2024 NJ Hall of Fame inductees include Streep, Jersey Mike’s founder

The New Jersey Hall of Fame unveiled its 2024 class of inductees July 16. The group spans industries such as enterprise, entertainment, education, sports and more.

The Hall of Fame honors those who have made invaluable contributions to society, New Jersey and the world. Since 2008, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 230 inductees.

The 2024 class is the first group recognized following the unveiling of the Hall of Fame’s new $20 million Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream in June. The organization's 16th annual induction ceremony will celebrate recipients. The pre-taped TV special will film at the new 10,000-square-foot center and at other Hall of Fame satellite exhibits.

Organizers said the ceremony will air beginning Nov. 13 on Fox 5 My9 and on social media.

“The 2024 class of Inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame illustrate the New Jersey ethic of hard work, determination, and grit,” Jon Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF, said in a statement. Hanson is also chairman of The Hampshire Cos.

The 18 inductees across six categories were chosen from 50 nominees after a public vote.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame 2024 honorees are:

Arts & Letters

Gay Talese, Ocean City

Journalist forThe New York TimesandEsquiremagazine

Education & Science

Elizabeth Coleman White (posthumous), Whitesbog

Botanist, developed the nation’s first cultivated blueberry

John Forbes Nash (posthumous),Princeton

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for Economics

Previous honoree being formally inducted this year.

Avi Wigderson , Princeton

Computer scientist, mathematician and Turing Award winner

Enterprise

George Cooney , Bogota

Chairman emeritus of EUE/Screen Gems Ltd.

Peter Cancro , Point Pleasant

Founder of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc. and philanthropist

Donald Katz , Newark

Founder of Audible Inc., journalist and author

Performing Arts & Entertainment

Lesley Gore (posthumous),Tenafly

Singer-songwriter ("You Don't Own Me,” “It’s My Party”) and Academy Award and Grammy Award nominee

Previous inductee being formally inducted this year.

Warren Littlefield , Montclair

Former NBC Entertainment president

Paul Rudd, Passaic

Actor, Critics’ Choice Award winner andnominee for Golden Globe and SAG Awards

Previous honoree being formally inducted this year.

Kevin Smith , Red Bank

Director, producer, writer and actor

Meryl Streep , Bernardsville

Actress, Academy Award and Golden Globe winner; Kennedy Center honoree; and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

Previous honoree being formally inducted this year.

Public Service

Edwin Leahy , Newark

Benedictine monk and Catholic priest, headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep

Geraldine Thompson , Lincroft

Social reform pioneer and founder of VNA Health Group

Sports

Dick Button , Englewood

Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, World Championship gold medalist and Emmy Award-winning former TV sports commentator

Tim Howard , New Brunswick

Former goalkeeper/soccer player for the U.S. Men's National Team

Ron Johnson (posthumous),Madison

Former New York Giants running back and chairman of the National Football Foundation

Phil Simms, Franklin Lakes

Former New York Giants quarterback, Super Bowl MVP and sports analyst

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