New Jersey doesn’t just sit in New York’s shadow — it’s got its own celebrity DNA. The Garden State has produced everyone from Zach Grenier, the character actor you’ve seen in everything from Fight Club to The Good Wife, to Kimberly Fey, known as Donnie Wahlberg’s ex-wife. Kate Arrington brought stage talent from the Jersey suburbs to Broadway, while John Carl Dinklage shares more than a last name with his famous brother Peter. These eight Garden State natives show Jersey’s range extends well beyond the Turnpike.
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New Jersey · Cancer
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Englewood, New Jersey · Aquarius
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New Jersey-born celebrity has the longest acting career?
Zach Grenier’s been working steadily since the late 1980s. He’s racked up credits in major films like Fight Club and Twister, plus a long-running role as David Lee on The Good Wife and its spinoff The Good Fight. Englewood, New Jersey raised one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors.
Are any of these New Jersey celebrities related to famous people?
Several have notable family connections. John Carl Dinklage is the brother of Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, Kimberly Fey is Donnie Wahlberg’s first wife, and Gilbert Hartmann LaPiere is connected to the Cher and Sonny Bono family through adoption.
What parts of New Jersey are these celebrities from?
They span the state — from Morristown in the north to Englewood near the George Washington Bridge. New Jersey’s proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia has always made it a natural breeding ground for entertainment talent.
Explore more celebrity birthplaces across the country