Brooklyn has produced enough famous people to fill several lists, so narrowing this one to 20 was no easy task. Once an independent city, it joined New York City in 1898 and grew into one of America’s most influential cultural centers. Its neighborhoods have shaped music, comedy, politics, sports, science, and film for generations. From global superstars to historic trailblazers, these are 20 of the most famous people born in Brooklyn.
20. Barbara Stanwyck (1907–1990)
Brooklyn-born Barbara Stanwyck became one of classic Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actresses. She earned four Academy Award nominations during a career spanning more than six decades. Her films included Double Indemnity, Stella Dallas, and The Lady Eve. Stanwyck later found television success through The Big Valley.
19. Joan Rivers (1933–2014)
Few comedians were as fearless or quick-witted as Brooklyn native Joan Rivers. She broke barriers for women in late-night television and stand-up comedy. Rivers became known for celebrity interviews, red-carpet commentary, and brutally sharp jokes. Her influence remains visible throughout modern comedy.
18. Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005)
Political history changed when Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm entered Congress in 1969. She became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Chisholm later sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. Her campaign inspired generations of women and minority candidates.
17. Anne Hathaway (1982–)
Born in Brooklyn, Anne Hathaway grew into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actresses. Her breakthrough came through the family comedy The Princess Diaries. Hathaway later won an Academy Award for Les Misérables. Her career also includes dramas, comedies, musicals, and major blockbusters.
16. Lena Horne (1917–2010)
Brooklyn produced a groundbreaking entertainer when Lena Horne was born there in 1917. She became a celebrated singer, actress, dancer, and civil-rights activist. Horne challenged Hollywood’s racial barriers throughout her long career. Her signature performances helped redefine Black representation in American entertainment.
15. Vince Lombardi (1913–1970)
Long before his name represented football excellence, Vince Lombardi was born in Brooklyn. He coached the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships. Lombardi also won the first two Super Bowls. The league’s championship trophy now carries his name.
14. Sandy Koufax (1935–)
Baseball legend Sandy Koufax began life in Brooklyn before dominating Major League Baseball. The left-handed pitcher starred for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. Koufax won three Cy Young Awards and four World Series championships. He remains among baseball’s greatest pitchers.
13. Neil Diamond (1941–)
Brooklyn-born Neil Diamond built a remarkable career through memorable melodies and powerful live performances. His hits include Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, and America. Diamond sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His songs remain staples at concerts and sporting events.
12. Adam Sandler (1966–)
Comedy superstar Adam Sandler was born in Brooklyn before growing up in New Hampshire. Saturday Night Live introduced his eccentric songs and characters to national audiences. Sandler later headlined numerous successful comedies and produced films through Happy Madison. He also earned praise for several dramatic performances.
11. Bernie Sanders (1941–)
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Bernie Sanders became one of America’s most influential progressive politicians. He served as Burlington’s mayor before representing Vermont in Congress. Sanders mounted major presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020. His ideas reshaped national debates over healthcare and economic inequality.
10. The Notorious B.I.G. (1972–1997)
Christopher Wallace transformed hip-hop after growing up in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Performing as The Notorious B.I.G., he became a defining East Coast rapper. His storytelling, humor, and distinctive flow influenced countless artists. Biggie’s legacy endured despite his death at only 24.
9. Jerry Seinfeld (1954–)
Brooklyn-born Jerry Seinfeld turned everyday annoyances into one of television’s most successful comedy careers. His sitcom Seinfeld became a defining program of the 1990s. The series famously focused on ordinary situations rather than traditional dramatic plots. Seinfeld remains a major stand-up performer and producer.
8. Mel Brooks (1926–)
No subject seemed too serious for Brooklyn comedy legend Mel Brooks. He created celebrated films including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Producers. Brooks won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. His parodies helped shape generations of filmmakers and comedians.
7. Carl Sagan (1934–1996)
Science gained one of its greatest communicators when Carl Sagan was born in Brooklyn. The astronomer helped explain the universe through books, research, and television. His series Cosmos reached hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. Sagan also promoted space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.
6. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)
Brooklyn native Ruth Bader Ginsburg became a groundbreaking lawyer and Supreme Court justice. Her legal work challenged laws that discriminated based on sex. President Bill Clinton appointed her to the Supreme Court in 1993. Ginsburg later became a cultural symbol of persistence and equality.
5. Mike Tyson (1966–)
Brooklyn-born Mike Tyson became boxing’s youngest heavyweight champion at just 20 years old. His speed, strength, and aggression overwhelmed opponents during his early career. Tyson became one of the world’s most famous athletes. His turbulent personal life remained nearly as public as his boxing achievements.
4. Eddie Murphy (1961–)
Explosive talent carried Brooklyn native Eddie Murphy from stand-up comedy to global movie stardom. He became a Saturday Night Live sensation while still a teenager. Murphy later starred in Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Shrek. His characters and impressions helped reshape American comedy.
3. Barbra Streisand (1942–)
Brooklyn-born Barbra Streisand conquered music, film, television, directing, and live performance. She became one of history’s best-selling recording artists. Streisand also won Academy Awards for acting and songwriting. Her unmistakable voice helped make her an enduring global icon.
2. Jay-Z (1969–)
Raised in Brooklyn’s Marcy Houses, Jay-Z became one of hip-hop’s most successful figures. He built an influential catalog filled with acclaimed albums and major hits. Jay-Z also developed businesses across entertainment, fashion, sports, and technology. His rise made him a symbol of artistic and entrepreneurial ambition.
1. Michael Jordan (1963–)
Although associated with North Carolina and Chicago, Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan earned five Most Valuable Player awards and transformed basketball into a global phenomenon. His influence expanded through endorsements, fashion, ownership, and popular culture.