Famous People From Queens
List of famous people from Queens, including photos when available. The people below are listed by their popularity, so the most recognizable names are at the top of the list. Some of the people below are celebrities born in Queens, while others are simply notable locals. If you're from Queens you might already know that these prominent figures are also from your hometown, but some of the names below may really surprise you. This list includes people who were born and raised in Queens, as well as those who were born there but moved away at a young age.
Examples of people on this list include Terrence J and Whitehead Hicks.
If you want to answer the questions, "Which famous people are from Queens?" or "Which celebrities were born in Queens?" then this list is a great resource for you.- Donald John Trump, born on June 14, 1946 in Queens, New York, is a prominent figure who has left an indelible mark in the spheres of business and politics. The fourth of five children of Frederick C. and Mary MacLeod Trump, he was introduced to the world of real estate development at a young age through his father's company, Elizabeth Trump & Son. His early years were marked by a combination of rigorous education and hands-on business experience, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Trump's entrepreneurial journey began in earnest when he took control of his father's company in 1971, renaming it The Trump Organization. Over the decades, his ventures spanned a diverse range of industries, from real estate to hospitality, television production to beauty pageants. His knack for branding and marketing, coupled with an unyielding spirit, has seen him through periods of financial downturns and back to prosperity. Notable projects such as the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt and the creation of Trump Tower in Manhattan have solidified his reputation as a formidable business magnate. In 2015, Trump took a decisive leap into the political arena, running as a Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States. Despite having no prior political experience, his campaign, characterized by its populist rhetoric and media-savvy tactics, resonated with many, leading to his election as the 45th President of the United States in 2016. His tenure was marked by significant controversy and polarization, yet also by major policy shifts in areas such as immigration, tax reform, and foreign policy. Regardless of one's perspective, Donald Trump's impact on American society and its political landscape is undeniable.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
All Of Donald Trump's Nicknames For People, Ranked By How Inappropriate They AreSee all
- 1Elizabeth Warren643 Votes
- 2Kim Jong-un535 Votes
- 3Hillary Clinton556 Votes
- Howard Stern, born on January 12, 1954, in Jackson Heights, New York, is a radio and television personality, producer, author, actor, and photographer who revolutionized the broadcasting industry. Known as a "shock jock," Stern gained notoriety and fame through his nationally syndicated show, The Howard Stern Show. His unique style of blending humor with often controversial topics established him as a distinctive voice in American media. After graduating from Boston University, he worked at several radio stations including WNTN in Newton, Massachusetts, WRNW in Briarcliff Manor, New York, and WNBC in New York City before landing his own show. It was here that he honed his provocative style and expanded his audience base. Over the years, Stern's influence extended beyond radio as he authored best-selling books, appeared in films, and became a judge on America's Got Talent, showcasing his versatility in entertainment.
- Birthplace: Jackson Heights, Queens, New York, USA
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- Carol Ann Alt (born December 1, 1960) is an American model and actress.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Flushing
- Ray Romano, a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, etched himself into the hearts of audiences worldwide with his unique comedic style. Born on December 21, 1957, in Queens, New York, Romano's journey to stardom was not straightforward. Initially, he pursued a career in accounting, but his innate comedic flair soon led him to stand-up comedy. It was here he discovered his true calling. His performances at various comedy clubs in New York City caught the attention of influential figures in the industry, which became a stepping stone for his successful career in television. Romano rose to prominence with his role as Raymond Barone in the popular CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which aired from 1996 to 2005. His portrayal of a bumbling yet lovable sportswriter, juggling life between his wife, children, and intrusive parents, resonated with audiences globally. The show's popularity catapulted Romano into the spotlight, earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The sitcom itself bagged more than 10 Emmy Awards during its run, affirming Romano's standing as a skilled actor and comedian. Besides Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano's acting prowess is evident in other works. He lent his voice to the mammoth Manny in the hit animated film series Ice Age. He also showcased his dramatic skills in the critically acclaimed series Parenthood and Men of a Certain Age, the latter co-created by him. A multi-talented artist, Romano has also delved into writing and producing, enhancing his reputation in the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- This ravishingly beautiful auburn-haired player landed her first job in Forest Whitaker's made-for-cable film "Strapped" (HBO, 1993). Meyer gained the attention of the public in the recurring role of a professor's wife who falls for Jason Priestley's Brandon Walsh on the popular series "Beverly Hills, 90210" during the 1993-94 season. Meyer then segued to the big screen landing the leading female role of Jane, the computer-enhanced Amazonian hired to protect Keanu Reeves' courier "Johnny Mnemonic" (1995). While the film failed to excite audiences, Meyer acquitted herself and was tapped to star opposite Dennis Quaid in Rob Cohen's sword and sorcery epic "Dragonheart" (1996). Paul Verhoeven then tapped the novice for one of the leads in his sci-fi epic "Starship Troopers" (1997). Subsequently, the beauty displayed her comedic talents in the recurring role of Joey's actress-girlfriend in the NBC sitcom "Friends" in 1997. Two years later, Meyer co-starred as a no-nonsense government employee in the short-lived UPN series "Secret Agent Man" (2000).
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Model-turned-actress Barbara Bach's exotic looks allowed her to pass for characters of several different ethnicities, an asset further aided by her fluency in four languages. She received her big break and most lasting notoriety when chosen to be the newest Bond Girl for "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977). One of the most striking women to grace the series, Bach's character also proved to be pleasingly intelligent and capable. A key performer in the Bond pantheon, Bach memorably helped advance the evolution of the series' heroines from sex kittens to smart and strong women who existed on an equal plain with Britain's invincible superspy. However, in a major career disappointment, Shelley Hack was chosen over Bach as Kate Jackson's replacement on "Charlie's Angels" (ABC, 1976-1981) and Bach quickly found herself relegated to low-grade fare. A decorative role in "Caveman" (1981) introduced Bach to former Beatle Ringo Starr and a new chapter in her life as his wife. However, years of privilege and indolence led to rampant drug and alcohol abuse by both parties and a frightening instance of domestic violence that left her badly injured. The couple finally got their lives back on track after treatment and managed to stay true to their goal of sobriety. Bach ultimately stepped out of the spotlight, but was remembered fondly for her luminous beauty, which brightened her lesser work and received its most loving showcase in what many considered the best James Bond movie of the 1970s.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Fran Drescher, an acclaimed American actress, comedian, writer, and activist, has left a distinctive imprint in the entertainment industry with her comedic flair and distinctive voice. Born on September 30th, 1957, in Flushing, Queens, New York, Drescher's first steps into the world of entertainment were in the realm of theater. Her transition from stage to screen began with small roles in films such as Saturday Night Fever and American Hot Wax, but it wasn't until the 1990s that she found her breakout role. Drescher's portrayal of Fran Fine in the hit CBS sitcom The Nanny catapulted her into stardom. Her performance of the flashy girl from Flushing, who ended up working for a Broadway producer as his children's nanny, was both critically acclaimed and adored by audiences. Drescher's character was beloved not only for her humorous antics but also for her distinctive nasal voice. Her work on The Nanny, which she also co-created and executive produced, earned her two Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations. Beyond her successful acting career, Drescher is known for her advocacy work. After surviving a battle with uterine cancer, she turned her experience into a force for good by establishing the Cancer Schmancer Movement. From her early days in theater to her influential roles in television and her tireless activism, Fran Drescher has proved herself to be a versatile and dedicated figure in entertainment and beyond.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Kew Gardens
- Bernard Lawrence Madoff (April 29, 1938 – April 14, 2021) was an American market maker, investment advisor, financier, and convicted fraudster who served a federal prison sentence for offenses related to a massive Ponzi scheme. He was at one time non-executive chairman of the NASDAQ stock market, before being revealed as and later confessing to having been the operator of the largest Ponzi scheme in world history, and the largest financial fraud in U.S. history. Prosecutors estimated the fraud to be worth $64.8 billion based on the amounts in the accounts of Madoff's 4,800 clients as of November 30, 2008.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957) is an American entrepreneur, record executive, writer, and film producer. He is chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, co-founded the hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Alison Margaret Arngrim (born January 08, 1963) is a Canadian-American actress and author. Beginning her television career at the age of twelve, Arngrim is a Young Artist Award–Former Child Star "Lifetime Achievement" Award honoree, best known for her portrayal of Nellie Oleson on the NBC television series Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1981.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Hank Azaria has carved an indelible niche in the realms of acting and voiceover work. Born on April 25, 1964, in Queens, New York, to Sephardic Jewish parents, Azaria nurtured his passion for performance arts at an early age. His academic journey includes a tryst with drama at Tufts University, after which he ventured into mainstream acting, making his debut in the television series Joe Bash in 1986. But it was his extraordinary vocal versatility that ultimately thrust him into the limelight. Azaria's acclaim escalated exponentially when he lent his voice to multiple characters on The Simpsons, an iconic animated sitcom. Since his association with the show from 1989, he has given life to over 30 characters, demonstrating an exceptional range of vocal skills. This multitudinous contribution earned him several Primetime Emmy Awards, reinforcing his status as one of the most talented voice actors in the industry. Beyond the animated world, Azaria also showcased his acting prowess in live-action films like The Birdcage and Godzilla. In addition to his thriving career in voiceover and screen acting, Azaria has also made significant strides on stage. His performance in The Farnsworth Invention on Broadway earned him critical acclaim. A dedicated philanthropist, Azaria is known for his support for various charitable causes, including Determined to Succeed, an educational nonprofit organization.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York, was a legendary American singer known for his smooth voice and classic style. The son of a grocer and seamstress, Bennett's passion for music was ignited at an early age, influenced by the likes of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. His journey from humble beginnings to global fame is a testament to his talent, resilience, and timeless appeal. Bennett's career was first launched in the late 1940s after serving in the United States Army during World War II. His breakthrough came with the release of his first number one hit, "Because of You," in 1951. From there, his star continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with chart-topping singles like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Despite facing a career lull in the 1970s and 1980s due to changing musical tastes, Bennett made an impressive comeback in the 1990s, re-establishing himself as a top-selling artist. Known for his traditional pop standards, big band songs, and jazz tunes, Bennett's impressive vocal style and stage presence earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His longevity in the industry spoke volumes about his adaptability and relevance, having successfully bridged generation gaps through collaborations with contemporary artists. Among his extensive discography, Bennett's duets with notable figures such as Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse stood out, showcasing his ability to merge classic and modern styles seamlessly. Even beyond his musical prowess, Bennett also stood as a respected painter under the pseudonym Anthony Benedetto, further showcasing his artistic versatility. His life and career embodied a remarkable blend of persistence, talent, and charisma.
- Birthplace: Astoria, New York
- Ethel Merman, born Ethel Agnes Zimmermann on January 16, 1908, was an exceptional American actress and singer primarily recognized for her outstanding contributions to musical theater. Raised in Astoria, Queens, New York City, she demonstrated an early passion for performing arts. After a brief tenure as a secretary, Merman rose to prominence in the mid-1920s with her powerful mezzo-soprano voice that became her signature in the world of Broadway. Despite having no formal training in music or acting, she quickly stole the limelight, setting unprecedented standards in the industry. Merman's career spanned over five decades, during which time she starred in numerous stage productions and films. Her breakthrough role came in 1930 when she was cast in the George & Ira Gershwin's musical Girl Crazy where she sang the hit song "I Got Rhythm". This performance catapulted her to stardom, making her one of the most sought-after performers in Broadway history. She also featured prominently in the works of renowned composers like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, starring in several of their shows including Anything Goes and Annie Get Your Gun, respectively, that further solidified her position in the industry. Beyond stage performances, Merman also made a significant mark in film and television. Although she considered the stage as her true home, she accepted roles in over a dozen films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and Airplane!, showcasing her versatility as an artist. She even ventured into television, recording several albums, and making guest appearances on various shows. Furthermore, despite personal trials, including four unsuccessful marriages and the loss of her daughter, Merman continued to perform and entertain audiences until her retirement in the late 1970s. Ethel Merman passed away on February 15, 1984, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates in the world of musical theater.
- Birthplace: Astoria, New York, USA
- Al Roker, born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., is an accomplished American weather forecaster, television presenter, author, and actor. He was born on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York, showcasing a deep interest in broadcasting from an early age. His education at the State University of New York at Oswego, where he received a degree in communications, further solidified his passion for media. Roker's career has been marked by significant accomplishments in the world of television. His longstanding tenure as a weather anchor on NBC's The Today Show began in 1996, following an initial period as a fill-in. Roker's amiable personality and professionalism established him as a household name. He additionally gained recognition for reporting on some of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. Beyond his weather-forecasting duties, Roker pioneered innovative programming as the CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, a leading producer of original TV content. In addition to his television career, Roker has made his mark as an author. He has penned several non-fiction books, including an acclaimed memoir titled Never Goin' Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle For Good, which details his personal journey with weight loss and health. His noteworthy contributions have earned him multiple Emmy Awards, further attesting to his impact on the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Julie Chen's face graced television screens for years, at times even book-ending a viewer's day by co-anchoring "The Early Show" (CBS, 1999-2012) in the morning and hosting the wildly popular reality show, "Big Brother" (CBS, 2000- ) during primetime hours. A respected and well-known Chinese-American television personality, Chen had well over 12 years experience as a newscaster, but was also a journalist and producer who just happened to be married to one of the most powerful men in modern media, CBS president and CEO, Les Moonves.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Jon Favreau, an American actor, director, and producer, has an extensive body of work in the entertainment industry. Born on October 19, 1966, in Queens, New York, Favreau attended Queens College before dropping out to pursue a career in comedy in Chicago. His early work in improv laid the foundation for his future success in Hollywood. Favreau's debut as a screen actor took place in the mid-1990s, but his breakout role came with the independent film Swingers in 1996, which he wrote and starred in. The film was a critical success and helped secure his place in the film industry. Afterward, he transitioned into directing with Made in 2001, again demonstrating his versatility. However, it was his direction of the blockbuster Iron Man in 2008 that catapulted him into international acclaim. This marked the beginning of Favreau's involvement with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, further establishing his credibility as a director. As a producer, Favreau worked on several notable films, including The Avengers, Iron Man 3, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. In addition to his work in the superhero genre, Favreau also gained praise for his innovative approach to filmmaking such as his use of photorealistic animation in The Jungle Book and The Lion King. Despite his success in mainstream cinema, Favreau has never shied away from smaller projects, proving his dedication and passion for the art of storytelling. His work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives across different genres.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Flushing
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- This petite, gifted former child performer had appeared in more than 50 television shows by the time she won Broadway fame at age 12 in "The Miracle Worker." Patty Duke won an Oscar for reprising her role as the young Helen Keller in the 1962 screen adaptation. In 1979, she won an Emmy for playing Keller's teacher--the role originally played on Broadway by Anne Bancroft--in a TV version of the same play. Duke made a successful transition to teen star playing vivacious twins on the popular TV series "The Patty Duke Show" (ABC, 1963-66). But after starring in the cult classic "Valley of the Dolls" (1967) and "Me, Natalie" (1969), she mostly concentrated on TV roles. Over her career, Duke won two other Emmy Awards, as a runaway pregnant Southerner befriended by a black lawyer in the TV-movie "My Sweet Charlie" (NBC, 1970) and as a mentally unstable wife in the NBC miniseries "Captains and the Kings" (1976). She played a rather sensuous Martha Washington in both "George Washington" (CBS, 1984) and "George Washington II: The Forging of a Nation" (CBS, 1986). Duke brought her warm maternal presence to "Always Remember I Love You" (CBS, 1990) and garnered praise as real-life journalist Betty Rollin who struggled to assist her mother (played by Maureen Stapleton) to die with dignity in "Last Wish" (ABC, 1992). In 1990, Duke co-produced and played herself in the small screen adaptation of her memoirs, "Call Me Anna" (ABC), which detailed her lifelong struggle with mental illness. After her initial success with her own sitcom, Duke failed to find an appropriate follow-up. She was wife to Richard Crenna and mother of Helen Hunt and Anthony Edwards in "It Takes Two" (ABC, 1982-83) and the first female President of the United States in the short-lived "Hail to the Chief" (ABC, 1985). Duke also played a woman involved with a younger man in the summer sitcom "Karen's Song" (Fox, 1987) and a woman who becomes a minister and moves to Idaho in "Amazing Grace" (NBC, 1995), which she also co-executive produced. An unglamorous, earnest performer, Duke most often played sensitive but troubled types who sometimes display an inner reserve of considerable strength but never lose their essential ordinariness. In her autobiography, she revealed details of her turbulent childhood and her victory over bipolar disorder, which she further chronicled in A Brilliant Madness: Living With Manic-Depressive Illness. Duke became only the second woman to be elected president of the Screen Actors Guild in 1985, resigning from the post in 1988. During her 1973-82 marriage to actor John Astin, she was billed as Patty Duke Astin; the couple's two sons, Sean and Mackenzie, went on to respectable acting careers of their own.
- Birthplace: Elmhurst, New York, USA
- Andrew Mark Cuomo (; born December 6, 1957) is an American politician, author, and lawyer serving as the 56th governor of New York since 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the same position his late father, Mario Cuomo, held for three terms. Born in New York City, Cuomo is a graduate of Fordham University and Albany Law School of Union University, New York. He began his career working as the campaign manager for his father, then as an assistant district attorney in New York City before entering private law practice. He founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged (HELP USA) and was appointed chair of the New York City Homeless Commission, a position he held from 1990 to 1993. In 1993, Cuomo joined the Clinton Administration as Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 1997 to 2001, he served as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. In 2006, Cuomo was elected Attorney General of New York. He won the election as Governor of New York in 2010 and has been reelected twice after winning primaries against liberal challengers Zephyr Teachout (2014) and Cynthia Nixon (2018). During his first term, Cuomo oversaw the passage of a same-sex marriage law, gun control legislation, and a property tax cap, and also signed medical marijuana legislation. In his second term, Cuomo successfully pushed for an increase in New York's minimum wage.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- John Alfred Paulson (born December 14, 1955) is an American investor, hedge fund manager and philanthropist. He leads Paulson & Co., a New York-based investment management firm he founded in 1994. He has been called "one of the most prominent names in high finance" and "a man who made one of the biggest fortunes in Wall Street history".His prominence and fortune were made in 2007 when he earned "almost $4 billion" personally and was transformed "from an obscure money manager into a financial legend" by using credit default swaps to effectively bet against the U.S. subprime mortgage lending market. In 2010, Paulson earned $4.9 billion. The Forbes real-time tracker estimated his net worth at $7.8 billion as of December 2017.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Lamar Odom, a renowned figure in the international basketball arena, was born on November 6, 1979, in Queens, New York. He is best known for his illustrious career with the National Basketball Association (NBA) where he displayed phenomenal skills and earned a reputation as a versatile player. His journey in professional basketball commenced in 1999 when the Los Angeles Clippers selected him as the fourth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. Over the years, Odom's athletic prowess led him to play for high-profile teams such as the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. Having spent more than a decade in the NBA, Odom has amassed a collection of accolades that add credence to his sterling career. His seven-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2004 to 2011 proved to be the golden period of his career. During this tenure, Odom played a pivotal role in winning two NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010. Furthermore, he was honored with the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2011 for his exceptional performance as a substitute player. Aside from his successful sports career, Lamar Odom's life features some noteworthy off-court experiences. He gained additional fame through his marriage to Khlo√© Kardashian, a reality television star, which attracted substantial media attention. This bond also led to their own reality show, Khloé & Lamar. However, amid all his success, Odom faced numerous personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse and a near-fatal incident in 2015. Despite these trials, his resilience and recovery have been equally inspiring, encapsulating the narrative of a man who rose through ranks, battled personal demons, and continues to make strides towards positive change.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York, USA
- Art Garfunkel, a name synonymous with the golden age of folk and rock music, has etched his place in the annals of musical history. Born Arthur Ira Garfunkel on November 5, 1941, in Forest Hills, New York, he was destined for stardom from an early age. His introduction to music happened at age 4, when his father bought him a wire recorder. From then on, he started to nurture his love for music, singing at every opportunity and honing his vocal talent. Art's journey to fame began in earnest when he formed a duo with his childhood friend Paul Simon, known as Simon & Garfunkel. Their bond, formed in the sixth grade, would lead to one of the most successful musical partnerships of the 1960s. Their harmonious blend of folk and rock music, coupled with their poignant lyrics, resonated with audiences worldwide. Throughout their career, Simon & Garfunkel released five studio albums which included timeless hits such as "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Despite their split in 1970, their music continues to influence generations of artists and listeners alike. Post-Simon & Garfunkel, Art embarked on a successful solo career, releasing ten studio albums and numerous hit singles. He ventured into acting as well, showcasing his versatility in films like Carnal Knowledge and Catch-22. However, it was his iconic voice that remained his defining trait, earning him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as part of Simon & Garfunkel. Art Garfunkel's contributions to music are immeasurable, confirming his status as one of the true legends of the industry.
- Birthplace: Forest Hills, New York, USA
- Juaquin James Malphurs (born May 31, 1986), better known as Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper. Signing to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. Records in 2009, he became a mainstream artist with the release of his singles "O Let's Do It", "Hard in da Paint", and "No Hands", with the latter peaking at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. His debut studio album Flockaveli was released in 2010. His second studio album Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family was released in 2012 and was preceded by the lead single "Round of Applause".
- Birthplace: South Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Celia Hodes on Showtime's dark comedy "Weeds" (2005-12), Elizabeth Perkins enjoyed a career of steady work in films including "Big" (1988) and "The Flintstones" (1994), before finally snaring her big critical breakthrough on the small screen at the age of 45. Perkins was a seasoned stage actress in both New York City and Chicago and a regular supporting player in some well-received films like "About Last Night" (1986), and was named Screen World's "Most Promising Actress" in 1986. Perkins beat the odds in 2005 with "Weeds;" finally being given the opportunity to showcase her range and her wicked wit.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Idina Menzel, a name synonymous with Broadway brilliance and vocal virtuosity, has carved out an indelible legacy in the world of performing arts. Born on May 30, 1971, in Queens, New York, Menzel's journey to stardom began in earnest with her breakthrough role in the original production of Rent, where she originated the character of Maureen Johnson. Her performance was widely acclaimed, netting her a nomination for the prestigious Tony Award in 1996. This early success set the stage for a career filled with illustrious roles and accolades. Menzel's star continued to ascend as she landed the iconic role of Elphaba in the musical phenomenon Wicked. This role not only showcased her exceptional vocal range but also highlighted her nuanced acting skills. Her portrayal of the misunderstood witch earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2004, solidifying her status as a Broadway legend. Beyond the theater, Menzel's talent transcended mediums as she ventured into film and television, with notable roles in projects such as Disney's Enchanted and the television series Glee. However, it was Menzel's vocal performance as Elsa in Disney's animated blockbuster Frozen that introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her rendition of the film's anthem, "Let It Go," won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and became a cultural phenomenon. This achievement added another feather to her cap, making her one of the few artists to have both a Tony and an Academy Award. Furthermore, Menzel's commitment to philanthropy is evident through her work with 'A BroaderWay Foundation', an organization she co-founded, which aims to provide arts-centered programs for young girls. Idina Menzel's career, characterized by her vocal prowess and her passion for the arts, continues to inspire performers worldwide.
- Birthplace: Syosset, New York, USA
- Prolific writer of show tunes who enjoyed fruitful collaborations with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein. Rogers confected some of Hollywood's most enduring musicals, including "Oklahoma!" (1955), "The King and I" (1956) and "The Sound of Music" (1965) and contributed numerous scores and songs to films through the 1960s.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
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- Michel Landon was an immensely popular TV star who also appeared in occasional films, including the classic "I Was a Teenage Werewolf" (1957). Landon made his name as the romantic, impulsive youngest Cartwright brother, Little Joe, on the long-running hit "Bonanza" (1959-73), the first TV western broadcast in color and the No. 1 series for seven consecutive seasons. Although he had scripted several episodes of "Bonanza," he sought complete authority over his next series, the pioneer family saga "Little House on the Prairie" (1974-82), loosely based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical children's novels, in which he starred as frontier homesteader Charles Ingalls. Landon created the series and often directed and scripted episodes, which he imbued with his views on faith and family. Landon next produced and starred as Jonathan, the probationary angel whose mission was to bring love and understanding to people in trouble, on "Highway to Heaven" (1984-88). He also produced, wrote and directed the TV series "Father Murphy" and numerous TV movies, including "The Loneliest Runner" (1976), based on incidents in his own life, and the autobiographical feature film "Sam's Son" (1984), about a champion javelin thrower. Landon died from pancreatic cancer after a long, prominently media-covered but nonetheless dignified struggle at the age of 54.
- Birthplace: Forest Hills, New York, USA
- Actor Jason Patric was hailed for his intense characterizations in hard-edged independent films "After Dark, My Sweet" (1990) and "Rush" (1991). In his twenties, the sexy, brooding Patric attracted attention in films like "Solarbabies" (1986) and "The Lost Boys" (1987). When it came to his craft, there was no mistaking his intensity and sense of purpose as he began pursuing more character-driven dramas. Like his contemporary, Sean Penn, Patric showed a penchant for downplaying his good looks and showbiz lineage in favor of an enigmatic reclusiveness and dedicated artist's lifestyle. He also appeared in serious historical pictures like "Geronimo" (1993) and "The Alamo" (2004). He gave noted performances in indie films "Your Friends and Neighbors" (1998) and "Expired" (2007), and continued to build on his promising start.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- A founding member of ground-breaking hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C., rapper, reality TV staple and Pentecostal minister Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons also enjoyed solo success as the star of "Run''s House" (MTV, 2005-09) and "All About the Washingtons" (Netflix, 2018-). Born in Queens, NY in 1964 to a truant officer father and teacher mother, Simmons began his music career DJing for pioneering MC Kurtis Blow in his mid-teens where he earned his Run nickname. Simmons then stepped up to the mic when he teamed up with high school friends Darryl McDaniels (DMC) and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) to form Run-D.M.C. Managed by Simmons' brother, and Def Jam founder, Russell, the trio helped to revolutionize the hip-hop scene in the mid-1980s with their harder-edged sound, love of Adidas sportswear and collaborations with producer Rick Rubin and rock royalty Aerosmith. They were also the first hip-hop act to reach gold, platinum and multi-platinum status, pick up a Grammy nomination, become an MTV regular and grace the cover of Rolling Stone, and were the genre's only representative at Live Aid. After 21 years and seven albums, Run-D.M.C. came to a tragic end in 2002 when Mizell was fatally shot at his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens. Simmons retreated from the spotlight for several years, working at Russell's apparel company, Phat Farm, and becoming ordained as a Pentecostal minister. He returned under the new guise of Rev Run in 2005, scoring a UK top five hit with Liberty X collaboration "Song for Lovers" and releasing his first solo LP, Distortion. But it was his first major small screen venture that same year which truly kickstarted the second phase of Simmons' career. "Run's House" (MTV, 2005-09) saw the star invite the cameras to document his home life with wife Justine and his six children, including the tragic moment when daughter Victoria died just two hours after being born. Following the show's end, Simmons turned his hand to hosting numerous factual series including "Rev Run's Renovation" (DIY Network, 2014-15), "Rev Run's Sunday Suppers" (Cooking Network, 2014-16) and "Rev Runs Around the World" (Travel Channel, 2015-16), joined Tyrese Gibson as the co-anchor of talk show "It's Not You, It's Men" (OWN, 2016) and enjoyed sporadic Run-D.M.C. reunion performances with McDaniels at various festivals. Having briefly appeared in hip-hop comedy "Who's the Man" (1993) and horror prequel "Red Dragon" (2002), Simmons landed his first major acting role when he starred alongside wife Justine as retired MC Joey Washington in family comedy "All About the Washingtons" (Netflix, 2018-).
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- A magnetic but all-too-infrequent presence in film and television during the late 1990s and early 2000s, actor Peter Facinelli excelled at playing wounded, often conflicted young men whose emotions frequently got the better of him and those around him. He made his initial splash in TV movies before gaining a groundswell with features like "Can't Hardly Wait" (1998) and "The Scorpion King" (2002). However, his ascent to stardom seemed to sputter out shortly thereafter - his debut as a series lead with "Fastlane" (Fox, 2002-03) was met with indifference, and subsequent movie roles went largely unseen. In fact, for a time, it looked like he was relegated to being best know for being former "90210" (Fox, 1990-2000) star Jennie Garth's real-life husband. Television seemed to be his best showcase, where he gave stellar turns as a selfish artist on "Six Feet Under" (HBO, 2001-05) and a jittery crime witness in "Damages" (FX, 2007-10). Appearances in the much-anticipated vampire drama "Twilight" (2008) and other film projects seemed to indicate that Facinelli could return to prominence as one of the more promising and versatile young actors in Hollywood.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- A star of stage and television for over two decades, actor Jack Cassidy embodied the vainglorious, self-absorbed side of his profession in a series of Tony-winning and Emmy-nominated turns that made him a much-loved performer until his tragic death. Cassidy's rich, mellifluous voice and fair-haired good looks made him a popular leading man on Broadway in the late 1940s and early '50s, where he met his first wife, dancer Evelyn Ward, who would give birth to their son, future pop star David Cassidy. While appearing in a production of "Oklahoma!" Cassidy met Shirley Jones, who became his second wife and mother to sons Shaun, Patrick and Ryan, who would all follow in their parents' showbiz footsteps. Television gave Cassidy his biggest showcase, and he would net an Emmy nod for his turn as an egotistical actor on the critically acclaimed "He & She" (CBS, 1967-68). His performance set the tone for future, more substantive roles in features and television, though personal problems, including bouts with alcoholism and mental illness, began to erode his career in the mid-1970s. Cassidy remained active on the small screen until late 1976, when a fire in his West Hollywood apartment claimed his life. He left behind an acclaimed body of work in three mediums, as well as a cache of amusing and accomplished performances that underscored his status as one of the busiest and most appreciated actors of his generation.
- Birthplace: Richmond Hill, New York, USA
- Andrea Donna de Matteo (born January 19, 1972) is an American actress, known for her roles as Angie Bolen on ABC's Desperate Housewives, Joey Tribbiani's sister Gina on the NBC sitcom Joey, Wendy Case on FX series Sons of Anarchy, and Adriana La Cerva on the HBO drama series The Sopranos, a role for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She played Det. Tess Nazario in NBC's Shades of Blue.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- The captivating dark-haired Kelly made her professional debut playing a young woman manipulated into killing her stepmother in the TV movie, "Love, Lies and Murder" (1991). The same year, she made her first feature appearance in "The Boy Who Cried Bitch" and gained attention for her brief performance as the title character's neighborhood girlfriend, a teen prostitute and orphan, in "Billy Bathgate" (both 1991). In 1992, Kelly played her first leading role as an Olympic ice-skating diva in the romantic drama "The Cutting Edge." That same year, she played the dual roles of Hetty Kelly and Oona O'Neill in Richard Attenborough's hefty biopic "Chaplin." As the voice of Nala in Disney's blockbuster "The Lion King" (1994), Kelly earned new fans among the toddler set. The tots' older siblings were more apt to have seen her subsequent performances in the sub-par comedy "With Honors" and the intriguing "Little Odessa" or "The Tie That Binds" (all 1995). Kelly then went on to become a regular, named Annie Cornell, on the TV series "To Have & To Hold" (1998-1999). She was cast as Cynthia in the film "Henry Hill" the following year (1999). Kelly was also cast as a regular character, Madeline Hampton, in the very popular TV series The West Wing (1999-2000).
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- David Joel Horowitz (born January 10, 1939) is an American conservative writer. He is a founder and president of the think tank the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC); editor of the Center's publication, FrontPage Magazine; and director of Discover the Networks, a website that tracks individuals and groups on the political left. Horowitz also founded the organization Students for Academic Freedom. Horowitz wrote several books with author Peter Collier, including four on prominent 20th-century American political families that had members elected to the presidency. He and Collier have collaborated on books about cultural criticism. Horowitz worked as a columnist for Salon. Its then-editor Joan Walsh described him as a "conservative provocateur".From 1956 to 1975, Horowitz was an outspoken adherent of the New Left. He later rejected progressive and Marxist ideas and became a defender of right-wing values. Though often described as a neoconservative, he does not think of himself as such. Horowitz recounted his ideological journey in a series of retrospective books, culminating with his 1996 memoir Radical Son: A Generational Odyssey.
- Birthplace: Forest Hills, New York City, New York
- Hillary Brooke was an American actress who appeared in "The Road to Utopia," "Africa Screams," and "The Woman in Green."
- Birthplace: Astoria, New York, USA
- Sister Maura Clarke, M.M., was an American Roman Catholic Maryknoll sister who served as a missionary in Nicaragua and El Salvador. She worked with the poor and refugees in Central America from 1959 until her murder in 1980. On December 2, 1980, she was beaten, raped, and murdered along with three fellow missionaries — Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan — by members of the military of El Salvador.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- A character actress known for feisty and heavily accented New York roles, Debi Mazar's career began with a strong supporting role as a drug-hungry Mafia girlfriend in Martin Scorsese's landmark film, "GoodFellas" (1990). She went on to lend a sassy, proletarian spark to low budget indies like Steve Buscemi's "Trees Lounge" (1996), family films like "Beethoven's 2nd" (1993), as well as occasional mainstream hits like "Batman Forever" (1995) and "The Insider" (1999). Mazar's vampy charm figured prominently in a number of short-lived, working class sitcoms, but the actress found steady small screen success as one of the premiere denizens of the red carpet as well as on HBO's acclaimed drama, "Entourage" (HBO, 2004-11), where her take on a savvy, fast-talking Hollywood publicist marked an end to her street-tough typecasting and led to a wider range of opportunities. After that series ended, Mazar transitioned gracefully into older roles in series like Manhattan comedy-drama "Younger" (TV Land 2015- ) and the dark comedy-drama "Happy!" (Syfy 2017- ), as well as films including "Lovelace" (2013) and "The Only Living Boy in New York" (2017).
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Charles Joseph "Charlie" Camarda (born May 8, 1952 in Queens, New York) is an American engineer and a NASA astronaut who flew his first mission into space on board the Space Shuttle mission STS-114. He served as Senior Advisor for Engineering Development at NASA Langley Research Center.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Albert Romolo Broccoli (April 5, 1909 – June 27, 1996), nicknamed "Cubby", was an American film producer who made more than 40 motion pictures throughout his career. Most of the films were made in the United Kingdom and often filmed at Pinewood Studios. Co-founder of Danjaq, LLC and Eon Productions, Broccoli is most notable as the producer of many of the James Bond films. He and Harry Saltzman saw the films develop from relatively low-budget origins to large-budget, high-grossing extravaganzas, and Broccoli's heirs continue to produce new Bond films.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Terrence Jenkins (born April 21, 1982), better known as Terrence J, is an American actor, model and entertainment reporter best known as the host of BET's popular music video countdown show 106 & Park from 2006 until 2012. He was the co-anchor of E! News from 2012-2015.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Kiam Akasi Holley, better known by his stage name Capone, is an American hip hop recording artist from Queens, New York City. He is best known as one half of the East Coast hip hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga, alongside friend and fellow Queens-based rapper N.O.R.E.. He spent some time in jail after the release of C-N-N's debut album The War Report. When he was released, he and Noreaga recorded their second album The Reunion, but shortly after releasing the album, Capone was sent back to jail. In 2004, he recorded the single "I Need Speed", for exclusive use in EA's video game Need for Speed Underground 2, which was featured on the game's soundtrack. In early 2005, Def Jam Recordings released Capone from his contract while retaining Noreaga, leaving the group's status in disarray. Capone released his debut album, Pain, Time & Glory, in 2005, but it received poor sales. He also appeared on the Ron Artest album My World. He is of Haitian descent.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Paul Bowles was an American actor and writer who appeared in "Night Waltz: The Music of Paul Bowles," "Let It Come Down: the Life of Paul Bowles," and "Paul Bowles: The Complete Outsider."
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Rocco DiSpirito (born November 19, 1966) is an American chef based in New York City.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Candy Darling (November 24, 1944 – March 21, 1974) was an American actress, best known as a Warhol Superstar and transgender icon. She starred in Andy Warhol's films Flesh (1968) and Women in Revolt (1971), and was a muse of The Velvet Underground.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, Forest Hills, New York
- Seth Dennis Rudetsky (born February 28, 1967) is an American musician, actor, writer, and radio host. He currently is the host of Seth's Big Fat Broadway and Seth Speaks on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's On Broadway. The show focuses on Rudetsky's knowledge of Broadway theatre history and trivia.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, Jamaica, New York
- Peter Miguel Camejo Guanche (December 31, 1939 – September 13, 2008) was a Venezuelan American author, activist and politician. In the 2004 United States presidential election, he was selected by independent candidate Ralph Nader as his vice-presidential running mate on a ticket which had the endorsement of the Reform Party.Camejo was a three-time Green Party gubernatorial candidate most recently in 2006, when he received 2.3 percent of the vote. Camejo also ran in the 2003 California recall election finishing fourth in a field of 135 candidates (2.8%), and in 2002, finishing third with 5.3%. In the 1976 presidential election he ran for the Socialist Workers Party, receiving 90,310 votes.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- In over three decades in the entertainment industry, Steve Antin has worked alternately as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. The renaissance man marked the latest revival of his long career in Hollywood with the 2011 release of "Burlesque" which co-starred former teen sensation Christina Aguilera and pop music icon Cher. He co-wrote the film with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody. As an actor, Antin appeared in three touchstones of 1980s film and television: the teen sex comedy "The Last American Virgin," the family adventure film "The Goonies," and Steven Speilberg's mind-bending anthology series for NBC, "Amazing Stories." In the 1990s, he was a favorite of indie director Jefery Levy, who cast him in a trio of films about aimles, dissatisfied Gen-Xers. He played a frustrated passenger in 1992's Douglas Coupland-esque tale of urban futility, "Drive"; a hapless screenwriter in 1993's "Inside Monkey Zetterland"; and had a smaller, supporting role in 1994's slacker-cum-celebrity dramedy "S.F.W.." In the late 1990s he abandoned acting to turn his attentions to writing, directing and producing. In 2000, Antin created "Young Americans," a short-lived spin-off of influential teen soap "Dawson's Creek." The next decade saw him collaborating with his sister Robin--the choreographer, producer and creator of the Pussycat Dolls--on a pair of Dolls-branded reality shows: 2007's "The Search for the Next Doll," and "Girlicious" in 2008.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Tony Thompson may refer to: Tony Thompson (drummer) (1954–2003), American session drummer Tony Thompson (singer) (1975–2007), R&B vocalist and Hi-Five lead singer Tony Thompson (boxer) (born 1971), American boxer Tony Thompson (footballer) (born 1994), English footballer
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Robert Patrick Casey Sr. (January 9, 1932 – May 30, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 42nd Governor of Pennsylvania from 1987-95. He previously served as a state senator (1963–68) and Auditor General of Pennsylvania (1969–77). Casey was best known for leading the pro-life wing of the Democratic Party, taking the lead in fighting Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a major Supreme Court case that upheld almost all the prohibitions on abortion that Casey signed into law. He championed unions, believed in government as a beneficent force, and supported gun rights.His son, Bob Casey Jr., has also served as Auditor General. He went on to serve as Pennsylvania Treasurer and is the senior United States Senator from Pennsylvania, most recently re-elected for a third six-year term in 2018.
- Birthplace: Jackson Heights, New York City, New York, USA
- Nelson Richard DeMille (born August 23, 1943) is an American author of action adventure and suspense novels. His novels include Plum Island, The Charm School, and The Gold Coast. DeMille has also written under the pen names Jack Cannon, Kurt Ladner, Ellen Kay and Brad Matthews.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Robert Brian "Robin" Cook (born May 4, 1940) is an American physician and novelist who writes about medicine and topics affecting public health. He is best known for combining medical writing with the thriller genre. Many of his books have been bestsellers on The New York Times Best Seller List. Several of his books have also been featured in Reader's Digest. His books have sold nearly 400 million copies worldwide.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
J. Neil Schulman
Age: 71Joseph Neil Schulman (; April 16, 1953 – August 11, 2019) was an American novelist who wrote Alongside Night (published 1979) and The Rainbow Cadenza (published 1983) which both received the Prometheus Award, a libertarian science fiction award. His third novel, Escape from Heaven, was also a finalist for the 2002 Prometheus Award. His fourth and last novel, The Fractal Man, was a finalist for the 2019 Prometheus Award.- Birthplace: Forest Hills, New York City, New York
- Marilyn Milian (born May 1, 1961) is an American television personality, lecturer, and retired Florida Circuit Court judge who currently presides over the American courtroom television series The People's Court. She is the first Hispanic arbitrator to preside over a court show. By the end of the show's 28th season (2012–13), Milian had completed twelve-and-a-half seasons presiding over The People's Court, making her the longest-presiding arbitrator on the series.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Cecily April Adams (February 6, 1958 – March 3, 2004) was an American actress, casting director, and lyricist.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York, USA
- James Earle Breslin (October 17, 1928 – March 19, 2017) was an American journalist and author. Until the time of his death, he wrote a column for the New York Daily News Sunday edition. He wrote numerous novels, and columns of his appeared regularly in various newspapers in his hometown of New York City. He served as a regular columnist for the Long Island newspaper Newsday until his retirement on November 2, 2004, though he still published occasional pieces for the paper. He was known for his newspaper columns which offered a sympathetic viewpoint of the working-class people of New York City, and was awarded the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary "for columns which consistently champion ordinary citizens".
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York, USA
- Lewis Mumford (October 19, 1895 – January 26, 1990) was an American historian, sociologist, philosopher of technology, and literary critic. Particularly noted for his study of cities and urban architecture, he had a broad career as a writer. Mumford was influenced by the work of Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes and worked closely with his associate the British sociologist Victor Branford. Mumford was also a contemporary and friend of Frank Lloyd Wright, Clarence Stein, Frederic Osborn, Edmund N. Bacon, and Vannevar Bush.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York
- Gwendolyn L. Ifill ( EYE-fəl; September 29, 1955 – November 14, 2016) was an American journalist, television newscaster, and author. In 1999, she became the first woman of African descent to host a nationally televised U.S. public affairs program with Washington Week in Review. She was the moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and co-anchor and co-managing editor, with Judy Woodruff, of PBS NewsHour, both of which air on PBS. Ifill was a political analyst and moderated the 2004 and 2008 vice-presidential debates. She authored the best-selling book The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Milford Graves (born August 20, 1941 in Queens, New York) is an American jazz drummer and percussionist, most noteworthy for his early avant-garde contributions in the early 1960s with Paul Bley and the New York Art Quartet alongside John Tchicai, Roswell Rudd, and Reggie Workman. He is considered to be a free jazz pioneer, liberating the percussion from its timekeeping role. In fact, many of his music contemporaries, musician inspirees, and fans worldwide would argue that Graves is perhaps the most influential known musician in the development and continuing evolution of free-jazz/avant-garde music, to date. Milford Graves taught at Bennington College, in Bennington, Vermont, as a full-time professor from 1973 until 2011, when he was awarded Emeritus status.Initially playing timbales as a kid growing up in Queens, Graves has worked as a sideman and session musician with a variety of jazz musicians throughout his career, including Pharoah Sanders, Rashied Ali, Albert Ayler, Don Pullen, Kenny Clarke, Don Moye, Andrew Cyrille, Philly Joe Jones, Eddie Gómez, and John Zorn. He has invested his time in research within the field of healing through music.In 2013, Milford Graves along with Drs. Carlo Tremolada and Carlo Ventura received a patent for an invention that relates to a process of preparing a non-expanded tissue derivative, that is not subjected to cell proliferation in vitro, which has a vascular-stromal fraction enriched in stem and multipotent elements, such as pericytes and/or mesenchymal stem cells, or for preparing non-embryonic stem cells obtained from a tissue sample or from such tissue derivative, wherein the tissue derivative or such cells are subjected to vibrations derived from a heart sound to control the degree of differentiation or possible differentiation of the stem and multipotent elements into several other types of cells and optimize their potency. The invention relates also to a device for carrying out the process, to stem cells obtainable by the process as well as a drug for the regeneration of an animal tissue.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Nathaniel Thomas Wilson (born July 20, 1968), better known by his stage name Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap), is an American rapper from Queens. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Crew. He is often cited as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time, and a pioneer of mafioso rap/street/hardcore content and multisyllabic rhyming. On his album The Giancana Story, he stated that the "G" in his name stands for "Giancana" (after the mobster Sam Giancana), but on other occasions he has stated that it stands for "Genius".He has also been cited as a major influence to some of hip-hop's most critically acclaimed figures such as The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Eminem and Jay-Z, as well as many underground rappers.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, Jamaica, New York
- Amy Beth Dziewiontkowski (born May 3, 1969), known professionally as Amy Ryan, is an American actress of stage and screen. A graduate of New York's High School of Performing Arts, she is an Academy Award nominee and two-time Tony Award nominee. Ryan began her professional stage career in 1987 and made her Broadway debut in 1993 as a replacement in the original production of The Sisters Rosensweig. She went on to receive Tony Award nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the 2000 revival of Uncle Vanya and the 2005 revival of A Streetcar Named Desire. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Helene McCready in the 2007 film Gone Baby Gone. The role also earned her a Golden Globe nomination and won her a Critics' Choice Award. Her other films include Changeling (2008), Win Win (2011) and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014). On television, she played Beadie Russell in HBO's The Wire (2002–08), Holly Flax in NBC's The Office (2008–11) and Adele Brousse in HBO's In Treatment (2010).
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Known as "The Girl with the Most Beautiful Face in Hollywood," Anita Page's career was over after only a decade, even though, at one point, she had attained a degree of popularity at MGM second only to studio queen Greta Garbo. A natural blonde with blue eyes, Page's luminous screen presence made her fascinating to watch even in minor fare. Arriving on the scene when studios were making the switch from silent features to talkies, she was often cast as loose or otherwise amoral women. Page first found fame opposite an equally new and fresh-faced Joan Crawford in "Our Dancing Daughters" (1928) and reached her peak of notoriety following the release of MGM's early musical hit "The Broadway Melody" (1929). She co-starred with several prominent MGM leading men, including Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Ramon Novarro, William Haines and Robert Montgomery, and graced a pair of Buster Keaton's sound features. Most of Page's films were competent efforts that years later were of interest only to film buffs, but a few stood the test of time, including the splendid Lon Chaney crime drama "While the City Sleeps" (1928) and the pre-Hays Code classics "Night Court" (1932) and "Skyscraper Souls" (1932). Almost completely forgotten decades later, Page had one of the most unusual career arcs imaginable, going from regular employment at Hollywood's premiere studio during the Golden Age of movies to small parts in grubby, shot-on-video horror movies seven decades later.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York, USA
- Although most people will recognize comedian/actress Debra Wilson from her many years on the sketch comedy program "MADtv" (where she was an original cast member), she has had quite a varied career in show business. After attending Syracuse University's communications school in radio and television broadcasting, she began as a standup comic in New York City in the late 1980s and was a performer with the off-Broadway improvisational troupe Noo Yawk Tawk. She got her first television break doing her act on "The Uptown Comedy Club" and "The Apollo Comedy Hour" in 1992. She went on to co-host a shopping show with the legendary Joan Rivers in 1995 and joined the cast of "MADtv" that same year. Some of her more notable creations from the show include the BAP Bunifa Latifah Halifah Sharifa Jackson, blaxploitation star Cocoa Latite, and spot-on celebrity impersonations of Oprah Winfrey and Whitney Houston. Wilson has done voice work for the animated series "Family Guy," "The Oblongs," "The Mr. Potato Head Show," and "American Dad!," as well as video game characterizations. Her movie roles have yet to match her success on the small screen, but she has appeared in a variety of independent films along with the box office hit spoof "Scary Movie 4" (as Oprah) and the 2010 adventure blockbuster "Avatar."
- Birthplace: South Ozone Park, New York, USA
Marc Weiner
Age: 69Marc Weiner is an actor, producer, and writer who appeared in "Dora the Explorer," "Dora and the Lost City of Gold," and "Weinerville."- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Mike Tirico stands at the top echelon of sports broadcasting as a Jack-of-all-trades and master of each. He has worked as a studio anchor and radio host, and served as the play-by-play voice on both TV and radio for a range of sports at the college and professional levels. Born Michael Todd Tirico in Queens, New York on December 13, 1966, he was raised as the only child of Donald and Maria Tirico in an Italian-American family. He attended nearby Bayside High School. In 1987, he received the inaugural Bob Costas scholarship, awarded to a promising student in broadcast journalism at Syracuse University. During college, Tirico spent four years as the sports director at WTVH-TV, the local CBS affiliate, where he handled play-by-play for Syracuse basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball. Because of his prowess covering Syracuse sports, Tirico landed a job with ESPN after graduation in 1991. Almost immediately, he began working as an anchor on the omnipresent highlight show "SportsCenter" (ESPN, 1979- ). He also hosted a show when ESPN Radio premiered in 1992. His duties seemed to expand exponentially after that. In 1993, Tirico hosted the inaugural episode of "Monday Night Countdown" (ESPN, 1993- ), a position he maintained for eight years. Tirico served as the debut anchor for the launch of ESPNEWS in 1996. That same year, he became the golf host for ABC Sports. Tirico began announcing college basketball and Thursday night college football in 1997, remaining in that post until 2006. In 2002, he added extensive coverage of NBA games to his busy schedule after ABC and ESPN acquired the broadcast rights. Over time, Tirico has either done the play-by-play or anchored coverage of virtually every major sporting event, from the Daytona 500 to the Masters, and the BCS Championship to the World Cup in South Africa. His voice is iconically linked to numerous sports for legions of fans, especially for football, basketball and golf. In 2006, Tirico assumed the high-profile mantle as the play-by-play announcer for "Monday Night Football" (ABC/ESPN, 1970-present). He became just the fourth man to hold that post in the show's history, joining broadcasting legends Keith Jackson, Frank Gifford and Al Michaels. Tirico returned to doing a radio show each weekday in 2007, but he turned hosting duties over to colleague Scott Van Pelt in 2009 to focus on his versatile slate of play-by-play duties. Proving that there is nothing he cannot do, Tirico even hosted the 2009 U.S. Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows, just a stone's throw from where he grew up in Queens. In 2010, the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Tirico Sportscaster of the Year. Tirico continued to provide in-depth coverage for ESPN until 2016, at which point he made the jump to NBC Sports, joining the network in July 2016. His first NBC appearance saw him calling play-by-play for the 2016 Open Championship on the Golf Channel. That summer, he also provided coverage for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. In May 2017, Tirico took over as play-by-play commentator for NBC's Thursday night football coverage. He also served as studio host for all NBC football and for "Football Night in America," and also took on the role of Triple Crown coverage as well as the play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame broadcasts. It was also announced, in February 2017, that Tirico would head up NBC's primetime coverage for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, replacing longtime host Bob Costas.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Estée Lauder (; July 1, 1906 – April 24, 2004) was an American businessperson. She co-founded her eponymous cosmetics company with her husband, Joseph Lauter (later Lauder). Lauder was the only woman on Time magazine's 1998 list of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th century.
- Birthplace: Corona, New York City, New York
- James Maritato (born March 12, 1972) is an American professional wrestler, best known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment under the ring names Little Guido and Nunzio. A high-school football player and amateur wrestler, he trained under Billy Robinson, making his professional debut in the early nineties. He joined Eastern Championship Wrestling initially as an enhancement talent, as well as competing in the shoot style UWF International promotion.. Maritato later returned to ECW (now Extreme Championship Wrestling), being giving the gimmick of “Little Guido” as part of the comedy stable the Full Blooded Italians (F.B.I). He would stay with the promotion until its closure in January 2001. After ECW closed its doors, Maritato worked on the independent circuit under he was signed to a contract by WWE in 2002. There he was part of the promotion’s cruiserweight division until its disbandment in 2007, as well as a new version of the F.B.I Stable. He would take part in the ECW One Night Stand events as well as the relaunch of the franchise as a third brand before leaving WWE and returning to the independent circuit.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Howard Beach
- Alfred Emanuel McGuire (September 7, 1928 – January 26, 2001) was an American college basketball coach and broadcaster, the head coach at Marquette University from 1964 to 1977. He won a national championship in his final season at Marquette, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. He was also well known as a longtime national television basketball broadcaster and for his colorful personality.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Jackie Hoffman is an American actress who is best known for her role in "Feud" as Mamasita. Hoffman was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2017 for the same project.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Frankie Banali (born November 14, 1951) is an American rock drummer, best known for his work with multi-platinum heavy metal band Quiet Riot and is the only member remaining from the band's classic lineup. He has been the band's manager since 1994. He played drums in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P., as well as with Billy Idol. Banali was briefly a touring drummer for Faster Pussycat and Steppenwolf.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Gerald Joseph Mulligan (April 6, 1927 – January 20, 1996) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and arranger. Though Mulligan is primarily known as one of the leading jazz baritone saxophonists – playing the instrument with a light and airy tone in the era of cool jazz – he was also a significant arranger, working with Claude Thornhill, Miles Davis, Stan Kenton, and others. Mulligan's pianoless quartet of the early 1950s with trumpeter Chet Baker is still regarded as one of the best cool jazz groups. Mulligan was also a skilled pianist and played several other reed instruments. Several of his compositions, such as "Walkin' Shoes" and "Five Brothers", have become jazz standards.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- A primary force in the rise of the alternative music scene of the early 1990s, Perry Farrell was the singer for Jane's Addiction, a ferociously inventive hard rock act that produced such modern rock hits as "Jane Says," "Been Caught Stealing" and "Stop." The band garnered a sizable following on the Los Angeles club scene in the late 1980s with its high-volume blend of punk, metal and hazy psychedelics anchored by Farrell's forceful wail and striking visual presence. Their major label debut Nothing's Shocking (1989) established a beachhead for alternative music within the mainstream, with Farrell and Jane's Addiction among its leading proponents, but by 1990, the band had collapsed under the strain of drug-fueled in-fighting. Farrell immediately launched Porno for Pyros, which adopted much of the same sonic palette as its predecessor. By 1997, he was back with Jane's Addiction for the first of numerous reunion tours and albums. Along the way, he also launched the massively popular Lollapalooza festival, which spread the gospel of alt-rock across the country each summer by introducing new and established acts to a wide audience. Farrell's impact upon the musical landscape of the early '90s was virtually unmatched.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- After a circuitous route that included stints as a teacher in China, a scriptwriter at a low-budget exploitation production company and a journalist, Warren Leight found critical acclaim and popular success with his autobiographical drama "Side Man," produced on the New York stage in 1998. The New York native crafted a memory play that explored the familial relationships among a jazz trumpeter, his alcoholic wife and their son caught in the middle. Originally produced in a small theater off-off-Broadway, the show transferred to off-Broadway and then finally to Broadway (with Christian Slater in the leading role) where it was one of the three finalists for the 1999 Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Mark LoMonaco (born July 14, 1971) is an American professional wrestler and radio talk show host, currently signed to Ring of Honor (ROH) under the ring name Bully Ray. He is best known for his tenure with WWE, where he performed under the ring name Bubba Ray Dudley. He is also known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) from 1995 to 1999 under the ring name Buh Buh Ray Dudley and with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2005 to 2015 under the ring names Brother Ray and Bully Ray. For much of his career, LoMonaco has teamed with Devon Hughes, his kayfabe half-brother, D-Von as The Dudley Boyz and Team 3D. Recognized as one of the most prolific tag teams in professional wrestling history, they are the only tag team to have held the ECW, IWGP, NWA, TNA, WCW, WWF and WWE Tag Team Championships, in total they have won 23 major tag team championships - more than any other team in history. They were the first tag team inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame. He has also found success as a singles wrestler having held 12 championships including the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice and the WWF/E Hardcore Championship on ten occasions, and since joining ROH, he has an ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship reign to his credit as well. All totaled, He has won 36 championships among WWE, TNA, ECW, ROH, and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Both Dudleys were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. In addition to being a professional wrestler LoMonaco is a radio talk show host. He is currently the co-host of SiriusXM's Fight Nation 156 'Busted Open' program.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Doron Lamb is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League. He played college basketball for the University of Kentucky.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
Chris Albrecht
Age: 72Chris Albrecht (born July 24, 1952) is an American media executive. Albrecht was Chief Executive Officer and President of Starz. He was responsible for overseeing Starz Networks, Starz Distribution, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Worldwide Distribution, Starz Digital Media and Starz Animation. As of January 2013, Starz became an independent publicly traded company on the NASDAQ.Albrecht is the former Chairman and CEO of HBO. He spent 22 years at HBO and was credited for ushering in the Golden Age of television with hit series such as The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Deadwood, Six Feet Under, Entourage, Band of Brothers and The Wire.Albrecht founded Foresee Entertainment, an independent content creation, development and distribution company, in 2008. Albrecht was the president of IMG Global Media and IMG Entertainment, subsidiaries of the IMG production company, from September 2007 until August 2008. Albrecht was also a Special Limited Partner in Forstmann Little & Company.- Birthplace: New York City, New York
Raymond Vahan Damadian
Age: 88Raymond Vahan Damadian (born March 16, 1936) is an American physician, medical practitioner, and inventor of the first MR (Magnetic Resonance) Scanning Machine.Damadian's research into sodium and potassium in living cells led him to his first experiments with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) which caused him to first propose the MR body scanner in 1969. Damadian discovered that tumors and normal tissue can be distinguished in vivo by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) because of their prolonged relaxation times, both T1 (spin-lattice relaxation) or T2 (spin-spin relaxation). Damadian was the first to perform a full body scan of a human being in 1977 to diagnose cancer. Damadian invented an apparatus and method to use NMR safely and accurately to scan the human body, a method now well known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Damadian has received several prizes. In 2001, the Lemelson-MIT Prize Program bestowed its $100,000 Lifetime Achievement Award on Damadian as "the man who invented the MRI scanner." He went on to collaborate with Wilson Greatbach, one early developer of the implantable pacemaker, to develop an MRI-compatible pacemaker. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia gave its recognition of Damadian's work on MRI with the Bower Award in Business Leadership. He was also named Knights of Vartan 2003 "Man of the Year". He received a National Medal of Technology in 1988 and was inducted in the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1989.- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Morton Gould (December 10, 1913 – February 21, 1996) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, and pianist.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, Richmond Hill, New York
- Paul Steven Miller (May 4, 1961 – October 19, 2010) was the Henry M. Jackson Professor of Law at the University of Washington School of Law. He was a Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for almost 10 years, and in 2009 he was chosen to serve as a special assistant to President Barack Obama. Miller, who had the genetic condition achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism) was 4 feet 5 inches (135 cm) tall. He was known as a leader in the disability rights movement, and an expert on anti-discrimination law and international disability rights.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York
Jacqueline Piñol
Age: 45Jacqueline Piñol is an actress and voice actress.- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Edward "Ted" Alexandro (born January 26, 1969) is a stand-up comedian from New York City. He has appeared on most late night talk shows and has had his own half-hour specials on Comedy Central.
- Birthplace: Bellerose, New York City, New York, USA
- William James Collins, known as Billy Collins, (born March 22, 1941) is an American poet, appointed as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. In 2016, Collins retired from his position as a Distinguished Professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York after teaching there almost 50 years. Collins is the Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Winter Park Institute at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. Collins was considered as a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library (1992) and selected as the New York State Poet for 2004 through 2006. As of 2018, he is a teacher in the MFA program at Stony Brook Southampton.
- Birthplace: New York City, Manhattan, USA, New York
- Salvatore "Handsome Sal" Vitale (born September 22, 1947 in Maspeth, Queens) was a New York City caterer and former underboss of the Bonanno crime family of the American Mafia before becoming a government informant.
- Birthplace: Maspeth, New York City, New York
- An Emmy-winning writer-producer for some of the most popular television dramas of the late '90s and 2000s, Howard Gordon brought his talent for creating gripping, imaginative scenarios to such shows as "The X-Files" (Fox, 1993-2002), "24" (Fox, 2001-2010) and "Homeland" (Showtime, 2011- ). Gordon worked his way up the creative ladder with frequent writing and producing partner Alex Gansa, who collaborated with him on "Beauty and the Beast" (CBS, 1987-1990) and "X-Files" before Gordon split to create several well-regarded if low-rated science fiction series. The rating juggernaut that was "24" took up much of Gordon's attention during the new millennium, after which he rejoined Gansa to create "Homeland" (Showtime, 2011- ). The action-thriller, which followed a FBI agent's quest to discover the truth about an Iraq War POW's allegiances, swept the 2012 Emmys and established the pair as new leading figures in TV drama. The depth and scope of Gordon's best work underscored his status as a one of the more acclaimed creative figures in 21st century television.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
Rich Mauti
Age: 70Richard Dominic Mauti (born May 25, 1954) is a former American football wide receiver who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Penn State. In 6 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Mauti, a reserve wide receiver, excelled as a special teams player. In 1978, he was named the Saints Special Teams MVP after setting an NFL record for special team tackles with 27 solo tackles and 4 assisted tackles for the year. In 1980, he was second in the NFL and first in the NFC in Average Return Yards on kickoffs and was named to the Pro Bowl as the NFC's Punt Returner. Rich Mauti is also the founder of the Rich Mauti Cancer Fund, a voluntary, a 501c3 non-profit organization designed to raise money for cancer research, education and screenings, with all funds to be utilized in the State of Louisiana. While Mauti was playing for the Saints he started Mauti Challenge where businesses and individuals could pledge contributions to cancer research. Donations were $10 for every return and $1 for every yard from returns.- Birthplace: Hollis, New York City, New York
- Lisa Randall (born June 18, 1962) is an American theoretical physicist working in particle physics and cosmology. She is the Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science on the physics faculty of Harvard University. Her research includes elementary particles, fundamental forces and dimensions of space. She studies the Standard Model, supersymmetry, possible solutions to the hierarchy problem concerning the relative weakness of gravity, cosmology of dimensions, baryogenesis, cosmological inflation, and dark matter. She contributed to the Randall–Sundrum model, first published in 1999 with Raman Sundrum.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- JoAnn Falletta (born February 27, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American conductor.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
Jamie Saft
Age: 54Jamie Saft is a keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist, composer, sound engineer and producer living in Upstate New York. Saft was born in New York City, New York in 1971 and is a graduate of both Tufts University and the New England Conservatory of Music. He has performed and recorded with an eclectic variety of notable artists including John Zorn, Wadada Leo Smith, Roswell Rudd, Iggy Pop, Bad Brains, B-52s, Beastie Boys, Donovan, Steve Swallow, Bobby Previte, Marc Ribot, Marshall Allen, Bernard Purdie, Joe Morris, Derek Bailey, Dave Lombardo, Bill Laswell, Cyro Baptista, Chuck Hammer, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Dave Douglas & Merzbow. He has also written several original film scores including Murderball and God Grew Tired of Us.- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York
- Arthur M. Blank (born September 27, 1942) is an American businessman and a co-founder of The Home Depot. He currently owns two professional sporting teams based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Sunnyside
- Patti Ann Browne (born September 10, 1965) is an American news anchor and reporter best known for her work with Fox News Channel from 2000 to 2018.
- Birthplace: Bayside, New York City, New York, USA
- James Alexander Hendler (born April 2, 1957) is an artificial intelligence researcher at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, United States, and one of the originators of the Semantic Web.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Louis Jay Pearlman (June 19, 1954 – August 19, 2016) was an American record producer, con artist and fraudster. He was the manager of successful 1990s boy bands such as Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. In 2006, he was accused of running one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in history, leaving more than $300 million in debts. After being apprehended, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy, money laundering, and making false statements during a bankruptcy proceeding. In 2008, Pearlman was convicted and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. He died in federal custody in 2016.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York
- Dan Flavin (April 1, 1933 – November 29, 1996) was an American minimalist artist famous for creating sculptural objects and installations from commercially available fluorescent light fixtures.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Walter Carl Becker (February 20, 1950 – September 3, 2017) was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was best known as the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of the jazz rock band Steely Dan.Becker met future songwriting partner Donald Fagen while they were students at Bard College. After a brief period of activity in New York City, the two moved to Los Angeles in 1971 and formed the nucleus of Steely Dan, which enjoyed a critically and commercially successful ten-year career. Following the group's dissolution, Becker moved to Hawaii and reduced his musical activity, working primarily as a record producer. In 1985, he briefly became a member of the English band China Crisis, producing and playing synthesizer on their album Flaunt the Imperfection. Becker and Fagen reformed Steely Dan in 1993 and remained active, recording Two Against Nature (2000), which won four Grammy Awards. Becker released two solo albums 11 Tracks of Whack (1994) and Circus Money (2008). Following a brief battle with esophageal cancer, he died on September 3, 2017.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Mario Matthew Cuomo (; Italian: [ˈkwɔːmo]; June 15, 1932 – January 1, 2015) was an American politician of the Democratic Party. He served as the 52nd Governor of New York for three terms, from 1983 to 1994, Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1979 to 1982, and Secretary of State of New York from 1975 to 1978.Cuomo was known for his liberal views and public speeches, particularly his keynote speech address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in which he sharply criticized the policies of the Reagan administration, saying, "Mr. President, you ought to know that this nation is more a 'Tale of Two Cities' than it is just a 'Shining City on a Hill.'" The speech brought him to national attention, and he was widely considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination for President in both 1988 and 1992, though he declined to seek the nomination in both instances. His legacy as a reluctant standard-bearer for the Democrats in presidential elections led to his being dubbed "Hamlet on the Hudson".Cuomo was defeated for a fourth term as governor by George Pataki in the "Republican Revolution" of 1994. He subsequently retired from politics and served as counsel at the New York City law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He was the father of five, including Andrew Cuomo, the current Governor of New York, and journalist Chris Cuomo, currently an anchorman for CNN.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Briarwood
John P. McGarr
Dec. at 45 (1964-2010)John Patrick McGarr (September 25, 1964 – March 25, 2010) was an American actor and film producer.- Birthplace: Woodside, New York City, USA, New York
- Jane Jenkins is an actress who has appeared in her role in "Welcome to Hollywood." Jenkins was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2004 for "Iron Jawed Angels."
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- George John Tenet (born January 5, 1953) is a former Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) for the United States Central Intelligence Agency as well as a Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. Tenet held the position as the DCI from July 1997 to July 2004, making him the second-longest-serving director in the agency's history—behind Allen Welsh Dulles—as well as one of the few DCIs to serve under two U.S. presidents of opposing political parties. He played a key role in overseeing the intelligence behind the Iraq War. A 2005 Inspector General's report found that Tenet bears "ultimate responsibility" for the United States intelligence community's failure to develop a plan to control al Qaeda in the lead-up to 9/11.In February 2008, he became a managing director at investment bank Allen & Company.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York, USA
- The petite, brunette Murphy garnered critical kudos and a handful of awards, including a 1994 Best Actress Tony, for her intense, dramatic portrayal of Fosca in the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine stage musical "Passion." Portraying an ugly woman wracked by an unnamed illness who falls in love with a handsome soldier, she mesmerized audiences with the raw power of her performance. Murphy had honed her craft in the Broadway and off-Broadway arena moving from the chorus ("They're Playing Our Song") to playing leading roles ("Drood," "Song of Singapore"). She made her feature debut as a tough cop investigating a murder in William Friedkin's "Jade" (1995). That same year, she brilliantly delineated an unhappily married woman whose ex-husband becomes embroiled in a murder investigation in the ABC series "Murder One." In 1996, she returned to the stage co-starring opposite Lou Diamond Phillips in a revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King & I" for which she earned a second Tony Award as Lead Actress in a Musical.
- Birthplace: Corona, New York, USA
- Joyce Johnson (born 1935) is an American author of fiction and nonfiction who won a National Book Critics Circle Award for her memoir Minor Characters about her relationship with Jack Kerouac.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Carlos Andres Dengler (born April 23, 1974), previously known as Carlos D., is a Colombian-American musician and actor best known as the former bass guitarist for the rock band Interpol. He decided to pursue acting as a career after leaving Interpol in 2010.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Robert "Waddy" Wachtel (born May 24, 1947) is an American musician, composer and record producer, most notable for his guitar work. Wachtel has worked as session musician for other artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Keith Richards (guitarist of Keith's side-band The X-pensive Winos), The Rolling Stones (lead guitar on Saint Of Me), Jon Bon Jovi, James Taylor, Iggy Pop, Warren Zevon, Bryan Ferry, Michael Sweet, Jackson Browne, and Andrew Gold, both in the studio and live.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Charles Castronovo (born June 19, 1975) is an American operatic tenor. Castronovo was born to a Sicilian father and an Ecuadorian mother in Queens, New York, but grew up in Southern California. He attended California State University, Fullerton, for undergraduate studies in classical voice. During his time at the university, his talent came to the attention of William Vendice, the chorusmaster of the Los Angeles Opera, who promptly hired him as a chorister.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Margaret Mary Heckler (née O'Shaughnessy; June 21, 1931 – August 6, 2018) was an American politician, member of the Republican Party for Massachusetts who served in the United States House of Representatives for eight terms, from 1967–83 and was later the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Ambassador to Ireland under President Ronald Reagan. After her defeat in 1982, no woman would be elected to Congress from Massachusetts until Niki Tsongas in a special election in 2007.
- Birthplace: Flushing, New York City, New York, USA
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- A dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, actress Rosemarie DeWitt made a steady transition from dreaming about acting to making a name for herself in the city's vibrant theater industry. Following years of increasingly larger roles on the stage and on the small screen, it was an unusual family connection that provided her first major break into feature films. As the great granddaughter of the film's subject, boxer James J. Braddock, DeWitt landed a plum role in Ron Howard's Depression-era bio, "Cinderella Man" (2005). Taking her Hollywood shot, DeWitt went on to demonstrate her mix of comedic and dramatic chops in a variety of big and small screen projects, standing out as the face-to-watch with her take on the romantically-inclined hostage negotiator Emily Lehman on the Fox series "Standoff" (2006-07), starring opposite future husband, Ron Livingston. After earning wider attention for her recurring role as Don Draper's bohemian lover on "Mad Men" (AMC, 2007-15), DeWitt earned widespread award attention for her supporting turn in "Rachel Getting Married" (2008). From there, she delivered a capable turn in "The Company Men" (2010) and spent three seasons as Toni Collette's self-absorbed sister on the critically acclaimed comedy "The United States of Tara" (Showtime, 2009-2011). By the time she garnered more praise for the indie film "Your Sister's Sister" (2012), DeWitt was well-established as a skilled actress capable of turning in quality performances in any role she chose.
- Birthplace: Flushing, Queens, New York, USA
- A native New Yorker, actor Rick Overton began life in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, where he was born to jazz-pop singer Nancy Swain (a member of The Chordettes, famous for their hit "Mister Sandman") and jazz pianist and composer Hall Overton. Shortly after Overton's birth, the family relocated across the Hudson River to Englewood, New Jersey where Overton spent his adolescence. After beginning a career as a standup comic on the competitive New York comedy club scene of the 1970s, Overton made his film debut with a small part in the Garry Marshall's comedy "Young Doctors in Love" (1982). A spoof of soapy medical dramas, it was an example of the kind of satirical comedy Overton would continue to pursue. That same year he appeared as a clerk in "Airplane II: The Sequel" (1982), the less successful follow-up to the anarchic hit comedy "Airplane!" (1980). Overton went on to small parts in big-budget Hollywood comedies including "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), "Groundhog Day" (1993) and "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) while keeping his main focus on his successful stand-up career. In addition to his film and stand-up work, Overton pursued an eclectic career on television, ranging from working as a writer on the weekly variety show "Dennis Miller Live"(HBO 1994-2002) to taking on the role of Rufus (as played by George Carlin in the movies) on the animated series "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures" (Fox Kids 1992). His later work as a character actor ranged from comic roles as a hapless FBI agent on the comic thriller "Leverage" (TNT 2008-2012) and as the father of receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) on "The Office" (NBC 2005-2013) to a supporting role as an operative on the short-lived espionage series "Chaos" (CBS 2011).
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Daniel A. Lilker (born October 18, 1964 in Bayside, New York) is an American semi-retired musician best known as a bass player, but also guitarist, pianist, drummer and vocalist. He is the bassist for the thrash metal band Nuclear Assault and was a founding member of Anthrax with Scott Ian, (Lilker was then playing rhythm guitar) and recorded bass guitar and co-wrote on their first album, Fistful of Metal. He also founded crossover band Stormtroopers of Death with Scott Ian and Charlie Benante (from Anthrax), and Billy Milano (Anthrax roadie, M.O.D. singer). He also plays bass with Brutal Truth, Exit-13, Malformed Earthborn, The Ravenous, Overlord Exterminator, Venomous Concept, Crucifist, Nokturnal Hellstorm and Extra Hot Sauce. Lilker played on Holy Moses' 1994's No Matter What's the Cause. He is known for his fast, guitar-like riffing through heavy distortion. Lilker has been a columnist with Zero Tolerance Magazine since the publication's inception in 2005. In 2009, it was reported that Chicago journalist Dave Hofer was writing a biography of Lilker.Lilker is currently in United Forces, which features his Stormtroopers of Death bandmate Billy Milano as their singer.As of 2003 Lilker has sold nearly 5 million records worldwide according to Nielsen SoundScan.On January 10, 2014, Lilker announced his plans to retire from being a full-time recording and touring musician. He also announced that Brutal Truth would break up on his 50th birthday (October 18, 2014).
- Birthplace: Bayside, New York City, New York
- Diana Gordon, previously known by her stage name Wynter Gordon, is an American singer-songwriter. She began as a writer for other artists, later signing with Atlantic Records where she began working on an album. She has performed backing vocals in the studio and she continues to collaborate on writing. Her debut album With the Music I Die was released in 2011.
- Birthplace: South Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Irving Domingo Lorenzo, Jr. (born June 26, 1970), better known by his stage name Irv Gotti, is an American record executive, DJ and record producer and is the CEO and co-founder of Murder Inc. He is the creator of the BET series Tales.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Hollis
Felice Schachter
Age: 61Felice Schachter (born November 17, 1963) is an American actress, best known for her roles as Nancy on The Facts of Life and Bernadette in the cult teen comedy Zapped!.- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- George Maharis (born September 1, 1928, Astoria, Queens, New York City) is an American actor who portrayed Buz Murdock in the first three seasons of the TV series Route 66. Maharis also recorded numerous pop music albums at the height of his fame, and later starred in the short-lived TV series The Most Deadly Game.
- Birthplace: Astoria, New York, USA
- William T. Kane (September 8, 1932 – September 23, 2008) was a physicist for Corning Incorporated, formerly Corning Glass Works, Inc., in Corning, New York, who held patents in crystallography and heat-sensing technology—developments which contributed to the early processing and manufacture of fiber optics. He was also the Corning representative for the establishment of international standards in the use of fiber optics in communications.Kane attended the Universities of Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri in Boulder, Lawrence, and Columbia, respectively. He procured his Ph.D. in 1966 in X-Ray crystallography from the University of Missouri.Kane was also an Air Force officer, having served as a navigator in the Air Force's 55th and 38th Strategic Reconnaissance Wings from 1953 to 1959. As an electronics warfare officer, he participated in the Cold War overflights of the former Soviet Union, espionage missions not disclosed until years later. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He was also an Air Force Reserve officer from 1959 to 1966, having departed the military with the rank of captain.He was born in Jamaica, New York, to Dr. J.T. Kane, a physician and surgeon originally from Brooklyn, and the former Marjory Lillian Davis, a native of London. He subsequently resided and worked in Big Flats, Corning, and Lake Placid, New York. In 1993, he retired to Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was an active skier and sportsman. He was a member of Rotary International and several fraternal and professional associations.Kane died at Pointe Frontier Retirement Center in Cheyenne after a lengthy illness. He was survived by his wife, Virginia L. "Ginny" Kane (1926–2009); a son, retired Air Force Brigadier General William P. Kane of Colorado Springs; three daughters, Gretchen Gilbert of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Ellen Jacobson of Reno, Nevada, and Kathleen "Cindy" Lewis of Cheyenne; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson, and two sisters, June Kunz of Keene, New Hampshire, and Phyllis Lazarus of San Jose, California.Memorial services were held on September 27, 2008, at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 2602 Deming Boulevard, in Cheyenne.
- Birthplace: Jamaica, New York City, New York
- Joseph Bastianich (born September 17, 1968) is an American restaurateur, winemaker, author, and television personality. He, along with partners Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali, own thirty restaurants in four countries, including Babbo (1 Michelin star) and Del Posto in New York; Carnevino in Las Vegas; Osteria Mozza in Singapore; and the Pizzeria eateries in Los Angeles, which the owners expanded in 2010. Earlier that same year, the trio teamed up with Italian retail businessman Oscar Farinetti to bring Eataly, an upscale food and wine market, to New York, Chicago and Boston.
- Birthplace: Astoria, Queens, New York, USA
- Daniel J. Halloran III (born March 16, 1971) is a former member of the New York City Council. He was indicted on corruption charges in 2013, did not run for reelection, was convicted in July 2014, and is currently in prison. He was the first adherent of Theodism ever elected to the council and one of the first neo-Pagans in hold an elected office in the US.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Stevan Mena
Stevan Mena is an actor, film director, editor, producer, screenwriter and film score composer.- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York, Astoria
Mary Agnes Donoghue
Age: 82Mary Agnes Donoghue is a screenplay writer, film producer and director.- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Vincent Irizarry is an actor who has appeared in his role in "Guiding Light" as Nick McHenry. Irizarry won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2008 for "All My Children."
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Brian Gerard McNamee (born c. 1967) is a former New York City police officer, personal trainer, and Major League Baseball strength-and-conditioning coach. He is notable for providing performance-enhancing drugs to Major League Baseball players, and also for testifying against former New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens at a 2008 United States Congressional hearing that concerned the veracity of the 2007 George J. Mitchell Report. McNamee grew up in Breezy Point, Queens. He attended Archbishop Molloy High School. From 1986 to 1989, McNamee was a student at St. John's University in Queens. At one point he was employed at St John's University, teaching in the sports management program. McNamee falsely held himself out to be a doctor. He claimed his doctorate was from Columbus University (Louisiana).
- Birthplace: Breezy Point, New York City, New York
- Chamique Shaunta Holdsclaw (born August 9, 1977) is a former professional basketball player in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) most recently under a contract with the San Antonio Silver Stars. She announced her retirement from the Los Angeles Sparks on June 11, 2007, though she eventually came out of retirement to play with the Atlanta Dream for the 2009 WNBA Season.
- Birthplace: Astoria, New York City
- Born and raised in Queens, Christina Vidal first came to the attention of film audiences with her debut as the hustler turned child star in James Lapine's "Life With Mikey" (1993). Co-starring opposite Nathan Lane and Michael J Fox, the young Latina actress more than held her own without becoming cloying or overly-precocious. She had a small role in Todd Solondz's acclaimed "Welcome to the Dollhouse" (1995). Vidal began her TV career as a guest performer on such shows as "The Cosby Mysteries" and "The Commish" before she landed her first regular gig on a series when she joined the cast of "Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher" (The WB) during the 1997-98 season. She had a very visible presence as the love interest in the suprisingly likeable Disney Channel movie "Brink!" (1998), a modernized version of "Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates," which she followed with a leading role in the Nikelodeon series "Taina" (2000) playing Taina Morales, a Puerto Rican teenage girl navigating a three-generation Latino household in Queens. That led to a visible role in Disney's 2003 remake of the body-swapping comedy "Freaky Friday," playing Lindsay Lohan's best friend Maddie (a role vacated by Kelly Osbourne), who heads up a young band. Vidal also has a musical career, and sang back up and appeared in music videos starring Will Smith. She was signed by MCA records in 2002.
- Birthplace: Whitestone, New York, USA
- Parry Shen (born June 26, 1973) is an American actor. Shen's first major acting role was as Ben Manibag in Better Luck Tomorrow the film's leading character. He also starred in another Asian American film Surrogate Valentine. He has since starred in the horror film Hatchet and its sequels Hatchet II, Hatchet III, and Victor Crowley. He had a recurring role as Tyler Li in the television series Tru Calling. He is currently portraying the role of Brad Cooper on General Hospital. He is also known for his voice acting in the video games Sleeping Dogs and Mortal Kombat X.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
