Why So Many Stars, Celebrities, and Notables Come from New Jersey
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I admit it. I love New Jersey. From the ocean to the mountains, from the farmlands to the cities, I have loved living my very long life in the Garden State. I am a Jersey Boy, through and through.
Despite being one of the smaller states, New Jersey has been a breeding ground for some of the most iconic figures in entertainment, music, sports, and comedy. The Garden State's unique blend of proximity to New York City, diverse population, and strong working-class culture has nurtured countless talents who have gone on to achieve fame across the globe. Whether influenced by the gritty charm of their hometowns, the drive of immigrant roots, or the state’s rich artistic scenes, these New Jersey-born stars, among countless others, have left an indelible mark on American culture.
1. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is synonymous with New Jersey. Born in Long Branch and raised in Freehold, “The Boss” captures the essence of blue-collar life and the aspirations of working-class Americans. His breakout album, Born to Run, and the anthemic Born in the U.S.A. reflect the struggles and triumphs of his New Jersey upbringing. Springsteen’s songs, deeply inspired by life in the Garden State, made him one of the most celebrated musicians of his generation, and his music continues to resonate across the country and beyond.
2. Frank Sinatra
Born in Hoboken in 1915, Frank Sinatra is another legendary figure whose roots lie deep in New Jersey soil. Known for his powerful voice, charisma, and unforgettable hits like My Way and New York, New York, Sinatra remains one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. Although he went on to become a star in Hollywood, Sinatra always retained a connection to his New Jersey upbringing, which shaped his everyman appeal and contributed to his status as a cultural icon.
3. Abbott and Costello
The iconic comedy duo Abbott and Costello, comprising Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, got their start with New Jersey ties. Costello was born in Paterson and Abbott in Asbury Park, and the pair quickly became one of the most beloved comedic acts in the country. Known for their Who’s on First? routine, Abbott and Costello brought laughter to millions through radio, television, and film. Costello’s New Jersey roots helped shape his relatable, down-to-earth humor, which struck a chord with audiences across America.
4. John Travolta
John Travolta, born in Englewood, New Jersey, rose to fame in the 1970s with his roles in Saturday Night Fever and Grease. His portrayal of Tony Manero, a Brooklyn-born dancer with big dreams, mirrored the aspirations of many working-class New Jerseyans. Travolta’s versatile career, from his groundbreaking role in Pulp Fiction to his family-friendly performances in Look Who’s Talking, reflects the adaptability and resilience of his New Jersey background.
5. James Gandolfini
James Gandolfini, born in Westwood and raised in Park Ridge, is best known for his role as Tony Soprano in the groundbreaking series The Sopranos. His portrayal of a New Jersey mob boss struggling with his own inner demons helped define a new era of television. Gandolfini’s connection to his home state gave authenticity to his performance, and The Sopranos, set in northern New Jersey, became one of the most acclaimed shows in TV history. Gandolfini’s passing in 2013 was a tremendous loss, but his legacy as a proud New Jerseyan remains alive in his unforgettable work.
6. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston, born in Newark and raised in East Orange, was one of the greatest vocal talents of all time. Known for her powerful voice and songs like I Will Always Love You, Houston captivated audiences worldwide. Her upbringing in New Jersey’s gospel music scene influenced her style, and despite her international success, Houston’s career was always deeply tied to her roots in the Garden State. Her success paved the way for countless female artists and solidified her status as a New Jersey legend.
7. Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi, the frontman of Bon Jovi, grew up in Sayreville, New Jersey. With hits like Livin’ on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name, Bon Jovi became one of the most popular rock bands of the 1980s. Bon Jovi’s lyrics often reflect the working-class spirit of New Jersey, and he continues to give back to his home state through philanthropy. With a career spanning four decades, Jon Bon Jovi has not only built a legacy in rock music but also remains a dedicated figure in his community.
8. Meryl Streep
Though often associated with New York and Hollywood, Meryl Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey. With an unmatched record of Academy Award nominations, Streep is widely recognized as one of the most talented actresses of all time. Her unforgettable roles in films like Sophie’s Choice, The Iron Lady, and The Devil Wears Prada showcase her incredible range and dedication to her craft. Streep’s New Jersey upbringing contributed to her work ethic and adaptability, qualities that helped her become a household name in film.
9. Ray Liotta
Known for his iconic role in Goodfellas, Ray Liotta was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Union. Liotta’s portrayal of Henry Hill, a real-life mobster, is one of the most celebrated in film history. With a tough, gritty screen presence, Liotta captured the spirit of New Jersey, a state known for its resilience and no-nonsense attitude. His performances in crime dramas and thrillers have made him a staple in Hollywood, and his New Jersey upbringing gave him the edge that set him apart as a serious actor.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, was born in Syracuse, New York, but spent much of his early life in New Jersey. He lived in the town of Glen Ridge, where he attended Glen Ridge High School before moving toward a career in acting. Growing up in New Jersey helped shape Cruise’s relentless drive and resilience; he dealt with a challenging childhood, including frequent moves and family struggles, which he has said pushed him to develop a strong work ethic. New Jersey’s proximity to New York City likely also fueled his ambitions, as he moved into acting roles soon after high school. Today, Cruise is known globally, but his New Jersey roots remain a defining part of his early story. (Note: my former secretary, Louise, was Cruise’s high school senior prom date.)
Those above are only a few of the individual celebrities who were born and raised in the Garden State. There are more, such as Debbie Harry (Hawthorne) who hung out at my Uncle Joe’s luncheonette, Martha Stewart (Nutley) and Jon Stewart (Lawrenceville).
There are also many rock and roll groups that are from New Jersey. These include The Rascals (Garfield), The Four Seasons (Newark and Bergenfield), The Isley Brothers (Englewood and Irvington), The Shirelles (Passaic), Kool & The Gang (Jersey City), Danzig (Lodi), The Misfits (also Lodi), and The Jonas Brothers (Wyckoff).
The Cultural Tapestry of New Jersey
So why has a small state like New Jersey produced so many stars, celebrities and notables? One reason is that New Jersey’s geographic proximity to New York City and Philadelphia has provided countless opportunities for its residents to access the entertainment industry. But beyond location, New Jersey has long been home to a diverse population and a strong working-class ethos that fosters resilience and authenticity in its stars. The state’s small-town communities, urban centers, and deeply rooted traditions have shaped the personalities of many of its most famous residents.
And beyond our location and diversity (the fifth most diverse State in America), New Jerseyans have attitude! It’s just a cool place to grow up.
From the iconic voices of Sinatra and Whitney Houston to the comedic brilliance of Jon Stewart and Abbott and Costello, New Jersey has consistently nurtured exceptional talent. This legacy of stars—from Gandolfini’s groundbreaking TV roles to Bon Jovi’s anthems and Streep’s cinematic achievements—illustrates the Garden State’s rich contributions to American culture. As New Jersey continues to provide an environment where creativity can thrive, it will remain a source of inspiration and talent for generations to come.
I am proud to be from Jersey. We’ve got swag.
(The author has lived in New Jersey for almost 79 years.)
Fun read with a couple of surprises - Tom Cruise & Meryl Streep.
I've been thinking about Israel and my angst about the death and destruction in Gaza. Israel's size, shape, and population is quite similar to NJ with the ocean on the opposite side. So I think about the comparison. We could think of Philadelphia as Gaza in size with about a half million more people.
I come from the time immediately after WWII. My dad had served, as had about all men his age. He was a Army-Aircorps chaplain stationed in Nome Alaska, the stop off base for refueling between Fairbanks and Soviet Russia. After the war, he reenlisted and we lived in San Antonio.
He was very aware and sympathetic with Jewish people, the Holocaust and Jewish desire for a safe homeland. Those sympathies became mine. And as a youngster had no realization of the wars of 1948.
I knew the Arabs were angry that their land was stolen, and there were several attempts to retake territory but mostly Israel expanded. News of suicide bombing was alarming, but thousands of miles away. Accordingly, the 10/7 attack was so vicious and cruel that some counter attack seemed justified. I read comparisons to our 9/11, as Biden said, but cautioned to pay attention to our mistakes thereafter. I know the Hamas have carved miles of tunnels that are nearly impenetrable and are used for everything including the hiding of hostages.
I get that we need Israel as an ally in the region, so we supply weapons. Which are used to attack the tunnel which are accessed under schools and hospitals, etc. So the Israeli army unleashed a terrible barrage to get to the Hamas. The bombs killed children, the elderly, noncombatants, by the thousands, and destroyed buildings. What followed is savage with starvation and declining medical services and supplies. And, reportedly that was okay with Israel. Biden made a feeble attempt to port food and supplies in a way that looks goofy now, but I give him credit for trying. Biden sent Blinken to negotiate, but both sides wanted the annihilation of the other, so no movement other that early release of about half the hostages.
Arab sympathy on university campuses and in Michigan particularly became a political liability for Democrats. I'm not saying this is what brought down Kamala, but contributed.