EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Bergen County) — Sixteen Garden State figures were honored as members of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during the organization’s 18th annual induction ceremony.
More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony at the new Dream Live Performing Arts Center last week, according to the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
“Each year, our Induction Ceremony celebrates a new class of trailblazers who have helped cement New Jersey’s legacy of excellence,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson, “it’s a consistent reminder of the extraordinary talent that grows right here in the Garden State, and the Class of 2026 is no exception.”
The ceremony was hosted by actor Danny DeVito, a member of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010. During the event, a surprise proclamation was presented on behalf of Gov. Mikie Sherrill declaring Nov. 17, 2026, as Danny DeVito Day “in recognition of a true New Jersey icon.”
Former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence “LT” Taylor was inducted by Harry Carson, a member of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018.
The ceremony also featured performances by Tommy James, Stevie Van Zandt, Edward Brigati Jr. and saxophonist Mark Rivera.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be inducted with this extraordinary group of icons. It has been the privilege of a lifetime leading Hackensack Meridian Health and making New Jersey a healthier state to work and live in,” said Robert C. Garrett.
Brigati spoke about his desire to inspire future generations.
“My highest desire is to inspire each and every individual to recognize their own gifts and abilities, to express their utmost intention, to communicate, cooperate, and collaborate.”
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter SZA also reflected on her New Jersey roots during the ceremony.
“Thank you to all the Jerseyans that have inspired me. I’m just a culmination of those people. I love Jersey, I love community, and I promise to take that energy around the world wherever I go.”
The Class of 2026 includes Big Joe Henry in Arts & Letters; Geraldine R. Dodge and Thomas M. Eastwick in Education, Research, Engineering & Science; James E. Burke, Robert C. Garrett and Christopher J. Paladino in Enterprise; David Brigati, Edward Brigati Jr., Dino Danelli and SZA in Performing Arts & Entertainment; Donald Milford Payne Sr. and former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman in Public Service; and Dr. John J. McMullen and Lawrence “LT” Taylor in Sports.
Marbel Tamayo, a Spanish language educator in Paterson, was recognized as Educator of the Year, while Tom Weatherall, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, was honored as the Unsung Hero.
Dodge, Burke, David Brigati, Danelli, Payne and McMullen were honored posthumously.
“While our Induction Ceremony marks a special ‘homecoming’ celebration for this year’s class of inductees, this is just the beginning,” emphasized NJHOF President Steve Edwards. “Through the generous support of our sponsors, their stories will join those of over 260 other New Jersey greats, from Einstein to Edison to Jon Bon Jovi, and inspire countless generations to come!”
The inductees will also be featured as part of year-round programming at the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream.
