Notable Americans who spent time in Sussex County NJ
Here are some notable Americans who grew up, lived, or spent time in Sussex County.
Sussex County has plenty to offer, from fertile farms to the scenic beauty of the Delaware Water Gap to our quaint towns tucked into the New Jersey Highlands.
That goes for our history as well. Established in 1753, the county has been the home, at one point or another, to Founding Fathers, folk icons, sports greats and a Nobel Prize winner, among other notables.
Here’s a look at some of the most famous names to grow up, live or spend time in Sussex County:
Nick Boyle
Born in Wantage, the NFL tight end helped the Baltimore Ravens reach the playoffs four times from 2015 to 2022. He graduated from High Point Regional High School in 2011.
Harry, Tom and Steve Chapin
Harry Chapin, the late singer-songwriter and philanthropist, is best known for songs including “Cat’s in the Cradle” and “Taxi.” Tom is an award-winning performer known for his children’s albums and ABC show “Make-A-Wish.” And younger brother Steve has toured internationally with his own band. The brothers spent summers in Byram at the farm of their grandfather, philosopher and literary critic Kenneth Burke
Lou Dobbs
The conservative political commentator, author and TV host owned a farm in Wantage Township until his death in 2024.
Newman E. Drake
Born in 1860 in Andover and raised in Newton, Newman Drake started out in a local bakery and eventually founded the N.E. Drake Baking Co., maker of well-known treats including Drake’s Cakes, Yodels and Devil Dogs. He was also a philanthropist, helping to establish Sussex County landmarks including the Newton Theatre and Memory Park.
Janeane Garofalo
The Newton-born stand-up comic has appeared on TV shows ranging from “The Ben Stiller Show” and “Saturday Night Live” to “The West Wing.” She also has more than 50 movie credits, including “Reality Bites” and “Ratatouille.”
Danny Kass
A snowboarding silver medalist in two Winter Olympics (2002 and 2006), Kass grew up in the Scenic Lakes section of Vernon Township. He’s also the winner of five U.S. Open championships and seven Winter X Games medals, the purveyor of a line of ski accessories and a podcaster.
John Mather
Mather graduated from Newton High School in 1964. He went on to an scientific career that includes his role as senior project scientist for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006.
Lewis Morris III
Lewis Morris III was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, a delegate to the Continental Congress and one of New Jersey’s first colonial governors. His farm, where Colonial Army troops are said to have encamped, is now home to Walkill Valley Regional High School in Hamburg
Troy Murphy
The basketball star grew up in Sparta, graduated from the Delbarton School in 1998 and went on to be a two-time All-American at Notre Dame. He had an impressive 12-year career with six NBA teams, including the New Jersey Nets.
Andrew Napolitano
The ex-Bergen County judge, author and legal commentator was born in Newark but has made Sussex County his home since 2001.
Babe Ruth
Sussex County was a favorite playground for The Babe. The baseball legend hunted, fished and golfed frequently in the area, often with former Yankees teammate and Sussex County native Russ Van Atta.
‘Doc’ Severinsen
The jazz trumpeter and former leader of Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” orchestra on NBC lived in Branchville in the 1970’s.
Who’d we miss? Send suggestions to nussbauma@northjersey.com.