25 Most Popular Jewish Celebrities and Cultural Icons

Jewish artists and creators have shaped film, television, music, and comedy in ways that reach audiences everywhere. Many of the names on this list built careers that span decades, and their work continues to set records, win awards, and inspire new generations of performers and fans.

This roundup brings together widely recognized stars whose Jewish identity or heritage is part of their story. You will find directors behind landmark films, chart topping musicians, and comedians whose shows became cultural touchstones, along with the roles and projects that made them famous.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg directed some of the most influential films in modern cinema, including ‘Jaws’, ‘E.T. the Extra Terrestrial’, ‘Jurassic Park’, and ‘Schindler’s List’. He won multiple Academy Awards for directing and producing and founded Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks, companies behind many hit movies and television projects.

His Jewish heritage informs several works, most notably ‘Schindler’s List’ and the autobiographical drama ‘The Fabelmans’. He also established the USC Shoah Foundation, which has recorded tens of thousands of survivor testimonies to preserve Holocaust history for education and research.

Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status with major awards in film, television, recording, and theater. Her breakout film ‘Funny Girl’ earned her an Academy Award, and her albums have sold in the tens of millions across the world.

She has spoken frequently about her Jewish upbringing and identity. Streisand directed and starred in ‘Yentl’, which centered on Jewish life and learning, and she supports numerous cultural and philanthropic initiatives connected to Jewish causes and education.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld co created and starred in ‘Seinfeld’, a sitcom that became one of the most watched and syndicated shows in television history. He later built a popular stand up career and created ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’.

Seinfeld has often referenced Jewish culture in his comedy and public appearances. He supports a range of charities and education programs and remains active in live performance, keeping observational comedy at the center of his work.

Larry David

Larry David co created ‘Seinfeld’ and then created and starred in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. The shows introduced a distinctive comedic voice that influenced modern television writing and improvisational formats.

David draws on Jewish culture and New York life throughout his scripts and storylines. His work consistently features Jewish holidays, customs, and community settings, helping to bring those details into mainstream television comedy.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler rose to fame on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and went on to lead numerous box office hits such as ‘Happy Gilmore’, ‘The Waterboy’, and ‘Grown Ups’. He also earned critical acclaim for dramatic roles including ‘Uncut Gems’.

Sandler frequently weaves Jewish references into his comedy and music, including his well known Chanukah songs. He has supported a variety of charitable efforts and regularly collaborates with longtime friends and family across his film projects.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller starred in and directed hits like ‘Meet the Parents’, ‘Zoolander’, and ‘Tropic Thunder’. He expanded into producing and directing high profile television with ‘Escape at Dannemora’ and ‘Severance’.

Stiller comes from a show business family with Jewish roots through his father, comedian Jerry Stiller. He has participated in events and campaigns that spotlight Jewish heritage, while maintaining a steady presence in film and television.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman won an Academy Award for ‘Black Swan’ and has starred in films ranging from ‘V for Vendetta’ to Marvel’s ‘Thor’ series. She directs and produces as well, adding to a varied career in international cinema.

Portman was born in Israel and has spoken about her Jewish background in interviews and speeches. She has participated in educational programs and projects that highlight Hebrew language and Israeli culture, and she supports humanitarian and scientific initiatives around the world.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has headlined major films including ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Marriage Story’, and multiple entries in the Marvel series as Black Widow. She has received Oscar nominations and remains one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.

Johansson has a Jewish mother and identifies with her Jewish heritage. She has worked with organizations that address global poverty and has taken part in community events that celebrate Jewish culture and arts.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot gained global recognition as Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’ and has appeared in successful action franchises and dramas. She began her career in modeling and pageants before shifting into acting and producing.

Gadot is Israeli and has discussed her upbringing and Hebrew speaking background in interviews. She has participated in international outreach and often supports charitable efforts that assist children and families, including events connected to Israeli and Jewish communities.

Drake

Drake became one of the highest selling hip hop artists of his era with multiple number one albums and streaming records. He founded OVO Sound and helped launch careers for other artists while growing a worldwide brand.

He was raised in Toronto by a Jewish mother and celebrated a bar mitzvah, which he referenced in his music and videos. Drake has supported community programs in Toronto and has incorporated Jewish symbols and stories into select performances and media.

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen created characters like Ali G, Borat, and Bruno, bringing mockumentary style comedy to global audiences. His films and specials have received awards and sparked conversations about satire and media.

Baron Cohen is Jewish and has publicly addressed issues related to antisemitism and misinformation. He played a central role in ‘The Spy’, a series based on the Israeli agent Eli Cohen, and he has supported organizations that focus on civil rights and education.

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman is a stand up comedian and actor known for ‘The Sarah Silverman Program’ and numerous specials. She has written a best selling memoir and hosts a podcast that explores comedy and current events.

Silverman often discusses Jewish identity in her work and interviews. She has participated in voter engagement efforts and advocates for causes related to free speech and social welfare, while remaining active on stage and on screen.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd starred in comedies like ‘Clueless’ and ‘I Love You, Man’ and later led Marvel’s ‘Ant Man’ films. He is known for consistent roles in ensemble comedies and long running television guest appearances.

Rudd was raised in a Jewish family and spent part of his childhood in the United States and the United Kingdom. He supports children’s health charities and participates in community events that highlight Jewish culture and holiday traditions.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal earned acclaim for films such as ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Brokeback Mountain’, and ‘Nightcrawler’. He also performs on Broadway, including leading roles in major revivals and new productions.

Gyllenhaal’s mother is Jewish, and he has acknowledged that heritage while supporting related cultural institutions. He contributes to literacy and arts education programs and often appears at festivals and benefits that promote theater and film.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill broke out with ‘Superbad’ and moved into dramatic territory with ‘Moneyball’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, earning Academy Award nominations. He wrote and directed the coming of age film ‘Mid90s’.

Hill grew up in a Jewish family in Los Angeles and studied writing before entering the industry. He has worked with nonprofits focused on mental health and youth outreach and continues to develop projects as a writer, director, and actor.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis starred on ‘That 70s Show’ and in films like ‘Black Swan’ and ‘Bad Moms’. She also voices Meg on ‘Family Guy’, a role she has held for many seasons.

Kunis was born in Ukraine to a Jewish family and immigrated to the United States as a child. She has supported relief efforts for Ukraine and has shared her experiences about immigration and Jewish identity in public conversations.

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik starred in the sitcom ‘Blossom’ and later joined ‘The Big Bang Theory’, earning multiple award nominations. She holds a doctorate in neuroscience and has written books on science and family life.

Bialik is Jewish and speaks publicly about holidays, traditions, and Hebrew. She has produced educational videos on Jewish practice and supports programs that connect science literacy with community education.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks created classic comedies including ‘The Producers’, ‘Blazing Saddles’, and ‘Young Frankenstein’. He earned the rare EGOT combination and influenced generations of comedic writers and directors.

Brooks grew up in a Jewish household in New York and brought Yiddish inflection and humor into many of his works. He collaborated frequently with Jewish performers and writers and has been honored by cultural institutions that preserve Jewish arts and language.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal became a household name through ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘City Slickers’, and a long run as host of the Academy Awards. He began in stand up and sketch television before leading major film comedies.

Crystal was raised in a Jewish family and incorporates Jewish culture into his stage shows and memoirs. He supports arts education and has worked with museums and festivals that highlight Jewish contributions to American entertainment.

Gene Simmons

Gene Simmons co founded KISS and helped design the band’s signature makeup and stage show. He has released music as a solo artist and built a range of business ventures linked to the KISS brand.

Simmons was born in Haifa to a Jewish family and immigrated to the United States as a child. He has visited Israel for performances and events and often discusses Hebrew and family history in interviews and public appearances.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz won multiple Grammy Awards and released hit albums across rock, soul, and funk. He is also an actor with roles in films such as ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Precious’.

Kravitz has Jewish heritage through his father and has spoken about balancing the diverse traditions in his family. He supports arts education and youth music programs and collaborates with global initiatives that promote creative access.

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel originated Elphaba in ‘Wicked’ on Broadway and voiced Elsa in Disney’s ‘Frozen’. She has a strong recording career with albums and concert tours that reach international audiences.

Menzel is Jewish and performs regularly at events that celebrate Jewish music and theater. She supports arts education and works with foundations that bring musical theater to schools and community centers.

Judd Apatow

Judd Apatow directed and produced popular comedies including ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’, ‘Knocked Up’, and ‘Trainwreck’. He launched Apatow Productions, which backed numerous films and series that became hits.

Apatow is Jewish and has participated in benefits for cultural and educational organizations. He mentors writers and performers and often includes Jewish family life and traditions in the stories he develops.

Andy Samberg

Andy Samberg broke out on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and co created the comedy music group The Lonely Island. He starred in ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’ and produced films and series across streaming and network platforms.

Samberg was raised in a Jewish family in California and studied film before entering sketch comedy. He supports literacy and media programs for youth and frequently collaborates with other Jewish comedians and writers.

Nick Kroll

Nick Kroll created and stars in the animated series ‘Big Mouth’ and led ‘Kroll Show’ on television. He performs stand up, acts in films, and writes and produces across multiple projects.

Kroll is Jewish and brings Jewish themes and characters into his comedy and writing. He supports charities focused on education and health and participates in festivals and events that showcase Jewish humor and storytelling.

Share your favorite names we missed and the performances you love most in the comments.