There are 60 nominees for the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, and you can vote now for your favorite New Jerseyans now through May 5. The categories include Arts & Letters; Education, Research, Engineering & Science; Enterprise; Performing Arts & Entertainment; Public Service; and Sports.
You can view the bio for each nominee when you go to the voting website. The nominees are:
ARTS & LETTERS
Steve Adubato, Jr.
Mitch Albom
Michael Aron
Janet Evanovich
Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Joe Henry
Jennifer Jones
Peter King
“Produce Pete” Napolitano
Marvin Scott
EDUCATION, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING & SCIENCE
John Bardeen
William C. Campbell
Dr. Lewis L. Coriell
Tom Eastwick
Val Fitch
Alfred Kinsey
Dr. Gregory Olsen
Emily Roebling
Colonel John Stevens
James West
ENTERPRISE
Marc E. Berson
James E. Burke
William L. Clayton
Barbara Corcoran
Robert C. Garrett
Peter Kellogg
Chris Malachowsky
Chris Paladino
John Scher
David Tepper
PERFORMING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
James L. Brooks
Bobby Cannavale
Tom Cantone
Michael B. Jordan
Marilyn McCoo
Melba Moore
Phoebe Snow
SZA
The Rascals
Florio “Uncle Floyd” Vivino
PUBLIC SERVICE
Nicholas F. Brady
Michael Chertoff
Geraldine Dodge
Bruce Gordon
Governor William Livingston
Gail McGovern
Congressman Bill Pascrell
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr.
Lucy Stone
Governor Christine Todd-Whitman
SPORTS
Al Attles
Wayne Chrebet
Hazel Clark
Victor Cruz
Jack Hughes
John McMullen
Jim Nantz
Don Newcombe
Drew Pearson
Sonny Werblin
The Hall of Fame’s Entertainment & Learning Center is open at American Dream in East Rutherford. Here, you’ll see the Ford Model T that Henry Ford gifted to Thomas Edison in 1916, sing karaoke on stage with the hologram of a musician, interview holographic celebs on a segment of late night TV, take a virtual trip to the moon, and see tons of cool memorabilia from your favorite athletes, singers and influential Jerseyites. There are upcoming sensory-friendly hours for visitors who are neurodivergent.
Since 2008, the New Jersey Hall of Fame has hosted 17 ceremonies for over 260 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. Voting for the Class of 2026 is open through May 5.
The final inductees will be announced in June. The 18th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in the fall; details will be released at a later date.
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