New Jersey may not be the TV capital of the world, but it sure is the source of plenty TV personalities. Here’s a list of TV stars from New Jersey.
Laura Prepon
This Watchung-born actress is best known for playing Donna on the hit sitcom That ‘70s Show. She currently plays Alex on the wildly popular Netflix original Orange is the New Black. She has also worked in film, and appears in the recently released film The Girl on the Train.
Peter Dinklage
This Morristown native rose to fame after appearing in The Station Agent in 2003. He is best known for his portrayal of Tyrion in Game of Thrones, a role for which he won 2 Emmys and a Golden Globe. And if you don’t watch Game of Thrones, you might recognize him as Miles Finch from Elf (2003) or Trumpkin in the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008).
Elizabeth Gillies
Born in Haworth, New Jersey, this actress started out on Broadway in the musical 13, but eventually scored a major role in the children’s comedy series Victorious. She currently stars in the FX comedy Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll. She’s also well-liked on Instagram and Twitter, where she occasionally posts paparazzi pictures of her outfits with captions that portray her as a woman who murdered her husband.
Ashley Tisdale
This Disney Channel star comes from Monmouth County. Best known for her roles as Maddie in the children’s comedy series Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Sharpay in the High School Musical movies, and Candace in the animated series Phineas and Ferb, she has also dabbled in producing shows like Young & Hungry (starring another former Disney star Emily Osment) for ABC Family (now called Freeform) .
Frankie Muniz
Frankie Muniz is best known for his portrayal of the title character in sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, a role for which he received nominations at the Emmys and the Golden Globes. Since being on TV, this Wood-Ridge native decided to devote his time to open wheel racing and drumming.
Zach Braff
South Orange-born Zach Braff is best known for playing Dr. Dorian on Scrubs, a role for which he received an Emmy nomination. Additionally, he has dabbled in directing with Garden State (2004), and the soundtrack he compiled won a Grammy. He’s also appeared on Broadway and London’s West End.
Queen Latifah
While Newark native Queen Latifah’s career is more focused on music and film, she did star in the 90s sitcom Living Single, HBO film Bessie (2015), which earned an Emmy, and her own daytime talk show The Queen Latifah Show. She is quite the Renaissance woman!
Ice-T
Another actor from Newark, Ice-T began his career as a rapper before focusing on TV. His most notable role has been as Odafin on Law & Order: SVU, but he has also appeared as himself or hosted on a number of programs.
Kelly Ripa
Born in Stratford, New Jersey, Kelly Ripa rose to fame with her role of Hayley on the daytime soap opera All My Children. She also played the second title character in sitcom Hope & Faith, but she is best known today as the host of Live! With Kelly. Since Regis Philbin left in 2011, Ripa has been searching for a permanent co-host. We hope her newest pick turns out well!
Mindy Sterling
This Paterson native has had quite a few memorable TV roles, including Frau Farbissina in Austin Powers, Principal Skidmore on Disney Channel comedy A.N.T. Farm, Ms. Endive in Cartoon Network’s Chowder, Lin Beifong in Avatar spin-off The Legend of Korra, and Miss Briggs on Nickelodeon comedy iCarly. She has also made appearances on That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Friends, and Desperate Housewives. Her voice acting work includes The Wild Thornberrys, Invader Zim, American Dragon: Jake Long, and Winx Club.
Jon Stewart
Although Jon Stewart was born in New York City, he grew up and graduated high school in Lawrenceville, New Jersey! He is best known for hosting Comedy Central’s The Daily Show until 2015, winning 22 Emmys. He also hosted MTV’s The Jon Stewart Show and You Wrote It, You Watch It. In addition, he does stand-up comedy and producing/directing.
We’re always amazed by the caliber of talent coming out of New Jersey, but then again, why should we be when NJ is such an awesome state? We hope you’re as proud as we are of these TV stars from New Jersey!