by Beth Schwartz

Created on: August 07, 2009

Already known as the "Garden State," New Jersey should also be known for the amazing amount of talent that was born there.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, more popularly known as Abbott and Costello, were both born in New Jersey. Rat Packer and legend Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. Martha Stewart was born in Jersey City. And that's just the beginning:

HISTORICAL FIGURES

Buzz Aldrin was born in Montclair, New Jersey. Aldrin was the second person to walk on the moon. Retired General Norman Schwarzkopf was born in Trenton. Schwarzkopf played a huge role in the Gulf War (1991) and was given the nickname "Stormin' Norman."

ACTORS

Jack Nicholson, who won an Oscar for his roles in As Good as It Gets, Terms of Endearment, and One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, was born in Neptune, New Jersey. John Travolta, known for his roles in such movies as Grease, Pulp Fiction, and Hairspray, among many others, was born in Englewood. Joe Pesci, who won an Oscar for his role in Goodfellas, was born in Newark. Nathan Lane, star of stage and screen, was born in Jersey City.

Ray Liotta, who, like Pesci, also starred in Goodfellas, was born in Newark. Danny DeVito, probably best known for his portrayal of Louie De Palma in Taxi, was born in Asbury Park. James Gandolfini, born in Westwood, became a household name when he was cast to play Tony Soprano. Both Jay and Silent Bob (played by Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, respectively) from such movies as Clerks, Mallrats, and Dogma, were both born in New Jersey.

Other actors who were born in New Jersey include Jason Biggs, Michael Douglas, Ed Harris, Frank Langella, Jerry Lewis, Jay Mohr, Frankie Muniz, Kal Penn, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ian Ziering, and Zach Braff.

ACTRESSES

Meryl Streep, who won an Oscar for her roles in Sophie's Choice and Kramer vs. Kramer, was born in Summit, New Jersey. Kelly Ripa, who caught her big break when she landed the role as Hayley on All My Children and now co-hosts Live with Regis & Kelly, was born in Stratford. Kirsten Dunst, known for her roles in Spider-Man and Mona Lisa Smile, was born in Point Pleasant. Model and actress Sandra Dee was born in Bayonne.

Other notable actresses who were born in New Jersey are Jane Krakowski, Ali Larter, Laura Prepon, Keshia Knight Pulliam, and Tara Reid.

MUSIC

Known for her huge disco hit "I Will Survive," Gloria Gaynor was born in Newark, New Jersey. Singing legend Whitney Houston was also born in Newark. Bruce Springsteen, who won an Oscar for his song, "Streets of Philadelphia," was born in Long Branch. Both Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora (members of the band Bon Jovi) were born in Perth Amboy. Singer Lauryn Hill is from South Orange, and rapper/actress Queen Latifah was born in Newark.

SPORTS

New York Yankee Derek Jeter was born in Pequannock Township, New Jersey. Shaquille O'Neal, best known as a professional basketball player but who is also a rapper and actor, was born in Newark. Controversial basketball player Dennis Rodman was born in Trenton.

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