The Top 15 Famous People from New York You Never Knew

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Here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from New York, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

  • Donald Trump (Business/Politics): Born and raised in Queens, New York, Donald Trump became a prominent businessman before serving as the 45th President of the United States.
  • Jay-Z (Music): A Brooklyn native, Jay-Z is one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artists of all time. He is also known for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
  • Lady Gaga (Music/Acting): Originally from Manhattan, Lady Gaga is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for her unique style and powerful performances.
  • Martin Scorsese (Film): An acclaimed filmmaker from Queens, Martin Scorsese is known for directing iconic movies such as “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Departed.”
  • Robert De Niro (Acting): Born in Manhattan, Robert De Niro is regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He has won numerous accolades for his performances.
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Law): Although born in Brooklyn, Ruth Bader Ginsburg rose to become a Supreme Court Justice, renowned for her advocacy for gender equality and civil rights.
  • Spike Lee (Film): A prolific filmmaker from Brooklyn, Spike Lee has directed groundbreaking films like “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman.”
  • Beyoncé (Music/Acting): While born in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé spent a significant part of her career in New York. One of the best-selling artists in history, she is known for her powerful vocals and captivating performances.
  • Frank Sinatra (Music/Acting): Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, but considered a New York icon, Frank Sinatra was a legendary singer and actor. He is often referred to as “The Voice” and has left an indelible mark on music and film.
  • Andy Warhol (Art): A renowned artist and filmmaker, Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but he became a central figure in the New York City art scene. He is known for his pop art movement and iconic works.

These famous individuals have left a lasting impact in their respective fields and have helped shape the cultural landscape of New York and beyond.

One of the historic site of people from New York

Most Famous Celebrities from New York

New York, commonly known as “The Big Apple,” is home to some of the most talented and influential people in the world. From actors to musicians, here are the top 5 famous celebrities from New York:

  • Jay-Z – Known as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He has won numerous awards and has released multiple chart-topping albums. Jay-Z is not only famous for his music but also for his business ventures and philanthropy.
  • Robert De Niro – With his powerful acting skills, Robert De Niro is one of the most acclaimed actors in the film industry. Born in Manhattan, New York, De Niro has starred in legendary films such as “The Godfather Part II,” “Taxi Driver,” and “Raging Bull.” He is known for his ability to transform himself into diverse and complex characters.
  • Beyoncé – While not born in New York, Beyoncé has strong connections to the state. She frequently performs in New York City and has sold out multiple shows at venues such as Madison Square Garden. Beyoncé, often referred to as Queen Bey, is known for her powerful vocals, energetic stage presence, and empowering lyrics.
  • Jimmy Fallon – Born in Brooklyn, Jimmy Fallon rose to fame as a comedian and television host. He gained popularity as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” and later became the host of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Fallon’s witty humor and entertaining skits have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
  • Jennifer Lopez – Jennifer Lopez, also known as J.Lo, was born and raised in The Bronx, New York. She is a multitalented artist, excelling in singing, acting, and dancing. Lopez has released numerous hit songs, starred in successful films, and even headlined her own Las Vegas residency. Her enduring success has made her a cultural icon.

These celebrities from New York have captivated audiences worldwide with their talent and charisma. Whether it’s through music, acting, or comedy, they have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, solidifying their place among the most famous and influential people in the world.

Top Richest Individuals from New York

New York, known as the financial capital of the world, has been home to numerous billionaires. Here is a list of the top 5 richest individuals from New York, including those who were born in California or have significant connections to the state:

  • 1. Michael Bloomberg – Finance and Media
  • 2. David Koch – Diversified
  • 3. Leonard Lauder – Cosmetics
  • 4. Stephen Schwarzman – Private Equity
  • 5. Carl Icahn – Investments

1. Michael Bloomberg is the richest person from New York, with an estimated net worth of over $59 billion. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bloomberg built his wealth through his successes in finance and media. He is the co-founder and majority owner of Bloomberg L.P., a global financial data and media company. Bloomberg also served as the Mayor of New York City for three terms and has been actively involved in philanthropy and political causes.

2. David Koch, with a net worth of over $50 billion, was born in Wichita, Kansas, but spent a significant part of his life in New York. He is a major shareholder and executive vice president of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately-held conglomerates in the world. Koch Industries operates in various sectors, including energy, chemicals, and commodities. David Koch has also been an influential figure in libertarian and conservative political circles.

3. Leonard Lauder, with a net worth of over $26 billion, is the chairman emeritus of Estée Lauder Companies, a multinational cosmetics and skincare company founded by his mother, Estée Lauder. Born in New York City, Lauder played a pivotal role in expanding the family business into a global beauty empire. He is a prominent art collector and philanthropist, focusing on supporting educational and cultural institutions.

4. Stephen Schwarzman, with a net worth of over $23 billion, is the chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Blackstone Group, a leading global investment firm. Schwarzman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to New York early in his career and established Blackstone in 1985. The firm specializes in private equity, real estate, and alternative investments. Schwarzman is known for his philanthropic endeavors, including a large donation to the New York Public Library.

5. Carl Icahn, with a net worth of over $21 billion, was born and raised in Far Rockaway, New York. He is an investor, business magnate, and corporate raider known for his aggressive investment strategies. Through his company, Icahn Enterprises, he has acquired significant stakes in numerous companies. Icahn is often involved in high-profile shareholder activism, where he seeks to influence the management and operations of the companies he invests in.

One of New York’s iconic sites

The Most Famous Rappers from New York

Here are the top 5 famous rappers from New York, including those with strong connections to the state:

  • Jay-Z: Known as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Jay-Z was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His areas of expertise include rap, entrepreneurship, and record production. Jay-Z’s net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion, making him one of the wealthiest rappers in the world.
  • Notorious B.I.G: Christopher Wallace, also known as Notorious B.I.G, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was a legendary rapper, known for his smooth flow and storytelling abilities. Notorious B.I.G’s areas of expertise included rap, songwriting, and acting. Although he was tragically killed at a young age, his impact on the rap industry remains significant.
  • Nas: Hailing from Queens, New York, Nas is another influential rapper in the industry. His areas of expertise include rap, songwriting, and entrepreneurship. Nas is known for his introspective lyrics and storytelling skills. With a career spanning over three decades, Nas has solidified his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
  • Run-DMC: This legendary rap group formed in Hollis, Queens, New York, and consisted of Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (DMC), and the late Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay). Run-DMC was instrumental in defining the sound and style of hip-hop in the 1980s. Their areas of expertise included rap, music production, and fashion. They were the first rap group to achieve mainstream success and have left an indelible mark on the genre.
  • Tupac Shakur: While Tupac Shakur was born in East Harlem, New York, he is often associated with the West Coast due to his strong connections to California. Tupac was known for his powerful lyrics and activism. His areas of expertise included rap, acting, and poetry. Despite his untimely death, Tupac’s influence in both the East Coast and West Coast rap scenes remains undeniable.

These are just a few of the many talented rappers who have come from or have strong connections to New York. Each of them has made significant contributions to the rap industry, leaving a lasting impact on the culture and art form.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous individuals from New York. Thank you for reading.

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