Notable Immigrants of Ellis Island

Immigrants came through Ellis Island ready to start a new life in a new country or to continue a career in a new country. Read on to learn more about some of the Notable Immigrants who pass through the island.

 

Notable Immigrants A-F

Learn their stories by clicking on an individual's name-

Louis Adamic, Writer

Lucien Aigner, Photojournalist

Isaac Asimov, Writer

Charles Atlas Bodybuilder / Entrepreneur

Mischa Auer Actor

Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe First President of Nigeria

Abraham Beame, Politician and Mayor of New York City, 1974-1977

Irving Berlin, Composer and Lyricist

Ettore "Hector" BoiardiChef / Entrepreneur

Irene Bordoni, Actress

Frank Capra, Film Director

Claudette Colbert, Actress

Donald Crisp, Actor

Karl DaneActor

Max Factor, Cosmetician

Hubert Fauntleroy Julian, Aviator

Father Edward Flanagan, Priest

Felix Frankfurter Lawyer, Supreme Court Justice

Douglas FraserLabor Union Leader

 

Notable Immigrants G-L

Learn their stories by clicking on an immigrant's name-

Kahlil Gibran, Poet

Emma Goldman, Anarchist

Arshile Gorky, Painter

Cary Grant, Actor

Dick Haymes, Singer

Sidney Hillman, American Labor Leader

Joseph Hillstrom ("Joe Hill")Labor Activist, Writer

Bob Hope,Actor and comedian

Mayor Vincent R. Impellitteri, Politician and Mayor of New York City, 1950-1953

CLR James, Historian

Al Jolson, Actor / Singer

Tor Johnson Wrestler/Actor

Elia Kazan, Stage and Film Director

John Kluge, Businessman

Jiddu Krishnamurti, Philosopher

Wanda Landowska, Musician, Composer

Meyer Lansky, Organized crime figure

Alfred Levitt, Painter

Bela Lugosi actor

 

Notable Immigrants M-Z

Learn their stories by clicking on an immigrant's name-

Claude McKay, Writer and Poet

Alan Mowbray, Stage, Film, and Television Actor

Pola Negri, Actor

Mayor William O'Dwyer, Politician

Joe Penner Comedian, Actor

Frank Puglia, Actor

Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, Naval Innovator

Edward G. Robinson Actor

Knute Rockne, Football Coach

Onorio Ruotolo, Sculptor, Poet

Nicola Sacco, Political Activist

John H. Secondari Television Documentary Producer

Erich von Stroheim, Actor, Director

Yma Sumac, Soprano

Arthur Tracy, Singer/Actor

Pauline Trigère Fashion Designer

Rudolph Valentino, Actor

Johnny Weissmuller, Athlete / Actor

Senor Wences, Entertainer