Screw You, Columbus. Today We Celebrate Leif Ericsson, Who Came to America 500 Years Before That Other Guy.
Well, in honor of the Norwegian-American population in Brooklyn, we thought we’d share a list of some of the famous Norwegian-Americans who have lived or currently live in New York City. Of which there are many, most from right here in Brooklyn! Starting, of course, with our own Henry Stewart. But also: there’s author Siri Hustvedt, actress Michelle Williams, engineer of the Holland, Lincoln, and Brooklyn-Battery Tunnels Ole Singstad, actress and “siren of the Fjords” Sigrid Gurie, actor Lance Henriksen (sidenote: why is no one named Lance anymore?) and actor James Cagney.
So how can you honor them and the Norwegian culture at large? Well, the Norse god of thunder has already blessed us with a stormy day, so you can enjoy the cold, dreary weather and feel a kinship with everyone shivering over in Oslo. You can also watch the classic Cagney movie “Angels with Dirty Faces.” And you can grab some Norse food at the Nordic Deli in Bay Ridge.
While you’re in Bay Ridge, say hello to Henry Stewart if you see him. He’s the “tall Nordic-looking blond in black suede leather boots” that Peggy Noonan fixated on not so long ago.
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