Meryl Streep, one of America’s most celebrated actresses, says she owes her success to New Jersey.
In a clip released ahead of this weekend’s New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the legendary actress reflected on how her Garden State roots and public school education nurtured her passion for acting.
“Imagination is how we fly up and out of our lives into the world that we share, and it’s where empathy and understanding were born,” Streep, 75, said. “My dreams were born in New Jersey, and my imagination was nurtured in her public schools, and for that I am very, very grateful.”
Streep, who grew up in Bernardsville, got her start in a fifth-grade play and later starred in musicals at Bernards High School.
She is one of 18 inductees being honored in the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s latest class, joining other notable figures like actor Paul Rudd (born in Passaic) and director Kevin Smith (a Red Bank native). The inductees represent excellence across various fields, including performing arts, sports, education, and science.
Kevin Smith Reflects on His New Jersey Roots
During a sneak peek of the induction ceremony, Kevin Smith became emotional while speaking about his love for New Jersey—with his signature humor, of course.
“My whole career has been a chase for relevance, and somebody needed to know I came from this place. Now they do,” said Smith, 54. “Now there’s going to be kids coming through here when I’m long dead, waving a hand over my face and being like, ‘Who’s this fool?… Kevin James was a really good guy.’”
Smith has remained deeply connected to New Jersey, setting and filming many of his movies in the state. His latest film, The 4:30 Movie, debuted in September. He also owns Smodcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands and the iconic Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book shop in Red Bank.
How to Watch the Ceremony
The New Jersey Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on:
- My9: November 16 at 7 p.m., November 17 at 6 p.m.
- NJ PBS: December 28 at 6 p.m., December 29 at 10 a.m.
Earlier this year, the New Jersey Hall of Fame opened an Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream in East Rutherford, celebrating the state’s most influential figures.
Full List of 2024 New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductees
Performing Arts & Entertainment
- Lesley Gore (Tenafly) – Singer-songwriter (“You Don’t Own Me,” “It’s My Party”)
- Warren Littlefield (Montclair) – Former NBC Entertainment president
- Paul Rudd (Passaic) – Actor
- Kevin Smith (Red Bank) – Director, producer, writer
- Meryl Streep (Bernardsville) – Actress
Arts & Letters
- Gay Talese (Ocean City) – Journalist
Sports
- Dick Button (Englewood) – Two-time Olympic gold medalist in figure skating
- Tim Howard (New Brunswick) – Soccer player
- Ron Johnson (Madison) – Football player
- Phil Simms (Franklin Lakes) – Former New York Giants quarterback
Enterprise
- George Cooney (Bogota) – Chairman emeritus, EUE/Screen Gems Ltd.
- Peter Cancro (Point Pleasant) – Founder of Jersey Mike’s
- Donald Katz (Newark) – Founder of Audible, Inc.
Education & Science
- Elizabeth Coleman White (Whitesbog) – Botanist
- John Forbes Nash (Princeton) – Genius mathematician
- Avi Wigderson (Princeton) – Computer scientist, mathematician
Public Service
- Father Edwin D. Leahy (Newark) – Benedictine monk, Catholic priest, and headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep
- Geraldine Thompson (Lincroft) – Founder of VNA Health Group
