Jersey City might not be Hollywood, but it has produced its fair share of celebrities. From actors and actresses to singers and athletes, there are plenty of famous people who hail from Jersey City.
Here are seven celebrities you probably didn't know were from Jersey City.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart is a television personality, author, and businesswoman who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 3, 1941. She is known for her work as a host on the television show "Martha Stewart Living," which aired on the Food Network and other channels from 1993 to 2004, and as the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, a multimedia company that includes a magazine, television shows, and home goods products.
Stewart is also a best-selling author, with many books on topics such as cooking, entertaining, and home decorating. In addition to her work in media and publishing, Stewart is also known for her involvement in various businesses, including a partnership with the home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond.
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez is an actress who was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 12, 1978, but grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. She began her acting career in the late 1990s with roles on television shows such as "Law & Order" and "Third Watch," and has since become known for her work in film, including her roles in the "Fast and Furious" series, "Avatar," and "Battle: Los Angeles." Rodriguez is also known for her activism, including her work as an ambassador for the Environmental Media Association and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Kyan Douglas
Kyan Douglas is a television personality and beauty expert who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on October 22, 1971. He is best known for his work as a grooming expert on the television show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," which aired on Bravo from 2003 to 2007. Douglas has also appeared on other television shows such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and has written several books on beauty and grooming, including "Maintenance: The Guide to Keeping Your Man Looking Good."
In addition to his work in media, Douglas is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting animal welfare organizations and organizations that provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Akon
Akon is a singer, songwriter, and record producer who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 16, 1973, but grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. He is known for his successful music career, which includes hits such as "Lonely," "Smack That," and "I Wanna Love You," and has won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards. Akon has released several successful albums, including "Trouble," "Konvicted," and "Freedom," and has also worked with a variety of artists as a producer, including Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and Gwen Stefani.
In addition to his music career, Akon is also known for his philanthropic work, including his Akon Lighting Africa initiative, which aims to provide electricity to rural areas in Africa through the use of solar energy.
Paul Gleason
Paul Gleason was an actor who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on May 4, 1939, and passed away on May 27, 2006. He began his acting career in the 1970s with roles in films such as "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" and "The China Syndrome," and became known for his work in both film and television. Gleason is best known for his roles in films such as "Die Hard," "Trading Places," and "The Breakfast Club," and has also appeared on television shows such as "CHiPs" and "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane is an actor and comedian who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on February 3, 1956. He began his career in the 1980s with roles on Broadway, where he has appeared in numerous productions, including "The Producers," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and "The Nance," and has won several Tony Awards.
Lane has also appeared in films such as "The Lion King," "MouseHunt," and "The Birdcage," and has lent his voice to animated characters in films such as "Stuart Little" and "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride." In addition to his work in theater and film, Lane has also appeared on television, including in guest roles on shows such as "Modern Family" and "The Good Fight."
Kate Micucci
Kate Micucci is an actress, comedian, and musician who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 31, 1980. She is known for her work as a member of the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, which she formed with her friend Riki Lindhome in 2007. Micucci and Lindhome have released several albums and have appeared on television shows such as "Conan" and "Comedy Central Presents," as well as in their own television series on IFC.
Micucci has also appeared on other television shows such as "Scrubs," "Raising Hope," and "The Big Bang Theory," and has provided the voice for animated characters in shows such as "Steven Universe" and "DuckTales."
So there you have it—some celebrities you probably didn't know were from Jersey City and some you definitely did! From actors and musicians to athletes and talk show hosts, the area has produced its fair share of famous faces over the years.
Comment any missed celebrities below, and let me know if anyone on this list surprised you!
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