New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States, is right next to the country’s biggest city, and is a hub of music, film, and television production. With all that, it’s no surprise that there have been a lot of celebrities born in New Jersey! Many of them were born in the state’s biggest cities. Everyone knows about Bruce Springsteen’s Long Branch youth, Joe Pesci’s Newark roots, and Jon Bon Jovi’s love for his hometown of Perth Amboy. However, these nine celebrities came from much more humble beginnings – some of New Jersey’s most charming small towns. Discover how these nine legends went from small town to the Big Time.

1. Kelly Ripa (Berlin)
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First gaining fame as a soap opera actress, Ripa went on to become one of the world's most famous talk show hosts - having gone through multiple co-hosts including Regis Philbin and Ryan Seacrest!
2. Count Basie (Red Bank)
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One of the most famous Jazz pianists of all time, Count Basie has a theater named after him in his native Red Bank.
3. Laura Prepon (Watchung)
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Best known for her role as Donna in "That 70's Show", this actress knew a bit about small town life before she played a resident of Point Place.
4. Jack Nicholson (Neptune City)
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One of the most famous and acclaimed actors of all time, this eccentric former Joker got his start along the Jersey Shore.
5. Kirsten Dunst (Point Pleasant)
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Another famous shore resident, Dunst was a popular child actress in films like Casper before playing Spider-Man's girlfriend - and later giving her career a shot in the arm with a role on the acclaimed drama "Fargo".

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6. Kevin Smith (Red Bank)
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Maybe the most famous director to come out of New Jersey, Smith is highly acclaimed for the "Clerks" series, focusing on a pair of hapless shift workers.
A massive comic book fan, Smith has opened a comic book store in his native Red Bank - as well as a fast food pop-up themed to the restaurant appearing in Clerks 2.
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7. Wendy Williams (Asbury Park)
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Williams is a wildly popular talk show host, broadcaster, and writer - and she got her start in the beachside hub of Asbury Park, the state's top music town.
8. Peter Dinklage (Morristown)
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Acclaimed actor and activist Peter Dinklage is most famous for his role as an outcast royal in Game of Thrones, and he got his start in the historic town of Morristown.
9. James Gandolfini (Westwood)
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Maybe the actor most associated with New Jersey, the late star of "The Sopranos" brought his morally complex mobster to Emmy-winning life for six seasons.

Have you visited the places where these nine celebrities made their start? Let us know about your visit, and tell us about your favorite celebrities born in New Jersey in the comments section. You can find out more about Kevin Smith’s famous comic shop on the official website, and while you’re in Red Bank, visit this sandwich shop dedicated to New Jersey’s most popular lunchmeat.

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