The Most Famous Person from Rochester, NY, Ranked

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

Updated on Apr 21, 2024 08:17

In the bustling city of Rochester, NY, the streets hum with stories of those who have made a mark on the world. From arts and entertainment to innovations that have reshaped industries, this city has birthed figures whose influences radiate far beyond its boundaries. Knowing who tops the list of fame can spark pride in locals and cultivate interest in the city's rich history among visitors. This dynamic list reflects the opinions of people from around the globe, tallying votes in real time to show which of Rochester's luminaries holds the most current public acclaim. Engaging with the list doesn't just mean reading about these influential people; it's an opportunity to have your say and potentially sway the rankings. Your participation helps paint a clearer picture of Rochester's impact as seen through its most renowned figures.

Who Is the Most Famous Person from Rochester, NY?

1

64
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Susan B. Anthony

American suffragist, abolitionist, author, and speaker who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement. She was born in Adams, Massachusetts but spent most of her life in Rochester, NY.
2

30
votes
Engraved by J.C. Buttre from a daguerreotype. · Public domain

Frederick Douglass

African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. After escaping from slavery, he settled in Rochester, NY, where he published his famous newspaper The North Star.
Frederick Douglass in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person from Washington, D.C.
3

32
votes
The original uploader was Megapixie at English Wikipedia. · Public domain

George Eastman

American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and inventor who founded the Eastman Kodak Company and popularized the use of roll film. Eastman was born in Waterville, NY, but spent most of his life in Rochester, where he developed many of his innovations.
George Eastman in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous inventor of early photography
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18
votes

Misterweiss · CC BY-SA 3.0

Lou Gramm

American rock singer and songwriter best known for his work with the band Foreigner. Gramm was born in Rochester, NY, and began his music career as a member of local bands. He went on to achieve international success with Foreigner in the 1970s and 1980s.
5

8
votes
John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Chuck Mangione

American flugelhorn player, trumpeter, and composer known for his smooth jazz and Latin-style music. Mangione was born and raised in Rochester, NY, where he began playing music at a young age. He went on to achieve success as a solo artist and with his band, The Chuck Mangione Quartet.
Chuck Mangione in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous flugelhorn player
6

9
votes

Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Philip Seymour Hoffman

American actor and director known for his versatility and complex character portrayals. Hoffman was born in Fairport, NY, a suburb of Rochester, and attended local schools before pursuing a career in theater and film. He won numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Actor.
7

5
votes
Eva Rinaldi · CC BY-SA 2.0

Kristen Wiig

American actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and in films such as Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters. Wiig was born in Canandaigua, NY, but spent much of her childhood in Rochester.
Kristen Wiig in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous female comedian
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous actor from Oregon
8

6
votes
David Cabrera · CC BY-SA 4.0

Kodak Black

American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his distinctive voice and Southern-style hip hop. Kodak Black was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, but spent time in Rochester, NY, during his youth. He has released several successful albums and singles, including "Tunnel Vision" and "Roll in Peace."
Kodak Black in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous rapper in Florida
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6
votes

Penale52 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tom Golisano

American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician who founded the payroll processing company Paychex and ran for governor of New York three times. Golisano was born in Irondequoit, NY, a suburb of Rochester, and has been a major benefactor of local institutions such as the Rochester Institute of Technology.
10

9
votes

Daniel Wegman

American businessman and co-CEO of the Wegmans supermarket chain, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Wegman was born and raised in Rochester, NY, where his family's grocery store business got its start. He has been actively involved in local philanthropy and economic development efforts.

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Ranking factors for famous person

Accomplishments

Consider the person's achievements and contributions within their field. This could include artists, musicians, actors, authors, athletes, scientists, etc.
Recognition

Evaluate the level of recognition and awards the person has received locally, nationally, or internationally. This could include prestigious accolades, honors, or titles they have attained.
Impact

Assess the individual's impact on their community, industry, or society as a whole. This could be through philanthropy, activism, groundbreaking research, or influential work.
Popularity

Gauge the person's level of popularity, both in Rochester and beyond. Consider their following on social media, public interest, media coverage, and overall cultural relevance.
Enduring legacy

Reflect on the person's lasting impact and influence. This could include their lasting contributions to their field or the way they have inspired and influenced future generations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person from Rochester, 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

2027 views
189 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 rochester, ny

Rochester, NY is a city steeped in history and culture. Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, it is the third largest city in New York State. Over the years, Rochester has been home to many influential people who have left their mark on the world. From abolitionist Frederick Douglass to feminist Susan B. Anthony, Rochester has been a hotbed of social activism and change. But when it comes to fame, who is the most famous person to call Rochester home? That's what we aim to find out with our latest StrawPoll. Join the conversation and cast your vote today!