New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, has been a fertile ground for cultivating a remarkable array of talent across various fields. From groundbreaking inventors and influential politicians to iconic entertainers and sports legends, this diverse roster of individuals has not only made significant contributions to their respective domains but has also left an indelible mark on the global stage. Here is a list of famous people from New Jersey, showcasing their extraordinary achievements and impact in different areas of life.
Famous People from New Jersey
Meryl Streep (1949 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Acting Streep, from Summit, New Jersey, is acclaimed for her versatile roles and exceptional talent, making her one of the greatest actresses of her generation. |
Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) Nationality: American Known For: Singing, Acting Houston, born in Newark, New Jersey, was celebrated for her powerful voice and remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. |
Bruce Springsteen (1949 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Rock Music Springsteen, from Long Branch, New Jersey, is known for his reflections on American life through music, earning numerous awards over his career. |
Toni Morrison (1931 – 2019) Nationality: American Known For: Literature Morrison, who lived in Princeton, New Jersey, was a Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her exploration of the African American experience. |
Jack Nicholson (1937 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Acting, Filmmaking Born in Neptune City, Nicholson is an American actor and filmmaker whose career spans more than 60 years. He is known for his versatile portrayals of unconventional and challenging characters, earning him numerous awards, including three Academy Awards. |
Sarah Silverman (1970 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Stand-up Comedy, Acting, Writing Born in Bedford, New Hampshire, and raised in Manchester, Silverman is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for her satirical comedy on social taboos and controversial topics. She has made significant contributions to comedy and television. |
Jon Bon Jovi (1962 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Music, Philanthropy Jon Bon Jovi, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is renowned for his music career and significant philanthropic efforts. |
Shaquille O’Neal (1972 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Basketball O’Neal, from Newark, New Jersey, is celebrated as one of the most dominant players in NBA history and known for his larger-than-life personality. |
Judith Resnik (1949 – 1986) Nationality: American Known For: Astronaut, Engineer Resnik, who lived in New Jersey, was a pioneering NASA astronaut, remembered for her contributions to space exploration and her tragic demise in the Challenger disaster. |
Frank Sinatra (1915 – 1998) Nationality: American Known For: Singing, Acting Sinatra, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century, with a career spanning several decades. |
Queen Latifah (1970 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Rap, Acting, Production Queen Latifah, hailing from Newark, New Jersey, is a trailblazer in music and acting, known for her advocacy for women’s rights in the entertainment industry. |
Buzz Aldrin (1930 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Astronaut, Second Man on the Moon Aldrin, from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, is celebrated for his historic Apollo 11 moonwalk, making him a legendary figure in space exploration. |
Sarah Vaughan (1924 – 1990) Nationality: American Known For: Jazz Singing Vaughan, born in Newark, New Jersey, was a celebrated jazz singer known for her remarkable vocal range and emotive power. |
Carl Lewis (1961 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Track and Field Lewis, raised in Willingboro, New Jersey, is considered one of the greatest athletes in history, with numerous Olympic medals to his name. |
Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. (1934 – 2012) Nationality: American Known For: United States Army General, Gulf War Command A United States Army General from Trenton, Schwarzkopf was known for his command during the Gulf War. His strategic military prowess and leadership were instrumental in leading coalition forces to victory, earning him national and international acclaim. |