List of Polish Americans

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


This is an incomplete list of notable Polish Americans.

Lists of
Americans
by U.S. state
by ethnicity:
African | Albanian | Arab
Argentine | Armenian | Austrian
Bahamian | Bangladeshi | Belgian
Brazilian | Bulgarian | Cajun
Cambodian | Chinese | Croatian
Cuban | Czech | Danish
Dutch | English
Estonian | Filipino
Finnish | French | German
Greek | Haitian | Hispanic
Hmong | Hungarian | Indian
Indonesian | Iranian
Irish | Israeli | Italian
Jamaican | Japanese | Jewish
Korean | Laotian | Louisiana Creole
Mexican | Native American | Hawaiian
Nicaraguan | Nigerian
Norwegian | Polish
Portuguese | Romanian | Russian
Rusyn | Salvadoran | Scots-Irish
Scottish | Serbian
Slovak | Slovenian
Spanish | Swedish | Swiss
Taiwanese | Turkish | Ukrainian
Vietnamese | Welsh
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Contents

[edit] List

[edit] Arts and Entertainment

[edit] Actors

[edit] Architecture

[edit] Arts

[edit] Filmmakers

[edit] Journalism

  • Mika Brzezinski (1967 - ) NBC and MSNBC News Journalist and Commentator
  • Rita Cosby (1964 - ) MSNBC Anchor and Journalist [72]
  • Laura Ingraham (1964 - ) conservative political TV commentator/radio show host/author
  • Max Kolonko TV personality and News Correspondent, Author, Producer, [73]
  • Michelle Kosinski (1974 - ) NBC News Correspondent
  • Miroslawa Kruszewska (1950 - ) freelance conservative journalist, Author, Poet
  • Mark Lipinski (1957 - ) the first man in history to create and executive edit an internationally distributed quilting magazine, called Mark Lipinski’s Quilter’s Home, as well as the first man ever whose image is regularly featured on a quilting title (www.marklipinski.com).
  • Jim Miklaszewski - chief Pentagon correspondent for NBC News[74]
  • Mike Royko (1932 - 1997) long-running newspaper columnist in Chicago, Illinois

[edit] Literature

[edit] Models

[edit] Music

[edit] TV

[edit] Other

[edit] Business

[edit] Explorers

  • John Scolvus (15th century) John of Kolno, semi-legendary sailor, possibly the first Pole in America

[edit] Military

  • Gabby Gabreski (1919 - 2002) fighter ace in World War II, and again in Korea[137]
  • Jan Karski (1914 - 2000) Polish World War II resistance fighter and scholar[138]
  • Tadeusz Kościuszko (1746 - 1817) Polish and Lithuanian national hero, general and a leader of 1794 uprising (which bears his name) against the Russian Empire[139]
  • Włodzimierz Krzyżanowski (1824 - 1887) Polish military leader and a Union general in the American Civil War[140]
  • Donald J. Kutyna (1933 - ) general, commander in chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Space Command from 1990 to 1992, and commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado from 1987 to 1990
  • Kazimierz Pułaski - (1746 – 1779) Polish soldier and politician who has been called "the father of American cavalry." From 1777 until his death, Pułaski fought in the American Revolutionary War for the independence of the United States.
  • Edward L. Rowny (1917-) U.S. Army General and ambassador Chief U.S. Negotiator for Arms Control, born in Baltimore, MD
  • John Shalikashvili (1936 - ) U.S. Army general and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, born in Warsaw, Poland and emigrated to U.S. as a teenager. Became the first draftee to rise to rank of General and first JCS Chairman after General Colin Powell.
  • Matt Urban (1919 - 1995) U. S. Army officer, per Guinness Book of World Records the most decorated U. S. serviceman[141]
  • Frank P. Witek (1921 - 1944) U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor Recipient[142]

[edit] Politics

  • A. Bruce Bielaski director of the Bureau of Investigation (now the Federal Bureau of Investigation)
  • Jackie Biskupski - politician and Businesswoman from Utah
  • Zbigniew Brzezinski (1928 - ) political scientist, geostrategist, and statesman[143]
  • Susan Bysiewicz (1961 - ) Secretary of State, Connecticut
  • John D. Cherry (1951 - ) Lt. Governor, Michigan
  • Andrew R. Ciesla (1953 - ) State Senator, New Jersey, Republican
  • Ed Derwinski (1926 - ) former U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs
  • John Dingell (1926 - ) Democratic Representative from Michigan, Dean (longest-serving member) of the House of Representatives
  • Thaddeus J. Dulski (1915 - 1988) U.S. House of Respresentatives, N.Y.
  • John A. Gronouski (1919 - 1996) Postmaster General & ambassador
  • Chuck Hagel Senator, Nebraska [144]
  • Kyle Janek (1958 - ) State senator, Texas, Republican
  • Leon Jaworski (1905 - 1982) special prosecutor during the Watergate Scandal
  • Paul E. Kanjorski (1937 - ) Pennsylvania Congressman, Democrat
  • Marcy Kaptur (1946 - ) U.S. Representative for the Ninth Congressional District of Ohio, Democrat
  • Jerry Kleczka (1943 - ) Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1985 to 2005, representing the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin
  • Ted Kulongoski (1940 - ) Governor of Oregon, Democrat
  • Raymond Lesniak (1946 - ) State senator, New Jersey, Democrat
  • Bill Lipinski (1937 - ) Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 2005, representing the 3rd District of Illinois
  • Dan Lipinski (1966 - ) member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the District of Illinois
  • George D. Maziarz (1953 - ) Republican state senator from New York's 62nd district
  • Barbara Mikulski (1936 - ) member of the Democratic Party, United States Senator representing the State of Maryland[145]
  • Frank Murkowski (1933 - ) politician and former Governor of Alaska, Republican
  • Lisa Murkowski (1957 - ) junior United States Senator from Alaska, first U.S. Senator who was born in Alaska and Alaska's first female senator
  • Edmund Muskie (1914 - 1996) Democratic politician from Maine, served as Governor of Maine, a U.S. Senator, as U.S. Secretary of State, and ran as a candidate for Vice President of the United States
  • Marian P. Opala (1921 - ) Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice
  • Tim Pawlenty (1960 - ) Governor of Minnesota, Republican
  • Ed Pawlowski - Mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania
  • Gene Pelowski (1952 - ) Representative in the Minnesota State Legislature for District 31A and a teacher at Winona Senior High School in Winona, Minnesota
  • Wladyslaw Pleszczynski - conservative editor and writer
  • Adam Przeworski (1940 - ) professor of Political Science[146]
  • Roman Pucinski (1919 - 2002) House of Representatives, Illinois
  • Dan Rostenkowski (1928 - ) served in the U.S. Congress as a U.S. Representative for Illinois from 1959 to 1995
  • Richard Trumka - leader in the American labor movement
  • Alexander Vershbow - United States Ambassador to South Korea
  • Aldona Wos - United States Ambassador to Estonia until early December of 2006
  • Marion Zioncheck (1901 - 1936) served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1933 until his death in 1936, Democrat

[edit] Religion

[edit] Science

[edit] Sports

[edit] Baseball

  • Joe Borowski Cleveland Indians Closing Pitcher
  • Stan Coveleski (1889 - 1984) Major League Baseball player during the 1910s and 1920s[179]
  • Moe Drabowsky (1935 - 2006) right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball[180]
  • Steve Gromek (1920 - 2002) pitcher in Major League Baseball[181]
  • Mark Grudzielanek (1970 - ) second baseman in Major League Baseball, plays for the Kansas City Royals[182]
  • Ray Jablonski (1926 - 1985) third baseman in Major League Baseball with an 8-year career from 1953 to 1960[183]
  • Ted Kluszewski (1924-1988) Major League First Basemen [184]
  • Whitey Kurowski (1918-1999) third baseman in Major League Baseball who played his entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals (1941-49)
  • Tony Kubek (1936 - ) baseball player and television broadcaster[185]
  • Eddie Lopat (1918 - 1992) Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Stan Lopata (1925 - ) Major League Baseball player[186]
  • Greg Luzinski (1950 - ) former left fielder in Major League Baseball
  • Bill Mazeroski (1936 - ) former Major League baseball player[187]
  • Barney McCosky (1917 - 1996) center fielder/left fielder in Major League Baseball[188]
  • Doug Mientkiewicz (1974 - ) first baseman for the New York Yankees[189]
  • Stan Musial (1920 - ) former player in Major League Baseball who played 22 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1941 to 1963[190]
  • Joe Niekro (1944 - 2006) starting pitcher in Major League Baseball, younger brother of Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, and the father of first baseman Lance Niekro[191]
  • Phil Niekro (1939 - ) former pitcher in Major League Baseball and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame[192]
  • Freddie Patek (1944 - ) Major League Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals, and California Angels[193]
  • Tom Paciorek (1946 - ) Major League outfielder and first baseman for 18 seasons between 1970 and 1987[194]
  • Ron Perranoski (1936- ) Major League Pitcher [195]
  • A.J. Pierzynski White Sox[11]
  • Johnny Podres (1932 - ) Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher
  • Jack Quinn (1883-1946)Major League Pitcher [196]
  • Ron Reed (1942 - ) Major League pitcher [197]
  • Al Simmons (1902 - 1956) player in Major League Baseball over three decades[198]
  • Moose Skowron (1930 - ) Major League Baseball player, primarily a first baseman[199]
  • Frank Tanana (1953 - ) former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball[200]
  • Alan Trammell (1958 - ) baseball shortstop of the Detroit Tigers from 1977 to 1996[201]
  • Carl Yastrzemski (1939 - ) Major League Baseball player[202]
  • Richie Zisk (1949 - ) Major League Baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners from 1971 to 1983[203]

[edit] Basketball

  • Carol Blazejowski (1956 - ) women's collegiate and professional basketball player
  • Vince Boryla (1927 - ) pro basketball player, coach, and executive
  • Mike Gminski (1959 - ) former college and professional basketball player
  • Tom Gola (1933 - ) one of Philadelphia's most famous basketball players[204]
  • Bobby Hurley (1971 - ) Duke and NCA Basketball Player [205]
  • Mike Krzyzewski (1947 - ) head coach of the Duke University men's basketball team
  • Mitch Kupchak (1954 - ) former professional basketball player and current general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers since the 2000-2001 season after Jerry West moved to the Memphis Grizzlies organization
  • Bob Kurland (1924 - ) 7-foot basketball center
  • Red Mihalik(1916 -) NCAA & Olympic Official/Referee [206]
  • Eric Piatkowski (1970 - ) National Basketball Association player with the Phoenix Suns
  • Joe Proski (1940- ) First trainer of Phoenix Suns, Inducted into Phoenix Ring of Fame 2001
  • Joel Przybilla (1979 - ) professional basketball player in the NBA
  • Kelly Tripucka (1959 - ) National Basketball Association player for the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and Charlotte Hornets from 1981 to 1991
  • Steve Wojciechowski (1976 - ) assistant coach of the Duke University men's basketball team

[edit] Bowling

  • Eddie Lubanski - considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time, in the Guinness book of World Records

[edit] Boxing

[edit] Figure skating

  • Tara Lipinski (1982 - ) Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater and celebrity
  • Janet Lynn (1953 - ) figure skater and Olympic bronze medalist[212]
  • Zsa Zsa Riordan (1990 - ) figure skater[213]

[edit] Football

  • Danny Abramowicz (1945 - ) wide receiver in the National Football League who played for the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers
  • Pete Banaszak (1944 - ) college and professional football player
  • Steve Bartkowski (1952 - ) former National Football League quarterback
  • Zeke Bratkowski (1931 - ) All-American quarterback at the University of Georgia in 1952 and 1953
  • Brad Cieslak (1982 - ) American football tight end in the NFL who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills.
  • Lou Creekmur (1927 - ) NFL left offensive tackle/guard for the Detroit Lions from 1951-59
  • Mike Ditka (1939 - ) former NFL player, television commentator, and coach
  • Frank Gatski (1919 - 2005) football player
  • Jim Grabowski (1944 - ) football player and broadcaster
  • Stephen Gostkowski (1984 - ) Placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League.
  • Jack Ham (1948 - ) former football linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Leon Hart (1928 - 2002) football tight end and defensive end
  • Sebastian Janikowski (1978-) Kicker for the Oakland Raiders[12]
  • Vic Janowicz (1930 - 1996) played halfback for Ohio State University
  • Ron Jaworski (1951 - ) former football player, NFL analyst on ESPN
  • Mike Kenn (1956 - ) Former Offensive Tackle for Atlanta Falcons [214]
  • Joe Klecko (1953 - ) defensive end
  • Frank Kush (1929 - ) football coach who most prominently served as head coach at Arizona State University for more than two decades
  • Joe Kowalewski (1982 - ) Tight end for the New York Jets.
  • Ted Kwalick (1947 - ) former football tight end in the NFL and World Football League
  • Chris Liwienski (1975 - ) American football offensive guard who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.
  • Johnny Lujack (1925 - ) former football quarterback for the University of Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears
  • Ted Marchibroda (1931 - ) former football quarterback and head coach in the National Football League
  • Dan Marino former Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins [13]
  • Lou Michaels Former Pro Defensive Linemen; 1958-1971 with Colts, Steelers, Rams, and Packers [215]
  • Walt Michaels (1929 - ) former football player and coach, remembered for his six-year tenure as head coach of the New York Jets from 1977-1982
  • Dick Modzelewski (1931 - ) Former College & Pro Football Player: Redskins, Steelers, Giants & Browns. Coach for Cleveland Browns. College football Hall of Fame. [216]
  • Mike Munchak (1960 - ) Former Pro Offense with the Houston Oilers; Pro Football Hall of Fame [217]
  • Gene Mruczkowski (1980 - ) American football offensive lineman for the New England Patriots of the National Football League.
  • Bill Osmanski (1915-1996) College & Pro Football Hall of Fame, Former player with Chicago Bears. [218]
  • Jason Pociask (1983 - ) football tight end for the New York Jets.
  • Paul Posluszny (1984 - ) Linebacker drafted by the Buffalo Bills
  • Bill Romanowski (1966 - ) former football player for the San Francisco 49ers, and Oakland Raiders
  • Mark Stepnoski one of NFL's top linemen with the Dallas cowboys [219]
  • Hank Stram (1923 - 2005) Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs
  • Frank Tripucka (1927 - )Former Quarterback for the Broncos, Cardinals and Lions [220]
  • Steve Wisniewski Former Pro-bowler, offensive guard with the Oakland Raiders [221]
  • Alex Wojciechowicz (1915 - 1992) former offensive lineman and linebacker for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles
  • Frank Dancewicz
  • Don Majkowski
  • Mike Tomczak

[edit] Golf

[edit] Hockey

  • Ed Olczyk (1966 - ) former head coach for the National Hockey League Pittsburgh Penguins and former center for Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins[224]
  • Krzysztof Oliwa (1973 - ) Has played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils in the NHL.
  • Mike Komisarek (1982 - ) He currently plays as a defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League.
  • Brian Rafalski (1973 - ) Defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings.
  • Pete Stemkowski (1943 - ) former player in the National Hockey League[225]
  • James Wisniewski (1984 - ) Defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks
  • Wayne Gretzky
  • Mariusz Czerkawski

[edit] Olympic athletes

[edit] Soccer

  • Danny Szetela (1987 - ) soccer player for the Columbus Crew of the MLS.
  • Wojtek Krakowiak (1976 - ) soccer player, most recently played for the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer.

[edit] Wrestling

[edit] Other Sports

[edit] Other

[edit] References

  1. ^ mentioned she was Polish in her autobiography, "Baby Doll: An Autobiography", ISBN13#978-0877955580, also mention of her birth name as Karolina Piekarski. ("Piekarski" is the adjectival form of "piekarz" — Polish for "baker.")
  2. ^ Mentioned she was Polish on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, 3/14/05
  3. ^ Chicago Daily Southtown article by Dan Pearson (2/16/2006) mentions Carols is part Polish (father from Poland) and part Spanish (mother from Spain)
  4. ^ (TV Guide, 1987)
  5. ^ Gilpatrick, Kristin, Famous Wisconsin Film Stars, 2002, p.55 (ISBN 1878569864)
  6. ^ [Mention that he was a Pole and he also spoke Polish on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars", March 19, 2007]
  7. ^ "I'm 100% Polish" (stated on KFOX Radio Station 98.5FM)
  8. ^ said that he was Polish during his last performance in Gdynia, Poland
  9. ^ [stated she was Polish on The View: "Hey, be careful what you say about Poland. I'm Polish."]
  10. ^ mentioned she was Polish on her video "Healing Energetics"
  11. ^ [1]
  12. ^ Sebastian Janikowski Oakland Raiders Sebastian Janikowski
  13. ^ [Featured in the book, "Gridiron Greats:A Century of Polish-American Football" by Ben Chestochowski
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