6 Famous Celebrities From Small Towns In New York

1. Tommy Hilfiger, Elmira

Tommy Hilfiger is a fashion icon who changed the game—both in fashion and culture at-large—many times over. He was born in Elmira and he graduated from the Elmira Free Academy high school in 1969.

2. Lana Del Rey, Lake Placid

Lana Dely 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.

3. Jimmy Fallon, Saugerties

The legendary funnyman Jimmy Fallon hails from the town of Saugerties, which currently has a population of under 20,000. Fallon was born in Brooklyn, but his family quickly made their way to Saugerties shortly after his birth. While in school at Saugerties High School, Fallon honed his performance chops, and was included in most stage productions.

4. Rachael Ray, Glen Falls/Lake George

The cook, author and TV personality Rachael Ray was born in Glen Falls; her family moved to Lake George when she was eight. Though she moved to New York in 1995, she went back to the Lake George area a year later, where she honed her skills as a cook and performer.

5. David Hyde Pierce, Saratoga Springs

David Hyde Pierce is probably best known for playing the iconic Dr. Niles Crane on the hit television show “Frasier.” He also grew up in Saratoga Springs, where he spent his childhood and went to high school. He left right after graduation, though, to attend Yale.

6. Rosie O’Donnell, Commack

The eccentric TV hostess is definitely the most famous name to come out of this Long Island hamlet, best known for her popular talk show and run on The View.