Queens, the most ethnically diverse part of the United States, has produced a remarkable number of celebrities. Many of them are actors who light up theater stages, TV screens, and movie theaters with their talent and charisma. Here’s a look at some of the most famous ones on queens-trend.
Christopher Walken
With a film career spanning more than 60 years, Christopher Walken has proven he can embody a wide range of characters – from reckless daredevils to chilling villains. Known for his unusual pauses and eccentric speech rhythms, Walken is a master at showing unpredictable emotions. He gives his all to every role and has a rule: never work on two films at once. He is especially recognized for his portrayal of Italian-American mobsters.
Overall, Walken has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows. The Queens native can be seen in legendary films such as Annie Hall (1977), The Deer Hunter (1978), The Dead Zone (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), King of New York (1990), Batman Returns (1992), True Romance (1993), Pulp Fiction (1994), The Prophecy (1995), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Seven Psychopaths (2012), and many more.
Ray Romano
In 1995, Ray Romano appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. He impressed the host so much that Letterman asked his production company to create a sitcom specifically for him – Everybody Loves Raymond. The show became one of the most popular in American TV history. Romano played a witty and relatable dad navigating everyday family struggles.
Romano also starred in the comedy-drama series Men of a Certain Age (2009–2011), the dark comedy Death at a Funeral (2004), the romantic crime comedy Rob the Mob (2014), the romantic dramedy The Big Sick (2017), the series Vinyl (2016), Get Shorty (2017), and Martin Scorsese’s gangster drama The Irishman (2019), among others.
Amy Ryan
Amy Ryan is an accomplished stage and film actress, nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has portrayed both carefree and deeply complex characters. Ryan is known for her roles in the crime drama Gone Baby Gone (2007), the romantic drama Jack Goes Boating (2010), the sitcom The Office (2005–2013), the drama series In Treatment (2008–2021), the sports dramedy Win Win (2011), the biographical drama Beautiful Boy (2018), and the hit comedy series Only Murders in the Building (since 2021). Interestingly, Amy has English, Irish, and Polish roots.
Jon Favreau
Though Jon Favreau is best known as a director, he has also made a significant mark as an actor. A talented comedic performer, he appeared in Couples Retreat (2009), The Break-Up (2006), Four Christmases (2008), and many others. Fans of Friends will remember him as Pete Becker, Monica Geller’s wealthy suitor, in several episodes of season 3. Interestingly, when Favreau was 12, his mother passed away from leukemia. His film-loving father often took him to the movies, which nurtured his passion for cinema.
Peter Facinelli
Fans of the Twilight saga (2008–2012) know Peter Facinelli as Carlisle Cullen, the compassionate vampire who resisted the urge to feed on human blood. Fascinated by his role, Facinelli even kept a personal journal describing his character’s life beyond the script.
Facinelli also starred in the dark satirical dramedy Nurse Jackie (2009–2015), the superhero series Supergirl (2015–2021), and the action/crime drama Fastlane (2002–2003). Dedicated to his craft, he even obtained Italian citizenship in 2009 to take part in a film requiring European actors.
Beyond acting, Facinelli is a certified hypnotherapist. As a young man, he turned to hypnotherapy to overcome shyness. Later, after completing professional training, he deepened his understanding of the mind and subconscious. Through hypnosis, he helped reduce stress not only for himself but also for his family and friends.
Drea de Matteo
Andrea Donna “Drea” de Matteo, an American actress of Italian descent, is best known for her supporting roles in television. Her talent has been recognized with both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Perhaps her most iconic role was as a mobster’s girlfriend in The Sopranos (1999–2007). Originally, her character was meant to appear in only one episode, but de Matteo’s charm and acting skills impressed producers so much that they expanded her role.
The Queens native also starred in the drama series Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), the sitcom Joey (2004–2006), and the hit dramedy Desperate Housewives (2004–2012). Interestingly, she lost much of her career after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Dick Van Patten
Dick Van Patten’s professionalism, kindness, and warmth earned him worldwide fame and deep respect from peers and fans. As a versatile actor, he excelled in both comedy and drama throughout his 70-year career. From his early Broadway performances to his iconic role as Tom Bradford in the sitcom Eight Is Enough, he always captivated audiences with his talent and charm.
Van Patten appeared in countless sitcoms including When Things Were Rotten, Eight Is Enough, Sanford and Son, Arrested Development, The Brian Keith Show, Growing Pains, and Happy Days. He was also featured in detective series such as Banacek, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Adam-12, and the medical drama Emergency! On the big screen, he appeared in the western Joe Kidd (1972), the comedy Snowball Express (1972), the dystopian classic Soylent Green (1973), Mel Brooks’ High Anxiety (1977), and the sci-fi comedy Spaceballs (1987). A true workaholic, Van Patten often juggled multiple projects at once.
The New Yorker shone equally on television and in film. In 1985, the Queens native received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also lent his distinctive voice to many animated films and shows. Known for his openness, he often shared his successes and failures with fans, showing his vulnerable side. Beyond acting, he was a passionate advocate for animal rights and co-founded Natural Balance Pet Foods, a company producing premium pet food.
