By now, we all know that the legendary Wu-Tang Clan was born on Staten Island. You could argue that they, in fact, put Richmond County on the map. But before the Shaolin superstars made the strongest island famous, these 10 celebrities were Staten Island-born and bred.
Some of these may surprise you. For example:
Frank Albanese: Staten Island Born
You probably know Mr. Albanese from his work on The Sopranos, where he played “Uncle Pat.” And though Albanese died in 2015, his legacy continues to live on.
Other Sopranos Actors
While many of the stars of The Sopranos were born in New Jersey, there were a few other stars who took their first breath on the Island of Staten. Michael Drayer, Robert Funaro, Steve Schirippa, and Dan Grimaldi all originally hail from here.
Alyssa Milano
Love her or hate her, the former star of Charmed and Who’s The Boss? is from here.
Martin Sheen
Born Ramon Estevez and best known for his roles in Apocalypse Now and The West Wing, the legendary actor Martin Sheen is a native of Richmond County. (His son, the actor Emilio Estevez, was also born here.)
The Situation
His mother calls him Michael Sorrentino. But though “The Situation” is best known for being a star on MTV’s hit show Jersey Shore, he is a native of Staten Island.
Most of The Cast of Impractical Jokers is Staten Island Born
Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James Murray, and Brian Quinn all called Staten Island home before they became Comedy Central legends.
Christina Aguilera
Though she was raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Christina Aguilera was born here. So, yes, we get to claim her.
Robin Quivers
She’s best known as Howard Stern’s sidekick, but she’s also Staten Island’s pride and joy.
Larry Romano
He may be known for his work on The King of Queens, but we consider Larry Romano one of the Kings of Staten Island!
Theo Rossi
He’s a Son of Anarchy…and a son of Staten Island.
Who are some of your favorite Staten Island-born celebrities?
