Famous People from Rhode Island: How many of these 50 famous people do you know?

Rhode Island has its fair share of famous people.

It's not just part-time people like Taylor Swift who own a house here, but can't lay claim to the title of Rhode Islander. We've got plenty of people who were born here or who have lived here for an extended period, who have gone on to become famous.

Who's the most famous person from Rhode Island? That's hard to determine, but we've compiled a list of 50 famous living people from Rhode Island. Take a look at who they are and their connection to the state.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis at the March premiere of "Air" in Austin, Texas.
Viola Davis at the March premiere of "Air" in Austin, Texas.

An EGOT, Viola Davis has won and been nominated for more awards than we have space to list and has become one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. She’s also well-known for giving back – to Central Falls High School (where she graduated from) as well as other schools in programs in the state.

 James Woods

A Rhode Island native, 75-year-old actor James Woods still lives in his home state. Oscar-nominated actor and conservative firebrand James Woods graduated from Pilgrim High School in Warwick and lives in Exeter.

Bobby John Farrelly

Published Caption:  Peter Farrelly, left, and Bobby Farrelly in 2015. The Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation said Wednesday that the brothers are recipients of its sixth annual Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion. [Invision via AP, file] Original Caption:  In this Aug. 10, 2015 file photo, Peter Farrelly, left, and Bobby Farrelly attend The Project Greenlight Season 4 premiere of "The Leisure Class" at The Theatre At The Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The Boston-based Ruderman Family Foundation said Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, that the brothers are recipients of its sixth annual Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion for pressing Hollywood to do a better job of casting and portraying people with disabilities. (Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP, File)

With his brother (see below), he directed and produced "There’s Something About Mary," "Dumb and Dumber," "Shallow Hal," "Kingpin," "Stuck on You," and "Fever Pitch."

Peter Farrelly

A shot from the documentary "Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie" shows, from left, Alison Maier, Torby Frazier, Madline Brumby, Mattie Zufelt, Peter Farrelly, Chris Suchmann, Peter Fonte and Mary Pendergast.
A shot from the documentary "Sam & Mattie Make a Zombie Movie" shows, from left, Alison Maier, Torby Frazier, Madline Brumby, Mattie Zufelt, Peter Farrelly, Chris Suchmann, Peter Fonte and Mary Pendergast.

In addition to the films he worked on with his brother, Peter Farrelly co-wrote and directed "Green Book," which won two Oscars, and is one of the directors of "Lucky Hank."

Olivia Culpo

Olivia Culpo at her North Kingstown restaurant Back 40 in 2017.
Olivia Culpo at her North Kingstown restaurant Back 40 in 2017.

Named Miss Universe in 2012, the Cranston native has gone on to be a well-known public figure, with her reality television show and is a co-owner of several restaurants in the state.

Meredith Vieira

Raised in East Providence, Meredith Vieira is a staple on broadcast television. She was the original moderator of “The View,” currently hosts “25 Words or Less,” and has been on many other shows including “The Today Show” and her own talk show.

Jim Langevin

Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., holds the gavel given him by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Statuary Hall in Washington in July 2010 during an event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Langevin used the gavel moments later, presiding over the House of Representatives.
Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., holds the gavel given him by Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Statuary Hall in Washington in July 2010 during an event celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Langevin used the gavel moments later, presiding over the House of Representatives.

The first quadriplegic elected to Congress, Jim Langevin’s first election was to a student government seat his first year at Rhode Island College. He’s currently teaching at the University of Rhode Island and Brown University. He graduated in 1990.

Demetrius Andrade

Demetrius Andrade lands a right on Walter Kautondokwa during a WBO middleweight championship boxing match in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Demetrius Andrade lands a right on Walter Kautondokwa during a WBO middleweight championship boxing match in Boston, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

A professional boxer, Demetrius Andrade, also known as “Boo Boo” is a two-division world champion. His nickname comes from being a bit of a daredevil during his time growing up in Providence, where he still lives today.

Paul Michael DelVecchio Jr.

DJ Pauly D came and brought the Jersey Shore beat with him to MinerPalooza 2018 Friday night at the Sun Bowl.
DJ Pauly D came and brought the Jersey Shore beat with him to MinerPalooza 2018 Friday night at the Sun Bowl.

His big break was Jersey Shore, but Johnston High School graduate DJ Pauly D has spun that moment into more. Since then, he’s been successful as a DJ and is believed to be the most financially well-off of the cast members.

Carolyn Rafaelian

Alex and Ani founder and designer Carolyn Rafaelian at the company's Cranston factory in 2011.  The Providence Journal, file / Kris Craig
Alex and Ani founder and designer Carolyn Rafaelian at the company's Cranston factory in 2011. The Providence Journal, file / Kris Craig

As the former CEO of Alex and Ani, Carolyn Rafaelian had a meteoric rise alongside the popularity of the company’s signature charm bracelet. She’s been on Forbes's list of America's Richest Self-Made Women but has since fallen off. Her current jewelry project is Metal Alchemist.

Pete Wells

The restaurant critic for The New York Times, Pete Wells grew up in Providence and rumor has it he still has a love for “swirling a steamer clam around in the broth that pools at the bottom of a cup.”

David Macaulay

David Macaulay speaks at the BIF10 talks at Trinity Rep Theatre in 2014. [The Providence Journal/Sandor Bodo]
David Macaulay speaks at the BIF10 talks at Trinity Rep Theatre in 2014. [The Providence Journal/Sandor Bodo]

An author and illustrator, David Macaulay has long been driven by curiosity, using his talent for drawing and understanding how mechanical things work to explain it to the rest of us. The Cumberland High School graduate’s work includes "Cathedral" (1973), "City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction" (1974), and "The Way Things Work" (1988). He also illustrated two murals along I-95.

A.O. Scott

The longtime chief movie critic for the New York Times, A. O. Scott attended Classical High School. He recently switched to being a critic at large for NYT’s book review. 

Sylvia Poggioli

Sylvia Poggioli, senior European correspondent for National Public Radio's foreign desk, receives a doctorate of Humane Letters hood, honoris Causa, during the 2006 University of Massachusetts graduation in Boston Friday morning, June 2, 2006. University of Massachusetts president Jack M. Wilson places the hood over her head.  Poggioli's mother was a professor of literature at UMASS Boston. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

A foreign reporter with NPR for 41 years, Sylvia Poggioli didn’t live in Rhode Island for very long, but she was born here, while her father taught at Brown University.

JVKE

American singer, songwriter and producer Jvke performs at the Inn Cahoots Outdoors, presented by C23 Live, as part of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, March 16, 2023.
American singer, songwriter and producer Jvke performs at the Inn Cahoots Outdoors, presented by C23 Live, as part of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, March 16, 2023.

The Golden Hour singer Jacob Dodge Lawson, known on stage as JVKE, has been rising in the music industry. He’s originally from Cranston.

Danny Smith

An executive producer, writer and voice actor, Danny Smith is the only writer on “Family Guy” who is actually from Rhode Island. Seth McFarlane just went to college here. Smith went to Smithfield High School and Rhode Island Community College.

Bob Ballard

In 1985, Bob Ballard found the R.M.S Titanic, launching him into popular culture. However, the scientist, who is an oceanography professor at The University of Rhode Island, would prefer if we would all remember him for the discovery of the first hydrothermal vents and their exotic chemosynthetic animal communities.

Ann Hood

Author Ann Hood, center, signs her new new memoir, "Fly Girl," for Elaine Land at a book event at Skein Yarn Shop in East Greenwich.
Author Ann Hood, center, signs her new new memoir, "Fly Girl," for Elaine Land at a book event at Skein Yarn Shop in East Greenwich.

A New York Times best-selling author, Ann Hood was born in West Warwick. Rhode Island is the place she’s always come back to, even after a career as a stewardess and growing up in a military family. Rhode Island is ever-present in her memoirs.

Gregory Zuckerman

A New York Times best-selling author and an investigative reporter for the Wall Street Journal, George Zuckerman grew up in Rhode Island. His latest book is “A Shot to Save the World” about the creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Don Reo

A Cranston native, Don Reo is a television producer and creator. Some of the shows he’s been a creator of include “Blossom,” “My Wife and Kids,” and “The Ranch."

David Kessler

Even if you don’t immediately recognize the name David Kessler, you probably are familiar with his work. A grief expert, Kessler, who was born in Rhode Island, worked with psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross on the five stages of grief and co-authored two books with her. He’s also written several of his own books, including his most recent the bestselling “Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief.”

John McCauley

John McCauley of Deer Tick. The band expects to release a new album sometime this year.
John McCauley of Deer Tick. The band expects to release a new album sometime this year.

The frontman for the alternative rock band “Deer Tick,” John McCauley is a Rhode Islander through and through. The band, founded by McCauley in 2004 with the membership solidified in 2009, got its start playing gigs in Providence.

Vanessa Carlton

The “A Thousand Miles” singer moved to Rhode Island in 2021 with her husband, Deer Tick frontman John McCauley.

Richard Jenkins

Actor Richard Jenkins at home in Cumberland in 2010. [The Providence Journal, file / Sandor Bodo]
Actor Richard Jenkins at home in Cumberland in 2010. [The Providence Journal, file / Sandor Bodo]

He’s been in over 80 movies, but the Oscar-nominated Richard Jenkins has a funny way of being somewhat anonymous. He came to Rhode Island to join Trinity Repertory Theatre, and he only left once – briefly – before coming back Jenkins lived in Providence, then Cumberland, and then moved back to Providence again.

Shawnee Taveras

Shawnee "EhShawnee" Taveras gets the crowd moving while singing with her band at the July 28 Puerto Rican Bay Fest at Providence's India Point Park. [The Providence Journal / Kris Craig]
Shawnee "EhShawnee" Taveras gets the crowd moving while singing with her band at the July 28 Puerto Rican Bay Fest at Providence's India Point Park. [The Providence Journal / Kris Craig]

A singer, Shawnee Taveras is a queen of salsa, awarded the Premio Conga de la Salsa in the Dominican Republic for best new musical act in 2019. She moved from the Dominican Republic to Providence as a child.

Kim Schifino

Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino of Matt and Kim pose backstage during 2019 iHeartRadio ALTer Ego at The Forum on January 19, 2019 in Inglewood, California.
Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino of Matt and Kim pose backstage during 2019 iHeartRadio ALTer Ego at The Forum on January 19, 2019 in Inglewood, California.

One half of the indie-band Matt and Kim, Kim Schifino graduated from East Providence High School. The band is probably best known for their gold-certified song “Daylight,” which has been used in TV shows, commercials and even in "The Sims 3: World Adventure."

More: 12 graduates from Rhode Island high schools that went on to do big things

Dale Chihuly

From left, Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, Benjamin Moore and Robbie Miller work on the Venetian glass series in 1993.
From left, Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, Benjamin Moore and Robbie Miller work on the Venetian glass series in 1993.

Not many glass artists become household names, but Dale Chihuly has for his stunning large-scale installations. He did his graduate work at RISD and is credited with starting the glass-blowing program there.  

Debra Messing

Most recognizable as Grace on “Will and Grace,” the actress started her career as a student at East Greenwich High School. When she received a Pell Award for Distinguished Achievement in 2015 her former high school drama teacher, James Metcalfe presented her with the award.

Pete Gaynor

Pete Gaynor, who lives in Jamestown, was the FEMA Administrator during the COVID-19 pandemic, and very briefly in January 2021 served as the acting Secretary of Homeland Security.

Will Blackmon

Patriots safeties coach Brian Flores talks with Redskins corner and former Bishop Hendricken player Will Blackmon after the game on the field at Gillette Stadium.The Providence Journal/Mary Murphy
Patriots safeties coach Brian Flores talks with Redskins corner and former Bishop Hendricken player Will Blackmon after the game on the field at Gillette Stadium.The Providence Journal/Mary Murphy

Raised in Cranston, Will Blackmon is a former safety in the NFL. He played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Jacksonville Jaguars, to name a few.

Kevin Lima

From Pawtucket, Kevin Lima is a director and animator who has worked on some really big movies. He was the director of “Enchanted” and “Tarzan,” a writer for “Aladdin” and worked as an animator on movies like “The Brave Little Toaster.”

Richard Hatch

Reality TV star Richard Hatch, center, departs federal court in Providence, R.I., Monday, Jan. 10, 2011. In 2009, Hatch began a three-year period of supervised release under the condition that he refile and pay his taxes on the "Survivor" winnings and other income. The court found Monday that he violated the terms of his supervised released.
Reality TV star Richard Hatch, center, departs federal court in Providence, R.I., Monday, Jan. 10, 2011. In 2009, Hatch began a three-year period of supervised release under the condition that he refile and pay his taxes on the "Survivor" winnings and other income. The court found Monday that he violated the terms of his supervised released.

The winner of the first season of Survivor, Richard Hatch became notorious as “that naked guy.” Since then, he’s been on several other reality shows and in trouble with the law for tax evasion.

Frank Caprio

Municipal Chief Court Judge Frank Caprio.
Municipal Chief Court Judge Frank Caprio.

Well-known for his show “Caught in Providence,” Judge Frank Caprio served for many years as a municipal court judge in Providence. He’s known globally as a face for compassionate justice.

Gina Raimondo

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testifies before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies during a February 2022 hearing on expanding broadband access.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testifies before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies during a February 2022 hearing on expanding broadband access.

United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo is still better known around these parts as the former governor of Rhode Island. She grew up in Smithfield.

Jared Haibon

First a contestant on the 11th season of "The Bachelorette," Jared Haibon is one of the successes of “The Bachelor” franchise. While he didn’t find love that season, in a return to the franchise he met Ashley Iaconetti. It was a bit of a rocky road, but they’re now married.

More: Do you remember these Rhode Islanders who were on reality television shows? Take a look

Omi Hopper

Omi Hopper is a cooking sensation online. And she does it from her Riverside home.
Omi Hopper is a cooking sensation online. And she does it from her Riverside home.

A delight to watch cook, Omi Hopper started making cooking videos during the pandemic to keep boredom at bay, and then says she kept at it because she loved educating about Puerto Rican cooking. She became so popular as a social media influencer that she landed a spot on season 2 of "Next Level Chef." She made it to the semifinals before being eliminated.

Wendy Carlos

A musician and composer, Wendy Carlos is considered one of the most important people in electronic music. From Pawtucket, her accomplishments include winning three Grammys for her album “Switched on Bach” and writing the score for “A Clockwork Orange,” “The Shining” and the 1982 production of “Tron.”

Jonathan Nelson

Rhode Island’s sole billionaire Jonathan Nelson, of Providence Equity Partners, lives in Providence and is worth $3.1 billion, according to Forbes.

More: RI billionaires club a lonely place. See who's a member.

Vinny Pazienza

In this Aug. 23, 1996 file photo, boxer Vinny Pazienza, of Providence, R.I., is lifted up after winning a 12 round WBU super middleweight title bout against Dana Rosenblatt in Atlantic City, N.J. Pazienza changed his last name to Paz in 2000. [AP file]
In this Aug. 23, 1996 file photo, boxer Vinny Pazienza, of Providence, R.I., is lifted up after winning a 12 round WBU super middleweight title bout against Dana Rosenblatt in Atlantic City, N.J. Pazienza changed his last name to Paz in 2000. [AP file]

A former professional boxer, the 2016 film “Bleed for This” is based on Vinny Pazienza’s journey back from injury. The International Sports Hall of Fame inductee is from Cranston.

Charlie Day

Best known as Charlie Kelly from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Charlie Day was actually raised in Middletown.

Joe Mazzulla

Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The head coach for the Boston Celtics, Joseph Mazzulla is from Johnston. In high school, he played for Bishop Hendricken High School, and as you might expect he was a standout.

Jeffrey Osborne

A 2013 Journal file photo of, left to right, Jeffrey Osborne, St Mary's executive director Carlene Casciano-McCann and Osborne's nephew, Terrell Osborne, holding a photo of a check that Jeffrey Osborne presented to the St. Mary's Home for Children.
A 2013 Journal file photo of, left to right, Jeffrey Osborne, St Mary's executive director Carlene Casciano-McCann and Osborne's nephew, Terrell Osborne, holding a photo of a check that Jeffrey Osborne presented to the St. Mary's Home for Children.

Born in Providence, Jeffrey Osborne started early in music. His father, Clarence "Legs" Osborne, was a trumpeter who played with the likes of Duke Ellington. In a Providence nightclub, Jeffrey Osborne met the other members of what would become Love Men Ltd. Years, later he launched a solo career earning four grammy nominations and five gold and platinum albums.

Rocco Baldelli

Rocco Baldelli drives in a run for the Red Sox during an August 2009 game against the Yankees at Fenway Park.
Rocco Baldelli drives in a run for the Red Sox during an August 2009 game against the Yankees at Fenway Park.

The manager of the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball, Rocco Baldelli started his career in baseball at Bishop Hendricken High School. The Woonsocket native played outfield for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Boston Red Sox, until a condition called channelopathy cut his career short.

Ken Read

Skippered by Newport's Ken Read, Comanche sails out of the heads during the start of the Sydney Hobart yacht race in Sydney Saturday.
Skippered by Newport's Ken Read, Comanche sails out of the heads during the start of the Sydney Hobart yacht race in Sydney Saturday.

Considered one of the best sailors in the world, Ken Read was named the United States Rolex Yachtsman of the Year twice and has won more than 50 other titles. When he isn’t on a boat, he’s based out of Newport.

Mena Suvari

Mena Suvari, a castmember in the Paramount Network series "American Woman," poses for a portrait during the 2018 Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Pasadena, Calif.
Mena Suvari, a castmember in the Paramount Network series "American Woman," poses for a portrait during the 2018 Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Pasadena, Calif.

The youngest of four children, Mena Suvari spent her early years in an old stone mansion in Newport she believed was haunted until her family moved to South Carolina. The actress is best known her her roles in “American Pie” and “American Beauty.”

Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, making her debut on "Fox & friends" in 2013.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, making her debut on "Fox & friends" in 2013.

Another winner of Survivor, Elisabeth Hasselbeck used her success on the show to land a hosting gig on “The View” for 10 years. The Cranston native did a stint on “Fox and Friends” for two years before leaving in 2015.

Shanna Moakler

Providence native and 1995 Miss USA Shanna Moakler has been on several reality shows, including "Growing Up Supermodel," "Hollywood Exes" “Dancing with the Stars,” and "Meet the Barkers" as the ex-wife of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who is now married to Kourtney Kardashian.

Billy Gilman

RI singer Billy Gilman serenades with seasonal songs during the annual State House Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on Dec 2, 2021.
RI singer Billy Gilman serenades with seasonal songs during the annual State House Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on Dec 2, 2021.

First in the public eye as an 11-year-old when his single “One Voice” debuted, Billy Gilman has been singing ever since. The Rhode Island native was the runner-up in the 2016 season of “The Voice” and has been nominated for a Grammy twice.

Elizabeth Beisel

Elizabeth Beisel, winner of two Olympic medals for swimming in the 2012 London Olympics, returned home to Rhode Island today and was greeted by hundreds of fans who gathered at North Kingston High School to welcome her back and show their appreciation. Elizabeth Beisel waves to fans after her arrival at the North Kingstown HS football field. [The Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach]

A three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist, Elizabeth Beisel is a swimmer from North Kingstown. In the 2012 Olympics, she won a silver in the 400m Individual Medley, and a bronze in the 200m backstroke.

Robert B. Capron, Jr.

As an eight-year-old, Robert Capron Jr. started his acting career at Trinity Repertory Company. He went on to star as Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley's best friend in “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Famous People from RI: How many of these 50 famous people do you know?