This one was really fun for me to put together for you. We have so much family in this area and it has lead to countless conservations that all start with “Did you know that ______ is from Cuse?” During this past Thanksgiving I asked everyone of my Syracuse family to name just 5 people of 25, I listed. No one could do it. But props to Uncle Steve that reminded me that Zane Lamprey went to Bishop Grimes (that’s a local high school). That brings the list up to 26.
1. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is one of the most famous people from Syracuse, New York. He was born here, but by his high school days moved to Jersey. Aside from being an actor, he is also a producer and director. He has starred in many popular movies, such as Top Gun, Rain Man, and Mission: Impossible. Cruise is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
2. Bobcat Goldthwait
Bobcat Goldthwait, born Robert Francis Goldthwait in 1962, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, director, and writer who first gained fame as a stand-up comedian during the 1980s. He is perhaps best known for his distinctive voice, featured in numerous film roles, such as Zed in the Police Academy franchise and Jerry Lee in One Crazy Summer.
Bobcat tours the country as a stand-up comic, performing his unique surrealist comedy that often incorporates political issues into his jokes. His ongoing success proves that he will remain one of Syracuse’s most famous people for some time.
3. Frank Whaley
Frank Whaley is a highly recognizable figure from Syracuse, New York. He has had a successful career as an actor, director, and writer and is primarily known for his work in the films Swimming with Sharks, JFK, and Vacancy.
Frank Whaley continues to act and direct today while residing in Syracuse, New York – a remarkable achievement for someone who began their professional career there many years ago.
4. Dylan Baker
Dylan Baker is an actor from Syracuse, New York, who has had extensive success in the entertainment industry. He starred in the hit show The Good Wife and numerous films such as Spider-Man 2 and Road to Perdition.
Additionally, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway play La Bête.
5. Tom Kenny
Tom Kenny is one of the most well-known celebrities from Syracuse, New York. He is an American voice actor, comedian, singer, and writer who has lent his voice to many characters in various animated series and films.
Tom has provided the voices for iconic characters such as Spongebob Squarepants and Dog in CatDog.
6. Rory Cochrane
Rory Cochrane is one of the most famous actors to come out of Syracuse, New York. Born and raised in the city, he has starred in major Hollywood films such as Argo and Black Hawk Down.
After starring in Empire Records in 1995, he starred in numerous film roles, such as Argo and Black Hawk Down, cementing his place in Hollywood.
7. Michaela Watkins
Michaela Watkins is one of the most famous people from Syracuse, New York. She has had a very successful career in comedy, appearing in numerous popular television shows such as Saturday Night Live and Casual. She has also starred in feature films like The Back-Up Plan and Wanderlust.
8. Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Siobhan Fallon Hogan is a beloved figure in Syracuse, New York. Born and raised in the city, she has become a highly successful actress with memorable roles in films such as Men In Black, Forrest Gump, and Boomerang.
9. Johnny Messner
Johnny Messner is a famous actor from Syracuse, New York, who has achieved immense success in the entertainment industry.
He is best known for his roles in action movies, such as Tears of the Sun, The Perfect Weapon, and The Mechanic. Messner grew up in Syracuse and attended Westhill High School, where he studied acting and theater.
10. Anthony Starke
Anthony Starke is a well-known actor and producer from Syracuse, New York. He has starred in numerous films and TV shows, including roles in The Wonder Years, ER, and The West Wing. He’s been featured on the big screen in movies like My Best Friend’s Wedding and Kingpin.
11. Rod Serling
Rod Serling is one of the most famous people to come from Syracuse, New York. He is best known for creating and hosting the classic science fiction anthology series The Twilight Zone, which aired on CBS from 1959 to 1964.
His creative talent earned him two Emmy Awards and a place in the Television Hall of Fame.
12. Post Malone
Post Malone is a famous recording artist, songwriter, and producer from Syracuse, New York. Born Austin Richard Post in 1995, he’s known for his unique blend of hip-hop and rock sounds and his chart-topping singles like Rockstar and Congratulations.
13. Mary Mara
Mary Mara is a renowned public figure in Syracuse, New York. She is best known for her work advocating for the rights of the underprivileged and her philanthropic endeavors.
Mary has dedicated much of her life to service and has been a strong voice in the community since she first arrived in Syracuse.
14. Robert De Niro Sr.
Robert De Niro Sr. was an influential figure in the modern art movement, and his work has been featured in many major museums worldwide.
After graduating from Syracuse University, he moved to New York City to pursue his artistic career and become a leader in the abstract expressionist movement.
15. Jaclyn Hales
Jaclyn Hales is a well-known actress, writer, and producer from Syracuse, New York. She has starred in various films, television shows, and stage productions, notably the hit movies “Wool” and “The Lighthouse.” Her work has been recognized by multiple awards, both nationally and internationally.
16. William Lundigan
William Lundigan was a famous actor from Syracuse, New York. Born in 1920, he grew up in the city and went on to attend Syracuse University. While there, Lundigan starred in several plays and musicals before being discovered by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.
17. Andy Davoli
Andy Davoli is an American actor and producer who has risen to fame in Hollywood. Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Davoli began his career at a young age. He started acting in local theater productions before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being an actor.
18. Jeff Altman
Jeff Altman is a renowned actor, comedian, and writer born and raised in Syracuse, New York. He has starred in many popular films and series, including Saturday Night Live, The Jeffersons, and the cult classic film Caddyshack. Altman is well known for his comedic timing and sharp wit.
19. David Greenman
David Greenman is an actor and producer who has achieved fame and success in the entertainment industry. Born in Syracuse, New York, he began his career on stage at 12 with a production of The Wiz.
From there, he continued honing his craft, performing locally and regionally throughout high school and college.
20. Caris Vujcec
Caris Vujcec is an incredibly accomplished actress, writer, producer, and director who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Born in Syracuse, she proudly embraces her Mediterranean roots and loves to share stories featuring strong female characters with unique perspectives. Caris has been featured on Broadway, television, and her original content creations.
21. Micheal Kieda
Michael Broomfield is an American actor best known for his roles in 1446: An Eternal Moment and ConfidencemanJP. Born in Syracuse, NY, Michael was raised by a single mother and moved around quite a bit during his childhood. He lived in America, Italy, Korea, and finally, Japan, where he has been since 2006.
22. Hoyt Richards
Hoyt Richards is an acclaimed actor, writer, and producer from Syracuse, New York. Growing up in the Main Line area outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the fourth of six children, Hoyt excelled at football and track during his school years.
23. Brent Barbano
Brent Barbano is an award-winning Cinematographer who has achieved remarkable success in the industry. Raised in Syracuse, New York, Brent earned his degree from Syracuse University and now lives in Los Angeles, California.
Throughout his ten-year career, he has developed a specialty in creating great content for commercials, narrative films, and documentaries across the United States and 30 countries worldwide.
24. Alan Gelfant
Alan Gelfant is an American actor, most notably recognized for his roles in Next Stop Wonderland (1998), Who’s the Caboose? (1997) and Monkeybone (2001). Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Gelfant began his acting career at a young age, appearing in several local plays.
25. Zane Lamprey
Zane Lamprey is an American writer, television host, and comedian originally from Syracuse, New York. He grew up in the city’s Eastwood neighborhood, where he attended Bishop Grimes High School.
The lamprey has hosted several television shows, including Three Sheets, Drinking Made Easy, Chug, and Most Terrifying Places in America.
26. Will McLaughlin
Will McLaughlin is a renowned actor from Syracuse, New York, who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He began his acting career at eight, showcasing his talents in regional theater productions throughout upstate New York.
The Bottom Line
Although there are many famous people from the Syracuse, New York, area, this is only a tiny sampling of the notable individuals who have called Syracuse home. The Syracuse area has produced some truly remarkable people, from musicians and actors to athletes and politicians.
If you’re ever in town, be sure to check out some of the places where these famous folks spent their time growing up. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of a celebrity yourself!