New York has always been more than just a city it’s a cultural engine that has shaped music, film, fashion, comedy, sports, and media for generations. From the bright lights of Broadway to the gritty beginnings of hip-hop in the Bronx, New York has produced some of the most influential and recognizable celebrities in the world.
What makes New York–born stars especially compelling is how often their work reflects the city’s intensity, diversity, ambition, and resilience. Whether they grew up in Manhattan penthouses or Queens apartments, these celebrities carry New York’s identity into global pop culture.
Below is a carefully curated list of the 10 most popular celebrities from New York, chosen not just for fame, but for cultural impact, longevity, and continued relevance with American audiences.
1. Beyoncé (Born in Manhattan, raised in Houston)
While Beyoncé is most commonly associated with Texas, she was born in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill Hospital, giving her New York roots that often get overlooked. Over the past two decades, Beyoncé has become one of the most powerful entertainers in the world, redefining pop stardom through music, fashion, and activism.
Her influence goes beyond chart success she has shaped conversations around Black excellence, female empowerment, and artistic ownership. New York has remained an important hub in her career, from iconic Madison Square Garden performances to deeply personal projects tied to urban culture.
Beyonce2. Jay-Z (Brooklyn)
Jay-Z is arguably the most iconic celebrity ever to emerge from New York City. Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects, his story represents the ultimate New York success narrative.
Starting as a street hustler turned independent rapper, Jay-Z built a billion-dollar empire that spans music, sports management, fashion, and business investments.
His lyrics frequently reference Brooklyn life, and his influence helped solidify New York as the birthplace of hip-hop on a global scale. Beyond music, Jay-Z remains one of the most respected voices in American culture.
Jay-Z3. Robert De Niro (Manhattan)
Few actors are as closely associated with New York as Robert De Niro. Born in Manhattan and raised in Greenwich Village and Little Italy, De Niro’s career has been defined by roles that reflect the city’s raw realism.
From Taxi Driver to Goodfellas and The Irishman, his performances often capture the grit and complexity of New York life. De Niro also co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival, helping revitalize Lower Manhattan after 9/11 and further cementing his role as a cultural pillar of the city.
Robert De Niro4. Scarlett Johansson (Manhattan)
Scarlett Johansson was born and raised in Manhattan, and she began acting at a young age while attending New York’s Professional Children’s School. Over time, she became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, thanks to her versatility in films ranging from indie dramas to blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Despite her global fame, Johansson has often maintained a low-key New York sensibility, balancing big-screen success with theater work and smaller, character-driven projects.
Scarlett Johansson5. Mariah Carey (Huntington, Long Island)
Mariah Carey’s connection to New York is deeply woven into her identity as an artist. Born on Long Island and rising to fame in the early 1990s, Carey became one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Her five-octave vocal range, chart-dominating hits, and songwriting talent made her a defining voice of modern pop and R&B. New York played a major role in her early career, with the city’s competitive music industry shaping her drive and sound.
Mariah Carey6. Adam Sandler (Brooklyn)
Adam Sandler’s comedy career is inseparable from his New York roots. Born in Brooklyn and later raised on Long Island, Sandler’s humor often reflects everyday American life with a distinctly East Coast edge.
After rising to fame on Saturday Night Live, he built a long-running film career that includes both broad comedies and critically praised dramatic roles. Sandler remains one of the most commercially successful comedians in film history, while still maintaining a relatable, New York-style authenticity.
Adam Sandler7. Jennifer Lopez (The Bronx)
Jennifer Lopez, often referred to as J.Lo, is one of the most influential entertainers to come out of New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx, she started as a dancer before breaking into acting and music.
Lopez became a global superstar while proudly representing her Bronx roots, helping redefine Latin representation in mainstream American entertainment. Her success in music, film, fashion, and business has made her a cultural icon for multiple generations.
Jennifer Lopez8. Eddie Murphy (Brooklyn)
Eddie Murphy grew up in Brooklyn and became one of the most influential comedians in American history. His breakout work on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s changed the landscape of television comedy, and his stand-up specials are still considered legendary.
Murphy went on to dominate the box office with hit films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, proving that a New York comedian could become a global movie star. His recent career resurgence has only reinforced his lasting popularity.
Eddie Murphy9. Spike Lee (Atlanta-born, raised in Brooklyn)
Although Spike Lee was born in Atlanta, he was raised in Brooklyn and has become one of New York’s most important cultural storytellers. His films, including Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and Inside Man, are deeply rooted in New York neighborhoods and social issues.
Lee’s work has consistently explored race, identity, and power in America, making him not just a filmmaker, but a vital public intellectual. His signature Knicks fandom and Brooklyn pride further connect him to the city’s cultural fabric.
Spike Lee10. Lady Gaga (Manhattan)
Lady Gaga was born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where she studied music from a young age. She emerged in the late 2000s as a pop disruptor, blending performance art with chart-topping hits.
Over time, Gaga proved her range by excelling in acting, jazz music, and philanthropic work. Her New York upbringing influenced her fearless creativity and work ethic, qualities that helped her become one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world.
Lady GagaNew York’s influence on American celebrity culture is unmatched. The city doesn’t just produce stars it shapes them. From hip-hop legends and Oscar-winning actors to pop icons and groundbreaking filmmakers, New York celebrities often reflect the city’s diversity, ambition, and relentless energy.
What connects all ten figures on this list is not just fame, but impact. They didn’t simply succeed in entertainment; they helped define it.
As pop culture continues to evolve, New York remains a proving ground for future stars, ensuring that its legacy as a celebrity powerhouse will continue for generations to come.
