Growing up in the Big Apple, I can confirm that meeting or personally knowing someone famous is a regular thing. But beyond the city, there are tons of popular celebrities from small towns in New York, too, and some might even surprise you. That’s right, a host of household names have hailed from small towns around the state. We’ve put together a list of six of the most famous people born right here in the Empire State.
We’re talking about towns like Elmira, Lake Placid, and Saugerties, just to name a few. Want to know who came from where? Keep reading to discover the most famous people from New York!
1. Tommy Hilfiger, Elmira, New York
Tommy Hilfiger is a fashion icon who changed the game—both in fashion and culture at large—many times over. Years ago, teens in the city wore the iconic sweatshirts and sweaters with the classic red, white, and navy flag logo on the front. Back then, most of us had no clue that Hilfiger was from New York. Honestly, we thought the clothes were cool, and the brand became a major force in urban fashion.
He was born in Elmira, and he graduated from the Elmira Free Academy high school in 1969. Elmira is a quaint town near the Pennsylvania border, known for the Chemung River, its rich history, and literary legacy. In fact, legendary author Mark Twain had a home here that you can visit today. Read on to fid out why Elmira is one of the most haunted small towns in New York.
2. Lana Del Rey, Lake Placid, New York
Lana Del Rey is one of the most important and influential pop singers of the past 20 years. Though the artist, whose government name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, was born in New York City, she moved to Lake Placid when she was just one year old. While living in the gorgeous Adirondack village, she got her start by singing in her church choir. Fortunately, her talent was bigger than the borders of this picturesque mountain town in New York, so she decided to leave to pursue her dreams. And I’m glad that she did.
3. Rachael Ray, Glens Falls/Lake George, New York
The cook, author, and TV personality Rachael Ray was born in Glens Falls; her family moved to Lake George when she was eight. The neighboring towns are gateways to the Adirondack Mountains and attract many visitors searching for a lakeside escape with a small-town vibe. Though she moved to NYC in 1995, she went back to the Lake George area a year later, where she honed her skills as a cook and performer…