When it comes to celebrities, people often feel a special connection to them. Although their media image may not always reflect reality, the strength and talent of these individuals are undeniably captivating. New York is home to many stars—from musicians to television hosts—who inspire new achievements, bring joy through their work, and prove that success is within anyone’s reach. Read on at queenski.com to learn about the most famous natives of Queens who have etched their names into the history of the entertainment industry.
Martin Scorsese
One of the greatest directors in cinematic history, Martin Scorsese creates rather dark and often brutal films where technical perfection meets flawless acting. A seasoned film enthusiast can easily recognize Scorsese’s signature style: his movies are remarkably realistic and often feature violence, nudity, and profanity. Additionally, his works frequently include slow-motion, freeze frames, and cameos. Popular themes in the genius’s films are religion and political corruption.
Interestingly, his career in show business was aided by illness. From the age of three, Scorsese suffered from asthma, which kept him at home for weeks at a time. To comfort him, his parents would periodically take him to the movie theater and play films in his room. It was then that Martin developed a love for cinema. Although he initially enrolled in a seminary, he later left to study English, literature, and cinematography at New York University. Even as a student, he began creating a variety of films, from foreign classics to Hollywood musicals.
Scorsese has directed the gangster drama Goodfellas (1990), the biographical sports drama Raging Bull (1980), the drama The Irishman (2019), the psychological thriller Taxi Driver (1976), the historical romantic drama The Age of Innocence (1993), the drama Mean Streets (1973), the Western crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), and the black comedy The King of Comedy (1982), among others.
50 Cent
Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent, endured a difficult childhood filled with crime, drugs, and violence. His mother, who was a lesbian, dealt crack cocaine and was murdered at the age of 23, left alone in an apartment with the gas turned on. Curtis never knew his father, so he was raised by his grandmother. As a youth, Jackson earned a living by selling drugs, for which he even served time in a correctional boot camp. He began to channel his pain and anger into “gangsta” rap songs. The rapper, who has authored countless hits, chose the pseudonym 50 Cent—the nickname of a Brooklyn hustler with whom he felt a kinship.
In 1999, 50 Cent signed a contract with Columbia Records. However, he got his first taste of true fame after releasing the single “How to Rob,” a song about robbing famous artists. In 2002, the king of rap, Eminem, heard 50 Cent’s music. He introduced Jackson to producer Dr. Dre, and just a year later, the artist released the album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which captivated hip-hop fans. The song “In da Club” became particularly popular.
As is common in the hip-hop industry, Jackson often found himself in feuds with other rappers. He has experienced several arrests and numerous legal and financial difficulties. In May 2000, 50 Cent was shot nine times with a pistol, most likely over a drug-related issue. The wounded rapper underwent several surgeries, used a walker for four months, and fully recovered a month later. A fragment of a bullet remains in his tongue, as removing it could have damaged a nerve and affected his taste buds.
Jon Favreau
A screenwriter, producer, director, and talented comedic actor, Jon Favreau has become one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures. His love for movies is thanks to his father, who often took him to the cinema. The Queens native became so passionate about acting that he left college shortly before graduating. In 1988, he moved to Chicago, where he built a reputation for playing comedic characters in improvisational theaters. While in Chicago, Favreau also landed several small film roles, marking the beginning of his major career.
Alongside his colleague and friend Vince Vaughn, Favreau starred in many Hollywood comedies, such as Couples Retreat (2009), The Break-Up (2006), and Four Christmases (2008). Additionally, Jon Favreau is famous for directing the superhero films Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010)—the first two installments of the trilogy about Tony Stark. He also directed the comedies Chef (2014) and Elf (2003), the CGI-animated film The Lion King (2019), and other well-known movies.
Peter Facinelli
A New Yorker with a magnetic presence and an impeccable ability to portray conflicted characters, Peter Facinelli is one of America’s most popular actors. He left college to pursue a career in show business. After honing his skills at art schools, Facinelli made his film debut in 1995 as Lucifer in the drama Angela, a story about two sisters coping with their mother’s mental illness.
However, arguably his most famous on-screen appearance was as Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight film series (2008–2012). Peter Facinelli masterfully portrayed the vampire who proved he could completely resist the temptation of human blood. It was his character, Carlisle Cullen, who turned Edward into a vampire to save his life. He also brought the Cullen family to the town of Forks, where they could live without fear of sunlight revealing their family secret. The same Carlisle also helped Bella overcome supernatural threats.
In addition, the actor appeared as emergency room doctor Fitch “Coop” Cooper in the television series Nurse Jackie (2009–2015). He also played Maxwell Lord in the superhero series Supergirl (2015–2021). Another popular series featuring the Queens native is the crime drama Fastlane (2002–2003).
Christopher Walken
In a career spanning more than 60 years, Christopher Walken has proven his ability to convincingly portray a diverse range of characters, from heroes to villains. Like the other celebrities in this list, Walken left university for his dream. His debut was in the musical Best Foot Forward. After honing his dance skills at the Washington Dance Studio, he transitioned to dramatic stage roles and then to film.
His acting is characterized by sudden pauses and peculiar speech rhythms. His unpredictable emotions make him invaluable in the comedy genre. Walken treats every role as a learning experience and fully commits to his work, never accepting a part if he is too busy with other projects. In total, Christopher Walken has appeared in over 100 films and television shows. Among his most famous films are the feature film Annie Hall (1977), the war drama The Deer Hunter (1978), the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Dead Zone (1983), the spy film A View to a Kill (1985), the crime drama King of New York (1990), and the iconic crime drama Pulp Fiction (1994).