theatre |
Jay Scott Greenspan was born in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Alexander B. Greenspan, an accounting manager, and Ruth Minnie (née Simon), a nurse. He later borrowed his father’s first name to create his stage name, Jason Alexander.
Alexander was raised in Maplewood and Livingston, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Livingston High School in 1977. Interested in magic from a young age, he initially dreamed of being a magician, but while attending a magic camp, he was told that his hands were not big enough for card magic.