From renowned pop icons to groundbreaking scientists, Hoboken's diverse talents have not only gained recognition but have significantly shaped these individuals  respective fields.


Frank Sinatra 

The pop singing icon has won eleven Grammy awards, including the Legend and Lifetime Achievement Award for his fantastic career. Sinatra is known for his hits "Come Fly With Me" and "My Way." Sinatra is regarded as one of the most popular entertainers of the mid-20th century. 

Buddy Valastro

A reality star from the TLC series Cake Boss and its spin-off show Kitchen Boss. Valastro creates extravagant cakes for celebrities, politicians, and families. He published two Cake Boss books and produced his own spin-off show Next Great Baker. If you are ever in Hoboken, you must stop by the original Carlo's Bakery to get any of their cookies, cannolis, or cakes. 


Joe Pantoliano 

Having appeared in over 150 film, television, and stage productions, Joe Pantoliano is one of the more well-known character actors. You might have seen Joey Pants in movies like "Memento," "Bad Boys," and "The Matrix" to name a few. He also earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Ralph Cifaretto in "The Sopranos."

Jennifer Bini Taylor 

Known for her role as Chelsea, the romantic counterpart of Charlie Sheen on the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men," Jennifer Taylor is another actor born in Hoboken, New Jersey. She is also known for her more minor roles early in her career in movies such as "The Waterboy" and the neo-noir thriller "Wild Things." 

Pia Zadora

Born in 1954 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Pia Zadora is an actress and singer. She started as a child actress and has a background in Broadway. Her career took off in the 80s with roles in "The Lonely Lady," "Butterfly," and "Voyage of the Rock Aliens." Zadora's role in "Butterfly" earned her a Golden Globe Award for New Star in Motion Picture. 

Sam Esmail 

Best known for being the creator, writer, and director of the award-winning USA Network Television series "Mr.Robot" starring Rami Malek, Sam Esmail also runs the production company Esmail Corp. Esmail also created the show "Leave the World Behind" starring Hollywood icon, Julia Roberts. He has been married to actress Emmy Rossum since 2017.

Michael Chang 

The youngest man in history to win a singles major, winning the 1989 French Open at 17 years old. Since he retired, Chang has been coaching pickleball in Southern California. 

Fabrejay 

Known as Jeffery Santana, born in Hoboken, New Jersey, he is recognized as one of the most talented D.J.s. Fabrejay has performed for Rihanna, The Jonas Brothers, DJ Khaled, and President Obama. He is also a Resident D.J. of Jay Z's world-famous 40/40 Club in New York City. 

Alfred Kinsey 

An American sexologist, biologist, and professor of entomology and zoology, Alfred Kinsey founded the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University in 1947. The institute is now known as the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. He is regarded as the first significant figure in American sexology, and his research has opened up opportunities for deeper exploration into sexuality among sexologists and the general public. 

Howard H. Aiken 

A pioneer in computing and the original designer behind IBM's Harvard Mark I computer. He is the forerunner of the modern electronic digital computer. Aiken did all of the engineering work while he attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After receiving his doctorate at Harvard University in 1939, he did war work for the U.S. Navy Board of Ordnance.