Famous People Born In Boston

Situated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is its capital and most populous city which is Boston. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States of America, Boston covers an approximate area of 48 square miles. It is considered a hub for higher education with its numerous schools and colleges that offer programs in a wide array of studies. The city has also been rated as one of the highest in the United States as per cost of living. Various notable legends such as Benjamin Franklin, Wendell Phillips and Edgar Allan Poe were born in Boston. Celebrities such as Edward Norton, James Spader, Uma Thurman, Mike O’ Mally, Matt Damon, Chris Evans and Mark Wahlberg were also born in the city of Boston. Presenting to you, the full-list of renowned individuals who started their humble journey from Boston.
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 1 
Benjamin Franklin
(One of the Founding Fathers of the United States)
Benjamin Franklin
79
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 17, 1706
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: April 17, 1790

Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the founding fathers of the United States as he was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He was a writer, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, an accomplished diplomat and much more. He is a key figure in the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity.

 2 
Edward Norton
(Actor and Filmmaker Known for His Film ‘Primal Fear’)
Edward Norton
41
Birthdate: August 18, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo

Amongst the most talented actors of his generation, Edward Norton won a Golden Globe Award for his debut film Primal Fear. The formidable actor later went on to work in movies like The Illusionist, The Incredible Hulk, The Birdman and American History X. Norton ventured into film direction with Keeping the Faith. He also supports various environmental and social causes.

 3 
Edgar Allan Poe
(Writer and Poet - Widely Regarded as a Central Figure of Romanticism in the United States)
Edgar Allan Poe
271
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: January 19, 1809
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: October 7, 1849

American writer Edgar Allan Poe is regarded as the architect of modern short story, the inventor of the detective-fiction genre and a major contributor towards science fiction genre. The influential writer is recognised for his tales of mystery and macabre. His notable works include The Raven (poem), The Tell-Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher (short stories).

 4 
Sylvia Plath
(Famous for Her Books 'The Bell Jar' and 'Ariel')
Sylvia Plath
61
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 27, 1932
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: February 11, 1963

Sylvia Plath was an American short-story writer, novelist, and poet. Plath is credited with popularizing confessional poetry and won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. Sylvia Plath achieved popularity and critical acclaim despite suffering from clinical depression for the most part of her adult life. Her story inspired the 2003 film Sylvia in which she was portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow.

 5 
Mark Wahlberg
(Best Known for His Role in Films: 'The Departed', 'The Fighter' and 'Italian Job')
Mark Wahlberg
156
Birthdate: June 5, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini

From being a drug dealer to going to prison on the charge of attempted murder, Mark Wahlberg's young life was a troubled one. That is till the time he decided to pull himself out of the mess and live a worthy life. His foray into music began his journey which later took him into the world of television and film.

 6 
Chris Evans
(Portraying the Marvel Comics Character of Captain America)
Chris Evans
125
Birthdate: June 13, 1981
Sun Sign: Gemini
Chris Evans is best known for his role as Captain America in several Marvel films, including The Avengers. He was initially cast in teen films such as Not Another Teen Movie and later also appeared as Human Torch in two Fantastic Four films. He has also appeared on Broadway.
 7 
John Krasinski
(Known For His Role as Jim Halpert on the NBC sitcom 'The Office')
John Krasinski
84
Birthdate: October 20, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra
The charming actor John Krasinski is best recognised for playing Jim Halpert in the famous American television show, The Office. Apart from working in numerous other film and television projects as well as commercials, John Krasinski further cemented his position in the entertainment world by branching out into writing, producing and directing movies like The Promised Land and The Hollars.
 8 
Uma Thurman
(Best Known for Her Roles in the Films: 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2')
Uma Thurman
51
Birthdate: April 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus

From being a lanky girl who was made fun of in school to becoming Hollywood’s A-list star, actress Uma Thurman has had quite a journey. She worked in various movies before landing on the film that earned her international appreciation, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Later, Tarantino's two Kill Bill movies and Mira Nair’s miniseries Hysterical Blindness further boosted her stardom.

 9 
James Taylor
(Singer-Songwriter & Musician - One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
James Taylor
31
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 12, 1948
Sun Sign: Pisces

Five-time Grammy Award-winning folk singer James Taylor is best known for his hits You've Got a Friend and Fire and Rain. One of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, he has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 10 
James Spader
43
Birthdate: February 7, 1960
Sun Sign: Aquarius

From playing a sexual voyeur to a sadomasochistic boss, James Spader has portrayed a variety of roles, establishing himself as a versatile actor. Despite suffering from strong obsessive-compulsive issues, James Spader has managed to succeed as an actor and hence serves as an inspiration to many who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 11 
Jennifer Coolidge
(Actress and Comedian Best Known for Role as ‘Jeanine Stifler’ in ‘American Pie’ Film Series)
Jennifer Coolidge
58
Birthdate: August 28, 1961
Sun Sign: Virgo

Jennifer Coolidge is an American actress. She is known for playing Jeanine Stifler in the sex comedy film series American Pie. Also known for her charity work, Coolidge has had a major impact working with organizations that support animal rights and AIDS assistance. Thanks to her performance in Legally Blonde, her voice has been the subject of a famous impression.

 12 
Barbara Walters
(Pioneering U.S. Television Journalist)
Barbara Walters
23
Birthdate: September 25, 1929
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: December 30, 2022

Barbara Walters is an American retired television personality and broadcast journalist. Renowned for her popularity with viewers, Walters appeared as the host of several popular TV shows. A pioneer for women in broadcasting, Walters became the first woman to co-host shows like Today and ABC Evening News. In 1996, she was named in TV Guide’s 50 Greatest TV Stars list.

 13 
Ralph Waldo Emerson
(Famous For his Essay 'Nature' and Speech Entitled 'The American Scholar')
Ralph Waldo Emerson
20
Birthdate: May 25, 1803
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: April 27, 1882

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American philosopher who led the transcendentalist movement that developed in the eastern United States in the 1820s and 1830s. He is credited with popularizing individualism through his numerous lectures and essays. Emerson influenced many thinkers and writers that followed him; he mentored Henry David Thoreau, who went on to become a leading transcendentalist.

 14 
Donnie Wahlberg
(Founding Member of The Boy Band 'New Kids on The Block')
Donnie Wahlberg
21
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 17, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo

Donnie Wahlberg is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Popularly known as the bad boy of New Kids on the Block band, Wahlberg faced up to 20 years in prison after he was charged with arson for setting The Seelbach Hilton on fire. The charge was later reduced and eventually dropped after he agreed to appear in public-service videos.

 15 
Allison Janney
48
Birthdate: November 19, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio

One of the most revered and decorated actresses of her generation, Allison Janney is famous for playing C. J. Cregg, a role which is regarded as one of the greatest female characters in the history of American television. Also known for her work as an activist, Allison campaigns for issues like addiction recovery, mental health, women's rights, and gay rights.

 16 
Leonard Nimoy
(Known for Playing 'Spock' in The 'Star Trek' Franchise)
Leonard Nimoy
21
Birthdate: March 26, 1931
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: February 27, 2015
Three-time Emmy nominee Leonard Nimoy is best known for playing the iconic character Spock in the Star Trek franchise, for almost 50 years. Spock became a cult, and even Nimoy’s autobiographies were named after the character. He also appeared in Zombies of the Stratosphere and hosted a documentary series.
 17 
Kevin Feige
(Film producer)
Kevin Feige
13
Birthdate: June 2, 1973
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 18 
Donna Summer
(Singer-Songwriter)
Donna Summer
20
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 31, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: May 17, 2012
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 19 
Connie Britton
(Actress)
Connie Britton
28
Birthdate: March 6, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 20 
Antony Michael Hall
(Best Known for His Leading Role as 'Johnny Smith' in the TV Series 'The Dead Zone')
Antony Michael Hall
15
Birthdate: April 14, 1968
Sun Sign: Aries
Anthony Michael Hall initially began his career as part of the “Brat Pack” of the 1980s’ movies. He played a geek in Sixteen Candles and later avoided being typecast as one. Audiences loved him as Bill Gates in Pirates of Silicon Valley and as Johnny Smith in The Dead Zone
 21 
Madeline Kahn
(Known for Her Comedic Roles in Films)
Madeline Kahn
16
Birthdate: September 29, 1942
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: December 3, 1999

Madeline Kahn was an American actress, singer, and comedian. She is best remembered for her comedic roles in movies like Young Frankenstein, History of the World, Part I, and High Anxiety. Over the course of her career, Madeline Kahn received several prestigious awards such as the Drama Desk Award, People's Choice Award, and Daytime Emmy Award.

 22 
Ben Foster
(Actor)
Ben Foster
14
Birthdate: October 29, 1980
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Ben Foster is an American actor best known for playing supporting roles in popular films, such as X-Men: The Last Stand, The Mechanic, 3:10 to Yuma, and Lone Survivor. Ben Foster is a self-made man who established himself in the American film industry after being born to restaurateurs. He continues to attract critical appreciation for his unhinged and intense performance.

 23 
Maura Tierney
(Best Known for Her Roles in TV Series: ‘NewsRadio’, ‘ER’ and ‘The Affair’)
Maura Tierney
22
Birthdate: February 3, 1965
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Maura Tierney is an actress who has been contributing immensely to the success of the American film and TV industry since the 1990s. She mainly plays supporting roles, many of which have been worthy of prestigious awards. Maura Tierney is a cancer survivor.

 24 
Daniela Ruah
(Actress and Director Known for Her Role as ‘Kensi Blye’ in TV Series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’)
Daniela Ruah
18
Birthdate: December 2, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Portuguese-American actress, Daniela Rua,h is best known for her role in the TV series, NCIS: Los Angeles. She began acting as a teenager and went on to study performing arts at the London Metropolitan University. She then trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute before commencing her professional career. She works in both Portuguese and American films.

 25 
Coi Leray
(Rapper whose music video for 'Huddy' was viewed more than half a million times on YouTube)
Coi Leray
22
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 11, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 26 
Michelle Thomas
27
Birthdate: September 23, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: December 22, 1998

Michelle Thomas was an American comedian and actress known for playing important roles in popular TV series, such as The Cosby Show and Family Matters. Thomas had a promising start—even before commencing her acting career Thomas was crowned International Queen in a pageant—but her career and life were cut short by cancer and she died at the age of 30.

 27 
Clark Gregg
12
Birthdate: April 2, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries

Actor, director, and screenwriter Clark Gregg joined the show business after a series of odd jobs. He co-founded the off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company at the beginning of his career in entertainment and proceeded to join films. He gained international fame for playing Agent Phil Coulson in many Marvel Cinematic Universe films in the 2010s.

 28 
Paul Revere
(American Military Officer & Silversmith Who Warned Boston-Area Residents that the British Were Coming During His Midnight Ride)
Paul Revere
40
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 1, 1735
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: May 10, 1818
Paul Revere was a silversmith from Boston and a Patriot in the American Revolution who is remembered for alerting his fellow Patriots, during a midnight ride, about the approaching British forces prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord. He remains immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Paul Revere's Ride.
 29 
Taylor Schilling
(Actress known for her role as Piper Chapman on the Netflix original comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019))
Taylor Schilling
16
Birthdate: July 27, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 30 
Reed Hastings
(Businessman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ‘Netflix’)
Reed Hastings
11
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: October 8, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra

Netflix co-founder, CEO, and chairman Reed Hastings is also a Facebook director since 2011. He has previously served the California State Board of Education and the board of Microsoft. The Stanford alumnus is a Giving Pledge member, actively donates for children’s education and scholarships, and supports charter schools.

 31 
Bobby Brown
(Singer-Songwriter)
Bobby Brown
42
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 5, 1969
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Grammy-winning singer and New Edition member Bobby Brown was a pioneer of the new jack swing, a combination of R&B and hip-hop, and shot to fame with the album Don't Be Cruel and the hit My Prerogative. His marriage to Whitney Houston was plagued with domestic strife and drug issues. 
 32 
John Slattery
(Actor and Director Best Known for His Role as ‘Roger Sterling Jr.’ in the TV Series ‘Mad Men’)
John Slattery
6
Birthdate: August 13, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
John Slattery is best known as Roger Sterling from the series Mad Men, a role that earned him multiple Emmy nominations. He has also appeared in Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. Fans also loved him as Howard Stark in Marvel movies such as Iron Man 2, Avengers: Endgame, and Ant-Man.
 33 
Misha Collins
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Castiel’ in the TV Series 'Supernatural')
Misha Collins
13
Birthdate: August 20, 1974
Sun Sign: Leo
Misha Collins is best known for playing Castiel and other characters in the series Supernatural. He is also a poet and has co-authored a cookbook with his wife. He has established the charity Random Acts and the GISHWHES. He has also written an academic paper on the structure of shapes.
 34 
Christa McAuliffe
(American Astronaut Who was Killed on the Space Shuttle 'Challenger' on Mission STS-51-L)
Christa McAuliffe
81
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: September 2, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: January 28, 1986

Christa McAuliffe was an American astronaut and teacher who died while serving as a payload specialist on board Space Shuttle Challenger, which exploded during STS-51-L. McAuliffe was all set to become the first teacher in space as she was part of the NASA Teacher in Space Project. In 2004, she was posthumously honored with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

 35 
Temple Grandin
(Scientist)
Temple Grandin
16
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: August 29, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo

Temple Grandin is an American activist and scientist. An outspoken proponent of the neurodiversity and autism rights movements, Grandin is one of the first individuals to document the insights gained from her own experience of autism. She has also authored over 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. Her life and work inspired the 2010 biographical drama film Temple Grandin.

 36 
Samuel Adams
(American Political Philosopher and 4th Governor of Massachusetts (1794–1797))
Samuel Adams
20
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 27, 1722
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: October 2, 1803
Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, also served as the governor of Massachusetts. Samuel formed the Boston Tea Party and also played a major role in drafting the Articles of Confederation and the Massachusetts Constitution. He was a second cousin of President John Adams.
 37 
James Remar
(American Film and Television Actor)
James Remar
7
Birthdate: December 31, 1953
Sun Sign: Capricorn

James Remar is an American actor best known for playing Harry Morgan in the popular crime drama mystery TV series Dexter, for which he received nominations at the Saturn Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2012, his contribution to the American entertainment industry was honored with the Saturn Award for Lifetime Achievement.

 38 
Uzo Aduba
(Actress)
Uzo Aduba
24
Birthdate: February 10, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 39 
John Michael Higgins
(Actor)
John Michael Higgins
11
Birthdate: February 12, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 40 
Dick Dale
(Guitarist)
Dick Dale
3
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 4, 1937
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: March 16, 2019
 41 
That Poppy
(First and Currently Only Female Artist to Be Nominated in a Metal Category)
That Poppy
40
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 1, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
 42 
Jasmine Guy
(Actress and Singer Known for Her Role in the Series 'School Daze' and 'A Different World')
Jasmine Guy
13
Birthdate: March 10, 1962
Sun Sign: Pisces
Jasmine Guy gained recognition as Dina in the film School Daze. She also won six NAACP Image Awards for playing Whitley Gilbert-Wayne on A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show. She has also played a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries and has released a few R&B hits.
 43 
Robert Wahlberg
10
Birthdate: December 18, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Robert Wahlberg is an American actor known for his appearance in films like The Departed and Mystic River. He is also known as the older brother of Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, both established actors and musicians in the American entertainment industry.

 44 
Paige Turco
(American Actress Best Known for Her Film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze’)
Paige Turco
16
Birthdate: May 17, 1965
Sun Sign: Taurus

Paige Turco is best known as April O'Neil from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie franchise. She has also played significant roles in series such as All My Children, Person of Interest, and The 100. Though she aspired to be a ballerina, an ankle injury made her change her plans.

 45 
Jared Diamond
(American Historian, Geographer, Author, and Ornithologist)
Jared Diamond
4
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: September 10, 1937
Sun Sign: Virgo

Jared Diamond is an American historian, geographer, author, and ornithologist. He is best known for his books, The Third Chimpanzee, Collapse, Upheaval, and The World Until Yesterday. His 1997 book Guns, Germs, and Steel earned him the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. In 1999, he was awarded the National Medal of Science. Jared Diamond is currently working as a professor at UCLA.

 46 
Alessandro Nivola
(Actor)
Alessandro Nivola
5
Birthdate: June 28, 1972
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 47 
Katya Zamolodchikova
(American Drag Queen Known for Her Stint in 'RuPaul's Drag Race')
Katya Zamolodchikova
42
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: May 1, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus

Katya Zamolodchikova is the drag persona of Brian Joseph McCook. Katya is a drag queen, actor, author, and comedian. She has participated in RuPaul's Drag Race on Logo TV and has appeared in the web series UNHhhh. Regarded as one of the most powerful drag queens in America, she was named “Drag Royalty” by The Queerties in 2020.

 48 
Al B. Sure!
(Singer-songwriter)
Al B. Sure!
7
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 4, 1968
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 49 
Jonathan Tucker
(Actor)
Jonathan Tucker
10
Birthdate: May 31, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 50 
Anthony Carrigan
(Actor, Television actor)
Anthony Carrigan
6
Birthdate: January 2, 1983
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)