Famous People from Long Island

Famous People from Long Island
From the stages of Broadway to the stadiums of the NFL, Long Island has contributed more than its share of influential figures to American culture and industry. Whether they got their start in a small-town high school or were inspired by the region’s rich diversity and strong communities, these individuals highlight Long Island’s unique ability to shape stars.

Long Island, New York, has long been a breeding ground for talent, producing countless individuals who have made their mark in entertainment, sports, politics, and business. Whether raised in its suburban neighborhoods or coastal towns, many well-known figures have proudly called Long Island home.

Entertainment and Music

Billy Joel (Hicksville)
Known as the “Piano Man,” Billy Joel is perhaps Long Island’s most iconic musical export. Born in the Bronx but raised in Hicksville, Joel has sold more than 150 million records and remains closely associated with the Long Island lifestyle in his lyrics and public appearances.

Mariah Carey (Huntington/Greenlawn)
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Mariah Carey grew up in the Huntington area. Known for her five-octave vocal range and holiday hits, Carey has earned numerous Grammy Awards and remains a global pop culture icon.

Alec Baldwin (Massapequa)
The Baldwin family, including Alec and his brothers Stephen, William, and Daniel, hail from Massapequa. Alec Baldwin is a celebrated actor known for roles in 30 Rock, The Departed, and his impersonation of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live.

Rosie O’Donnell (Commack)
Television personality, actress, and comedian Rosie O’Donnell grew up in Commack. She became a household name as the host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show and remains an outspoken advocate on various social issues.

Film and Television

Natalie Portman (Syosset)
Though born in Israel, actress Natalie Portman was raised in Syosset and attended local schools before rising to fame in films such as Black Swan, V for Vendetta, and Star Wars.

Lindsay Lohan (Merrick/Cold Spring Harbor)
Actress and singer Lindsay Lohan grew up on Long Island, splitting her time between Merrick and Cold Spring Harbor. She gained fame through films like The Parent Trap and Mean Girls.

Edie Falco (Northport)
Best known for her award-winning performances in The Sopranos and Nurse Jackie, actress Edie Falco hails from Northport, where she began her early acting journey.

Sports

Craig Biggio (Kings Park)
Hall of Fame baseball player Craig Biggio was born in Smithtown and raised in Kings Park. A longtime member of the Houston Astros, Biggio is remembered for his consistent performance and team loyalty.

Jim Brown (Manhasset)
Regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Jim Brown grew up in Manhasset. Beyond the NFL, he was also an accomplished lacrosse player and civil rights activist.

Carl Yastrzemski (Southampton/Bridgehampton)
The legendary Boston Red Sox player and Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski was born and raised in Bridgehampton. He’s best known for winning the Triple Crown in 1967.

Business and Politics

Howard Stern (Roosevelt/Rockville Centre)
Radio personality and media mogul Howard Stern grew up in Roosevelt and later Rockville Centre. His controversial style helped redefine talk radio and earned him national fame through his long-running show on satellite radio.

Charles Wang (Great Neck)
The late Charles Wang, co-founder of Computer Associates and former owner of the New York Islanders, lived in Great Neck. He played a key role in Long Island’s tech and sports landscape.

A Region That Shapes Legends

From the stages of Broadway to the stadiums of the NFL, Long Island has contributed more than its share of influential figures to American culture and industry. Whether they got their start in a small-town high school or were inspired by the region’s rich diversity and strong communities, these individuals highlight Long Island’s unique ability to shape stars.