Staten Island is a place with many talented and creative people. Some entrepreneurs started successful businesses, activists who made positive changes, and artists who added to the culture. Musicians, actors, and performers also do well here, showing their skills to local and global audiences.
All these residents have shaped Staten Island and made a big impact, inspiring others now and in the future. So, if you are new to NYC and looking for things to do in New York for first-timers, then plan your visit to this amazing borough which is the land of so many influential personalities. In this blog, you will get to know about these famous people from staten island. Let’s have a look at their contribution to the borough.
1. Francesco Scavullo
Occupation: Fashion, Beauty, and Celebrity Photographer
Connection to Staten Island
Francesco Scavullo was a famous photographer who was born in Staten Island. He began photographing his sisters by using his father's camera. When his family moved to Manhattan, Scavullo continued to take photos of his sisters and their friends. He came up with the idea of "Scavulloization," which meant making a model look great by paying attention to details like styling and lighting.
2. Rick Schroder
Occupation: Actor
Connection to Staten Island
Rick Schroder, who is often known as Ricky Schroder, was born in Staten Island, New York. He grew up and started his career in Great Kills, Staten Island, living on Leverett Avenue. He got into show business when he was young and became famous for acting in shows like "Silver Spoons" and "NYPD Blue". His roots are from Staten Island so he still feels connected to where he grew up.
3. Armand Schwerner
Occupation: Poet and Writer
Connection to Staten Island
Armand Schwerner is a famous poet and had a close bond with Staten Island. He moved to the United States with his family and settled in New York City. Schwerner started teaching at Staten Island Community College in 1964, where he taught English for 12 years. His son, Adam admired how his father was being praised by Staten Islanders for his noble profession. Schwerner's teaching materials, like letters, schedules, and more, are kept in the "College of Staten Island" section in the "TEACHING MATERIALS" series. His active involvement in Poet-in-the-School programs around New York City is also recorded in these materials.
4. Alan Seeger
Occupation: Poet and Soldier
Connection to Staten Island
Alan Seeger, an American poet, is famous for his war poems. Although he was born in New York City, he spent a lot of his early years in Staten Island. His family moved there in 1898, and that's where he went to school at Staten Island Academy. It was during this time that he fell in love with writing and poetry. He was so inspired by the beauty of Staten Island that he often wrote good things in his poetry about the borough. There's a plaque at Staten Island Academy dedicated to him as a poet and soldier, put up in 1930 to honor his life and his writing.
5. Martin Scorsese
Occupation: Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Connection to Staten Island
Martin Scorsese is a famous movie director who has a strong tie to Staten Island. Although he was born in Queens, New York City, his family moved to Staten Island when he was young. He spent much of his childhood and teenage years in the Old Town neighborhood there. This area influenced how he sees things and even showed up in some of his movies. Scorsese often talks about how growing up on Staten Island influenced his movies. The culture and life in the neighborhood where he lived had a big impact on his work, and that connection to Staten Island is a big part of who he is as an artist.
6. Christina Aguilera
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Connection to Staten Island
Christina Aguilera, the famous American pop singer, was born in Staten Island, New York. She lived in Grasmere during her early years before moving to Texas when she was 8. When she was a kid, she appeared on "Star Search" and later joined the "New Mickey Mouse Club." Staten Island was important to her because this borough made her star. Despite her struggling early years, Christina Aguilera's birthplace in Staten Island holds significance in her life and career, as it was the place where her musical journey began.
7. Wu-Tang Clan
Occupation: Hip-Hop Group
Connection to Staten Island
The Wu-Tang Clan, a famous hip-hop group, is closely linked with Staten Island, New York. Their famous members are RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and others, who came from the Park Hill and Stapleton neighborhoods in Staten Island. Their first album was a big hit, showing how much Staten Island influenced their music and who they were. Their name, "Wu-Tang Clan," comes from the Wudang Mountains in China, showing their interest in martial arts and philosophy, which they often talked about in their music. The Wu-Tang Clan often mentions Staten Island in their songs, showing how important it is to them. They have also helped out in the community thereby doing charity work.
8. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
Occupation: Rapper, Actor, Entrepreneur
Connection to Staten Island
Curtis Jackson, known by his stage name 50 Cent, is a well-known American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. He is known for his significant connection to Staten Island, New York, although he was born in Queens. His connection to Staten Island stems from his involvement in the music and entertainment industry, as well as his interactions with fellow artists and industry professionals from the borough. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Staten Island, then plan to visit the borough and book the live show for 50 cents and enjoy your time.
9. Theodore Sturgeon
Occupation: Science Fiction Author
Connection to Staten Island
Theodore Sturgeon is a famous science fiction writer and he had a special link to Staten Island, New York. He lived there for a long time and was active in the local writing community. He is a well-known writer, famous for his creative and thought-provoking sci-fi stories, which have made him a respected figure in literature. Living in Staten Island influenced his writing and gave him ideas. He wrote a novel called "More Than Human" and many short stories that are still remembered in the sci-fi world. Sturgeon's connection to Staten Island is an important part of his legacy. It shows how where you live can inspire your writing and how being part of a community can shape an author's work.
10. Andy Milligan
Occupation: Playwright and Film Director
Connection to Staten Island
Andy Milligan was a filmmaker known for making controversial movies in Staten Island, New York. His most of films were often shot in his neighborhood there. His films were unique and had a big impact on underground cinema. His connection to Staten Island and his passion for making films independently made his work stand out. His influence on underground cinema, especially in Staten Island, is an important part of his legacy.
11. Emily Post
Occupation: Columnist and Author
Connection to Staten Island
Emily Post, the famous expert on manners and etiquette, had a strong bond with Staten Island. She and her husband Edwin lived there in a rented house and had two sons while living on Staten Island. Staten Island was where Emily and her family spent the early years of their marriage and raising their children. This time in Staten Island shaped her experiences and how she saw social interactions and family life.
12. John Alexander
Occupation: Chairman and CEO, Northfield Bank
Connection to Staten Island
John Alexander, the head of Northfield Bank, has been important in Staten Island. He's been part of groups like the board of directors for Staten Island University Hospital and the Staten Island Economic Development Commission. People respect him for his business skills and how he helps the community. His bank has also been supportive showing his commitment to the area. Overall, his work and involvement in different organizations show how much he cares about Staten Island.
13. Christina Tosi
Occupation: Chef, cookbook author
Connection to Staten Island
Christina Tosi is a famous American chef and owner of Milk Bar. She has a special link to Staten Island where she started her cooking career. There, she became known for making unique desserts, like her childhood-inspired pastries. This success led her to open Milk Bar in 2008. Tosi's creativity has made a big impact on Staten Island's food scene. She also won important awards for her cooking and has been a judge on TV cooking shows like "MasterChef”.
14. John Cena
Occupation: Wrestler-turned-actor
Connection to Staten Island
This professional wrestler-turned-actor has become a global star through his work in both the WWE and Hollywood. John Cena has recently shown an interest in Staten Island as he added several Staten Island accounts to his Twitter following list. This may suggest a growing connection or interest in the borough. This development indicates Cena's engagement with Staten Island.
15. The Verrazano Brothers
Occupation: Explorers and navigators
Connection to Staten Island
The Verrazano brothers, Giovanni da Verrazzano and Gerolamo Verrazzano have a historical link to Staten Island because they explored the area in the early 1500s. Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to enter New York Harbor and sail up the Hudson River. In 1524, he discovered what is staten island known for now. He documented what he saw, helping Europeans learn about this part of the world. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Staten Island to Brooklyn, is named after Giovanni da Verrazzano. The bridge's name is a version of the explorer's name and shows how important his exploration was and how connected he is to Staten Island. This historical link shows how the Verrazano brothers' exploration still matters today, especially with the famous bridge.
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