The Most Famous Person from Buffalo, NY, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the person you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 4, 2024 07:10

In the bustling city of Buffalo, NY, countless individuals have risen to prominence, each carving a niche in various realms such as arts, sports, science, and more. Knowing who stands out in the crowd holds a unique appeal, as it connects locals and admirers alike to the city's rich history and current cultural landscape. This list aims to highlight those individuals who have made significant marks on both local and global stages. By participating in this vote, you help paint a clearer picture of Buffalo's influential personalities. Your input is crucial for updating and refining how these figures are perceived in the consensus of public opinion. Not only does this engage community participation, but it also sparks conversations about the impact these individuals have had. Every vote cast is a step toward mapping out the celebrated icons of Buffalo, NY.

Who Is the Most Famous Person from Buffalo, NY?

1

27
votes
Leach Entertainment Features · Public domain

Rick James

The legendary funk musician was born and raised in Buffalo. He is known for hits such as "Super Freak" and "Give It to Me Baby."
Rick James in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous funk singer
2

33
votes

hyku from Winter Haven, FL, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tim Russert

The late NBC News journalist and host of Meet the Press was born and raised in Buffalo. He was known for his tough but fair interviewing style.
3

18
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided · Public domain

Grover Cleveland

The 22nd and 24th President of the United States was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, but grew up in Buffalo. He remains the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
4

9
votes
Erinc Salor · CC BY-SA 2.0

Ani DiFranco

The singer-songwriter and activist was born and raised in Buffalo. She founded the record label Righteous Babe Records and is known for her politically charged lyrics.
Ani DiFranco in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous independent artist
5

12
votes
Edward Kimmel from Takoma Park, MD · CC BY-SA 2.0

Wolf Blitzer

The CNN journalist and anchor of The Situation Room was born in Augsburg, Germany, but grew up in Buffalo. He has covered major news events such as the Iraq War and the 9/11 attacks.
Wolf Blitzer in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous CNN anchor
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular anchor
6

13
votes

Mathew Benjamin Brady · Public domain

Millard Fillmore

The 13th President of the United States was born in Summerhill, New York, but lived most of his adult life in Buffalo. He is known for signing the Compromise of 1850, which delayed the Civil War for a decade.
7

1
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Mark Twain

The author and humorist lived in Buffalo for a brief period in the 1870s. He wrote his famous novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer while living there.
Mark Twain in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous misanthrope
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Nevada
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous satirist in English literature
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous ENFP
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
8

4
votes
Al Adamson · Public domain

Jim Kelly

The former NFL quarterback played for the Buffalo Bills for 11 seasons. He led the team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.
Jim Kelly in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Buffalo Bills quarterback
9

9
votes

MarioM · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bobby Militello

The jazz saxophonist was born and raised in Buffalo. He has played with jazz legends such as Dave Brubeck and Maynard Ferguson.
10

7
votes

Robert G. Wilmers

The late banker and philanthropist was born in Bronxville, New York, but spent most of his life in Buffalo. He was the chairman and CEO of M&T Bank and was known for his generosity to the arts and education in Buffalo.

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Ranking factors for famous person

National and international recognition

Consider the individual's level of fame and recognition beyond the local Buffalo community. Have they achieved significant recognition on a national or international scale?
Accomplishments and achievements

Evaluate the individual's accomplishments and achievements in their respective field. This could include awards, honors, or notable contributions to their industry.
Impact on society and culture

Assess the influence the person has had on society and culture. Have they made a significant impact in their field or have they inspired others?
Media presence

Consider the person's media presence, including their visibility in traditional media such as television, print, and online platforms. Have they consistently had a high-profile public image?
Personal brand and reputation

Examine the person's personal brand and reputation. Are they widely recognized and respected for their talents, character, or professional successes?
Enduring legacy

Consider the person's lasting impact and legacy. Have they left a lasting impact in their field or on society, even after their prime years?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person from Buffalo, NY. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or person is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1509 views
134 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each person once every 24 hours. The rank of each person is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous person from buffalo, ny

Buffalo, NY is a city that has produced many notable figures in various fields. However, when it comes to determining who is the most famous person from Buffalo, it can be a subjective and contentious topic. Some of the most well-known names associated with Buffalo include Rick James, Ani DiFranco, Tim Russert, and Wolf Blitzer. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be music, journalism, or politics. Ultimately, the title of "most famous person from Buffalo" is up for interpretation and debate, as it depends on individual perspectives and criteria for fame. Regardless, there is no denying the impact that Buffalo has had on the world through the talents and accomplishments of its residents.