List of people from New Jersey facts for kids
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New Jersey is a state on the East Coast of the United States. Many famous people have been born, grown up, or lived there. This article shares some of the well-known individuals connected to New Jersey, from actors and musicians to athletes and scientists.
Famous People from New Jersey
Born and Raised in New Jersey
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- Brenden Aaronson (born 2000), a professional soccer player for Leeds United and the U.S. national team. He is from Medford.
- Bud Abbott (1895–1974), a famous actor and comedian, known for the duo Abbott and Costello. He was born in Asbury Park.
- Buzz Aldrin (born 1930), a NASA astronaut and the second person to walk on the Moon. He was born in Glen Ridge and grew up in Montclair.
- Jason Alexander (born 1959), an actor famous for playing George Costanza on the TV show Seinfeld. He was born in Newark and raised in Livingston.
- John Amos (born 1939), an actor known for his roles in Good Times and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He is from Newark.
- Jack Antonoff (born 1984), a musician and guitarist for the band Fun. He is from Bergenfield.
- Virginia Apgar (1909–1974), a doctor who invented the Apgar score, which helps check the health of newborn babies. She was from Westfield.
- Paul Auster (born 1947), a well-known author and screenwriter. He was born in Newark and grew up in South Orange.
- Sean Baker (born 1971), a director known for films like Tangerine and The Florida Project. He is from Summit.
- Count Basie (1904–1984), a legendary jazz pianist and bandleader. He was from Red Bank.
- Bill Bellamy (born 1965), an actor and comedian. He is from Newark.
- Jason Biggs (born 1978), an actor known for the American Pie movies. He is from Hasbrouck Heights.
- Judy Blume (born 1938), a beloved author of many children's and young adult books. She is from Elizabeth.
- Jon Bon Jovi (born 1962), a famous musician and lead singer of the band Bon Jovi. He was born in Perth Amboy and grew up in Sayreville.
- Zach Braff (born 1975), an actor known for the TV show Scrubs. He is from South Orange.
- William J. Brennan Jr. (1906–1997), a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. He was from Newark.
- Aaron Burr (1756–1836), the third Vice President of the United States. He was from Newark.
- Jordan Burroughs (born 1988), an Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion in freestyle wrestling. He is from Sicklerville.
- Bobby Cannavale (born 1971), an actor known for his roles in TV shows like Third Watch. He is from Union City.
- David Cassidy (1950–2017), an actor and singer who starred in The Partridge Family. He was from West Orange.
- Michael Chang (born 1972), a professional tennis player. He is from Hoboken.
- Chris Christie (born 1962), the 55th Governor of New Jersey. He was born in Newark.
- Harlan Coben (born 1962), an author of popular mystery novels and thrillers. He was born in Newark and raised in Livingston.
- David Copperfield (born 1956), a world-famous illusionist. He is from Metuchen.
- Lou Costello (1906–1959), a comedian and actor, part of the Abbott and Costello duo. He was from Paterson.
- Stephen Crane (1871–1900), a famous novelist and poet, known for The Red Badge of Courage. He was from Newark.
- Victor Cruz (born 1986), a wide receiver who played for the New York Giants. He is from Paterson.
- Joe Dante (born 1946), a film director known for movies like Gremlins. He is from Morristown.
- Glenn Danzig (born 1955), the frontman for the bands Misfits and Danzig. He is from Lodi.
- Sandra Dee (1942–2005), an actress known for films like Gidget. She was from Bayonne.
- Danny DeVito (born 1944), a well-known actor and director. He is from Neptune City.
- Peter Dinklage (born 1969), an actor famous for his role in Game of Thrones. He was born in Morristown and raised in Mendham Township.
- Michael Douglas (born 1944), an Academy Award-winning actor and producer. He is from New Brunswick.
- Asher Brown Durand (1796–1886), a notable American artist. He was from Maplewood.
- Frankie Edgar (born 1981), a mixed martial artist. He is from Toms River.
- Bill Evans (1929–1980), an influential jazz pianist and composer. He was from Plainfield.
- Vera Farmiga (born 1973), an actress known for films like The Departed. She is from Clifton.
- Anthony Firkser (born 1995), a football tight end for the New England Patriots.
- Joe Flacco (born 1985), an NFL quarterback who played for the Baltimore Ravens. He is from Audubon.
- Steve Forbes (born 1947), the editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine. He is from Morristown.
- Connie Francis (born 1938), a popular pop singer. She is from Newark.
- Barney Frank (born 1940), a former member of Congress from Massachusetts. He is from Bayonne.
- Todd Frazier (born 1986), an infielder who played for the New York Yankees. He is from Point Pleasant.
- Melissa Fumero (born 1982), an actress known for the TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She is from North Bergen.
Born and Raised in New Jersey (Continued)
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Ricky Nelson
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- James Gandolfini (1961–2013), an actor famous for his role in The Sopranos. He was from Park Ridge.
- Allen Ginsberg (1926–1997), a very influential poet. He was from Paterson.
- Gloria Gaynor (born 1949), a Grammy-winning singer known for "I Will Survive". She is from Newark.
- Peter Greene (born 1965), an actor who appeared in Pulp Fiction. He is from Montclair.
- Christina Grimmie (1994–2016), a singer-songwriter who was a contestant on The Voice. She was from Marlton.
- Halsey (born 1994), a popular singer-songwriter. She is from Edison.
- Chelsea Handler (born 1975), a stand-up comedian and TV host. She is from Livingston.
- Ed Harris (born 1950), an Academy Award-nominated actor. He was born in Englewood and raised in Tenafly.
- Whitney Houston (1963–2012), a legendary singer and actress. She was born in Newark and grew up in East Orange.
- Frank Iero (born 1981), the rhythm guitarist for the band My Chemical Romance. He is from Belleville.
- Michael B. Jordan (born 1987), an actor known for films like Black Panther. He was born in Santa Ana, California, but grew up in Newark.
- Jared Kushner (born 1981), a businessman and former Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump. He is from Livingston.
- Artie Lange (born 1967), an actor, comedian, and radio personality. He is from Livingston.
- Queen Latifah (born 1970), a famous singer, actress, and TV personality. She is from Newark.
- Fran Lebowitz (born 1950), an author and public speaker. She is from Morristown.
- Jerry Lewis (1926–2017), a legendary actor, comedian, and director. He was from Newark.
- Ray Liotta (1955–2022), an actor known for films like Goodfellas. He was born in Newark and raised in Union Township.
- Carli Lloyd (born 1982), a soccer player who won two Olympic gold medals and two FIFA Women's World Cups with the U.S. team. She is from Delran Township.
- Marc Maron (born 1963), a stand-up comedian and podcaster. He was born in Jersey City.
- George R. R. Martin (born 1948), the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series, which inspired Game of Thrones. He is from Bayonne.
- Tom McCarthy (born 1966), an actor, writer, and director. He is from New Providence.
- Jason Mewes (born 1974), an actor known for his roles in Kevin Smith's films like Clerks. He is from Highlands.
- Ezra Miller (born 1992), an actor known for The Flash and Fantastic Beasts films. He is from Wyckoff.
- Frankie Muniz (born 1985), an actor famous for Malcolm in the Middle. He is from Wood-Ridge.
- Ricky Nelson (1940–1985), a popular singer and actor. He was from Teaneck.
- Jack Nicholson (born 1937), a multi-Academy Award-winning actor. He is from Neptune City.
- Jerry Only (born 1959), the bassist for the band The Misfits. He is from Lodi.
- Joe Pantoliano (born 1951), an actor known for roles in The Matrix and The Sopranos. He is from Hoboken.
- Kal Penn (born 1977), an actor and former White House staff member. He is from Montclair.
- Joe Pesci (born 1943), an Academy Award-winning actor known for films like Goodfellas and Home Alone. He is from Newark.
- Joe Piscopo (born 1951), an actor and comedian from Saturday Night Live. He is from Passaic.
- Charlie Puth (born 1991), a singer-songwriter. He is from Rumson.
- Redman (born 1970), a famous rap musician. He is from Newark.
- Kelly Ripa (born 1970), an actress and television personality. She is from Stratford.
- Michelle Rodriguez (born 1978), an actress known for the Fast and Furious movies. She was born in Texas but partly raised in Jersey City.
- Philip Roth (1933–2018), a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He was from Newark.
- Paul Rudd (born 1969), an actor known for comedies like Clueless and superhero films like Ant-Man. He was born in Passaic.
- Bobby Ryan (born 1987), an ice hockey winger who played in the NHL. He is from Cherry Hill.
- Richie Sambora (born 1959), the guitarist for the rock band Bon Jovi. He was born in Perth Amboy and raised in Woodbridge Township.
- Roy Scheider (1932–2008), an actor known for Jaws and The French Connection. He was from Orange.
- Jimmi Simpson (born 1975), an actor known for Westworld and House of Cards. He is from Hackettstown.
- Frank Sinatra (1915–1998), an iconic singer and Academy Award-winning actor. He was from Hoboken.
- Kevin Smith (born 1970), a filmmaker known for movies like Clerks and Dogma. He is from Highlands.
- Todd Solondz (born 1959), a filmmaker. He is from Newark.
- Mira Sorvino (born 1967), an Academy Award-winning actress. She is from Tenafly.
- Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), an iconic singer-songwriter, often called "The Boss." He was born in Long Branch and raised in Freehold.
- Martha Stewart (born 1941), a famous lifestyle guide and entrepreneur. She was born in Jersey City and grew up in Nutley.
- Meryl Streep (born 1949), a highly acclaimed, multi-Academy Award-winning actress. She is from Summit.
- Loretta Swit (born 1937), an actress known for her role as Margaret Houlihan on M*A*S*H. She is from Passaic.
- John Taylor (1836–1909), a businessman who created the famous Taylor pork roll.
- Joe Theismann (born 1949), a former NFL quarterback and TV commentator. He was born in New Brunswick and raised in South River.
- Ashley Tisdale (born 1985), an actress and singer known for High School Musical. She is from Ocean Township.
- John Travolta (born 1954), an actor known for Saturday Night Fever and Grease. He is from Englewood.
- Mike Trout (born 1991), a professional baseball outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, considered one of the best players in the sport. He is from Millville.
- Floyd Vivino (born 1951), an actor and TV personality, known as "Uncle Floyd." He is from Paterson.
- Malcolm Jamal Warner (born 1970), an actor known for The Cosby Show. He is from Jersey City.
- Dionne Warwick (born 1940), a famous R&B singer. She is from East Orange.
- Gerard Way (born 1977), the lead singer of the band My Chemical Romance. He is from Belleville.
- Spencer Weisz (born 1995), a professional basketball player.
- Flip Wilson (1933–1998), a comedian and actor. He was from Jersey City.
- Bernie Worrell (1944–2016), a keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic and Talking Heads. He was from Long Branch.
- Rachel Zegler (born 2001), an actress known for West Side Story. She is from Hackensack.
Born in New Jersey, Raised Elsewhere
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- Jozy Altidore (born 1989), a soccer player for the U.S. men's national team. He was born in Livingston but raised in Florida.
- Robert Blake (1933–2023), an actor known for the TV show Baretta. He was born in Nutley but raised in Los Angeles.
- Mary Chapin Carpenter (born 1958), a Grammy-winning folk and country singer. She was born in Princeton but moved to Japan and then Washington, D.C.
- Grover Cleveland (1837–1908), the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. He was born in Caldwell but raised in New York.
- Kirsten Dunst (born 1982), an actress known for the Spider-Man movies. She was born in Point Pleasant but raised in Los Angeles.
- Janeane Garofalo (born 1964), a comedian and actress. She was born in Newton but raised in California and Texas.
- Derek Jeter (born 1974), a legendary shortstop for the New York Yankees. He was born in Pequannock but raised mostly in Michigan.
- Richard Kind (born 1956), an actor known for Mad About You and Spin City. He was born in Trenton but raised in Pennsylvania.
- Joshua Lederberg (1925–2008), a Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist. He was born in Montclair but raised in Manhattan.
- Norman Mailer (1923–2007), a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. He was born in Long Branch but raised in Brooklyn.
- Kate Micucci (born 1980), an actress, comedian, and singer-songwriter. She was born in New Jersey but raised in Pennsylvania.
- Shaquille O'Neal (born 1972), a basketball Hall of Famer and one of the greatest NBA centers. He was born in Newark but grew up in Texas.
- Joe Rogan (born 1967), a comedian, actor, and UFC commentator. He was born in Bridgewater but raised in Massachusetts.
- Zoe Saldana (born 1978), an actress known for Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. She was born in Passaic but raised in Queens, New York.
- Antonin Scalia (1936–2016), an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He was born in Trenton but raised in Queens, New York.
- Cindy Sherman (born 1954), a famous artist and photographer. She was born in Glen Ridge but raised in New York.
- Kevin Spacey (born 1959), an actor. He was born in South Orange but grew up in Southern California.
- William Carlos Williams (1883–1963), a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. He was born in Rutherford but grew up in the Dominican Republic.
Lived in New Jersey
- Alan Alda (born 1936), an actor known for M*A*S*H. He lives in Leonia.
- Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), a legendary heavyweight boxing champion. He lived in Cherry Hill.
- Trey Anastasio (born 1964), the guitarist and vocalist for the band Phish. He was raised in Princeton.
- Anthony Bourdain (1956–2018), a famous chef, author, and TV personality. He grew up in Leonia.
- James Comey (born 1960), a former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He grew up in Allendale.
- Tom Cruise (born 1962), a famous actor. He grew up in Glen Ridge.
- Thomas Edison (1847–1931), a brilliant inventor who created the light bulb and phonograph. He lived and worked in Newark and West Orange.
- Albert Einstein (1879–1955), one of the most famous scientists in history, known for his theory of relativity. He lived in Princeton.
- Althea Gibson (1927–2003), a pioneering tennis player who broke racial barriers. She lived in East Orange.
- Debbie Harry (born 1945), the lead singer of the band Blondie. She grew up in Hawthorne.
- Anne Hathaway (born 1982), an Academy Award-winning actress. She grew up in Millburn.
- Ethan Hawke (born 1970), an actor. He was partly raised in West Windsor Township.
- Orel Hershiser (born 1958), a Cy Young Award-winning baseball pitcher. He grew up in Cherry Hill.
- Whitney Houston (1963–2012), a legendary singer and actress. She grew up in East Orange.
- Ice-T (born 1958), a rapper and actor. He moved to Los Angeles but was born in Newark.
- Kyrie Irving (born 1992), a professional basketball player. He was raised in West Orange.
- Jay-Z (born 1969), a famous rapper and businessman. He lives in Alpine.
- Michael Landon (1936–1991), an actor known for Little House on the Prairie. He lived in Collingswood.
- Carl Lewis (born 1961), a track and field legend with nine Olympic gold medals. He grew up in Willingboro Township.
- G. Gordon Liddy (1930–2021), a figure in the Watergate scandal. He grew up in Hoboken and West Caldwell.
- Bill Maher (born 1956), a comedian and TV host. He grew up in River Vale.
- Brittany Murphy (1977–2009), an actress. She grew up in Edison.
- Thomas Nast (1840–1902), a famous caricaturist and political cartoonist. He lived in Morristown.
- Richard Milhous Nixon (1913–1994), the 37th President of the United States. He lived in Saddle River.
- Christopher Reeve (1952–2004), an actor famous for playing Superman. He grew up in Princeton.
- Geraldo Rivera (born 1943), a journalist and TV personality. He lived in Middletown Township.
- Chris Rock (born 1965), a famous comedian and actor. He lives in Alpine.
- Carl Sagan (1934–1996), a renowned astronomer and author. He grew up in Rahway.
- Gene Shalit (born 1926), a film critic for NBC's Today show. He was raised in Morristown.
- Brooke Shields (born 1965), an actress and model. She grew up in Englewood.
- Steven Spielberg (born 1946), a legendary Hollywood director and producer. He was partly raised in Haddon Township.
- Jon Stewart (born 1962), a comedian, actor, and TV host. He grew up in Lawrence Township.
- Steven Van Zandt (born 1950), a rock musician and actor from The Sopranos. He grew up in Middletown Township.
- Walt Whitman (1819–1892), a very famous American poet. He lived in Camden.
- Brian Williams (born 1959), a news anchor. He was partly raised in Middletown Township.
- Bruce Willis (born 1955), a famous actor. He grew up in Penns Grove.
- Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924), the 28th President of the United States and a former Governor of New Jersey. He lived in Princeton.
- Dave Winfield (born 1951), a Hall of Fame baseball player. He lives in Teaneck.
- Stevie Wonder (born 1950), a legendary musician and singer. He lives in Alpine.
Images for kids
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Peter Greene
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Garret Hobart
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Thomas Kean
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Joyce Kilmer
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John Taylor
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Lee Van Cleef
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Uncle Floyd Vivino
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List of people from New Jersey Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.