When folks think about celebrities and the Empire State, their minds almost certainly go first to New York, with all its glitz and glamor – but did you know that there are many big celebrities from small New York towns and cities? Lucille Ball, one of the greatest names in television, is from Jamestown, in the state’s southwestern corner. And Kirk Douglas, one of the 20th century’s biggest names in film – and father to Michael Douglas – was born and raised in the small city of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a smaller city in New York, located northwest of Albany.
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City of Amsterdam/Facebook
It has a population of around 18,000.
It was once known for its burgeoning textile industry - rugs and carpets, in particular - as well as the home of Coleco, the toy manufacturer that gave us Cabbage Patch dolls.
Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons
By the end of the 20th century, though, these industries had left the city and its historic buildings, like the Sanford Clocktower, where Coleco was headquartered.
Amsterdam's most famous export, however, was Hollywood movie icon, Kirk Douglas.
College Photographer/Wikimedia Commons
He was born Issur Danielovitch in 1916, grew up, and graduated from high school in Amsterdam. He then attended college at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
His starring role as a boxer in The Champion made Douglas a household name, earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, and he became one of Hollywood's top leading men.
ANSA/Wikimedia Commons

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He is perhaps best remembered for his performance in the title role in Spartacus and for playing Vincent Van Gogh in Lust for Life for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor.
MGM Film Trailer/Wikimedia Commons
He starred in a broadway production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and bought the rights to the script.
Carol M. Highsmith/Wikimedia Commons
Douglas gave the script to his son, Michael, who later produced the Best Picture-winning film of the same name.
Late in life, Douglas was an elder statesman in Hollywood and a benefactor of the arts and other charities.
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He also wrote 10 books and novels.
He was recognized for his contributions to film with an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
White House Photo Office/Wikimedia Commons
He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to society.

Douglas may just be the biggest celebrity from a small city in New York! Not bad for a poor kid from Amsterdam, eh? Amsterdam, itself, with its fascinating history is worth a visit on its own merits. If you go, we recommend staying at the Amsterdam Castle. Not only is it an incredibly unique property, we think it happens to be one of the best hotels in New York.

What are some other big names from small towns and cities in the Empire State? If there’s a smaller New York town or city you’d like to see featured, tell us about it in the comments, or nominate it on our site.

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Amsterdam, NY 12010, USA