Famous People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the United States. The city has a particular niche for the creative and artistic. Philly sports fans have a reputation for being particularly passionate, and the politically active also display similar passion.

Philadelphia is home to a large student population. The diverse city includes many recent immigrants from countries such as Ethiopia, African-Americans, descendants of Italian, Irish, and German settlers, Chinese, and Korean residents. The city has a close-knit media and journalism group and is also home to many gay rights activists.

It’s not surprising that an emotive city has produced many famous, various, and talented individuals throughout history and in recent time. The following individuals are particularly representative of the activism, culture, love, and diversity that the City of Philadelphia has produced over time.

Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania: Many residents of the city view Ed Rendell as a true Philadelphian-his unabashed love of Philadelphia sports and hoagies. After being elected as the city’s mayor, the Villanova law degree recipient wasn’t afraid to assist with the physical renovations of City Hall. As a liberal governor, Rendell made immediate and sweeping changes, using gambling profits to reduce taxes.

A close friend of Hillary Clinton, Rendell is a strong proponent of health care reform. He is a Democrat noted for fiscal responsibility.

Jennifer Weiner, Author: Who can resist picking up a book called Good in Bed? Most people couldn’t, and this Princeton-educated Philadelphian has helped define chick-lit. Having received her start in journalism, Weiner moved to what she knew best: novels. Good in Bed is one of the most Philadelphian novels one can find-the cynicism and the author’s use of the city as an authentic backdrop will strike home to anyone from the city.

Ramona Africa, MOVE Bombing Survivor: A member of the controversial MOVE organization, Ramona Africa was the only member/activist to survive the 1985 MOVE bombing, during which Mayor Goode approved a bombing of MOVE’s meeting place. The fire resulted in the loss of five children and six adult MOVE members. The fire which resulted from the bombing also destroyed six city blocks in the city, devastating the African-American community.

Ramona Africa continues to represent triumph in the face of oppression and the city’s political and moral diversity.

Joan Jett, Rock Star: This mezzo-soprano rock guru and champion of The Runaways and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, is best known for her “I Love Rock and Roll” hit. Though she moved to Los Angeles at age twelve, Jett’s wild style clearly has Philly origins.

John Joseph O’Connor, Archbishop of New York: This high-ranking member of the Catholic Church was born into an Irish-American family in Philadelphia in 1945. O’Connor served as a chaplain in the Korean War, risking his life to administer the last rites to dying soldiers abroad. For his continued service, O’Connor was continually promoted by Pope John Paul II until he became New York’s archbishop.

O’Connor opposed gay rights and some methods of AIDS prevention (such as condom distribution), maintaining strict doctrine. Conversely, he championed other human rights causes, seeing it as an obligation to protect human life from the womb to death row. Cardinal O’Connor also notably appointed priests to perform exorcisms.

From rockin’ to writing, liberal to conservative, Philadelphia has produced some amazing contributions to modern society.