New Jersey is a massive talent hub. We have great schools, close proximity to major cities and a diverse population. The state has produced numerous actors, activists, athletes and even astronauts. Many incredible inventors, writers and historical figures have called this state home. Here are just a few of the state’s biggest stars.
- Buzz Aldrin, 1930
Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge and grew up in Montclair. He was the second man to walk on the moon and the first to perform a religious ceremony there - he took communion.
- David Copperfield, 1956
Flickr/Billy DEBU The Metuchen native is a master magician who has headlined shows around the world. An inspiration to aspiring magicians, his illusions are incredible!
- Danny DeVito, 1944
Flickr/Nathan Rupert From Neptune, Danny is an actor and director, best known for Taxi and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
- Peter Dinklage, 1969
Flickr/Gage Skidmore Best known as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, the Morristown native was raised in Mendham. Peter has also starred in Elf and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
- Michael Douglas, 1944
Flickr/The Official CTBTO Photostream The Academy Award winning actor and producer was born and raised in New Brunswick.
- Shaquille O’Neal, 1972
Flickr/Bob Bekian The Basketball Hall of Famer was born in Newark. Shaq is a 15-time NBA All Star center.
- Kelly Ripa, 1970
Flickr/darwin Bell The Berlin born talk show host is seen here, second from right, with husband Mark Consuelos.
- Martha Stewart, 1941
Flickr/Caterina Fake The home and garden guru was born in Jersey City and raised in Nutley. A former model, she rose to fame with her expert cooking and cleaning tips.
- John Travolta, 1954
Flickr/Laura Lee Dooley The Englewood born actor is best known for films including Pulp Fiction and Grease.
- Paul Wesley, 1982
Flickr/Melody J Sandoval The Vampire Diaries star was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Marlboro. The young heartthrob is a favorite among teens.
Other celebrities born and raised in New Jersey include singers Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, along with poets Joyce Kilmer and William Carlos Williams. There are too many to mention, share your favorite Jersey celebs in the comments below.
Flickr/NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was born in Glen Ridge and grew up in Montclair. He was the second man to walk on the moon and the first to perform a religious ceremony there - he took communion.
Flickr/Billy DEBU
The Metuchen native is a master magician who has headlined shows around the world. An inspiration to aspiring magicians, his illusions are incredible!
Flickr/Nathan Rupert
From Neptune, Danny is an actor and director, best known for Taxi and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
Flickr/Gage Skidmore
Best known as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones, the Morristown native was raised in Mendham. Peter has also starred in Elf and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Flickr/The Official CTBTO Photostream
The Academy Award winning actor and producer was born and raised in New Brunswick.
Flickr/Bob Bekian
The Basketball Hall of Famer was born in Newark. Shaq is a 15-time NBA All Star center.
Flickr/darwin Bell
The Berlin born talk show host is seen here, second from right, with husband Mark Consuelos.
Flickr/Caterina Fake
The home and garden guru was born in Jersey City and raised in Nutley. A former model, she rose to fame with her expert cooking and cleaning tips.
Flickr/Laura Lee Dooley
The Englewood born actor is best known for films including Pulp Fiction and Grease.
Flickr/Melody J Sandoval
The Vampire Diaries star was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Marlboro. The young heartthrob is a favorite among teens.
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