As we welcome 2024 with open arms, we wanted to first take some time to reflect back on the year that was. From the many notables that graced our pages to our annual celebrations of the best that South Jersey has to offer, 2023 was a year to remember. In this recap, you'll find a round up of our lists for the top physicians, attorneys, dentists and other leading area professionals who appeared throughout the year.
You'll also see our picks for the top resturants, retail shops and a whole lot more, including highlights from some of our best interviews.
“I want to be able to play characters that will represent women as leaders and fighters. For too long women have not been given the place that we deserve in terms of our contribution to society and our role in history. We also need to be shown in many different lights—as caring and loving individuals in addition to being intelligent and creative.”
- Jessica Chastain
“A lot of people think there’s no middle class in comedy, that you’re either an open mic performer or [Jerry] Seinfeld. I remember when I moved into my neighborhood, people asked, ‘What do you do?’ And I’d say, ‘I’m a comedian.’ And they’d say, ‘Oh, great. But what do you do?’”
- Comedian Jay Black
“Everyone wants to always ask about how far you hit them, but the biggest thing is getting a run or two on the board. To be honest, I would be just as excited if the ball landed in the first row as I would the second deck.”
- Phillie Kyle Schwarber
“I just love South Jersey, I refer to it as Shangri-La to my friends. I loved my childhood and I love Moorestown. When I grew up there in the ’80s, we all knew each other, it was just a very small town feel.”
- 6ABC’s Annie McCormick
“The world has been a pretty scary place for a while, and to have two hours or so of escapism is really important. And it’s nice to have different kinds of entertainment on the screen. So just watch, savor and enjoy!”
- Anya Taylor-Joy
“I haven’t mastered the art of interviewing. I am constantly tweaking, second guessing, analyzing. I could have done something better. Sometimes when I’ll listen to an interview, it’s what I didn’t ask that stands out to me, not what I did ask. But to be able to have that perfect interview, that’s the thing that keeps me going every single day."
- Sportscaster Dan Patrick
“I’ll do this as long as I possibly can. The 47 [seasons] doesn’t mean a big deal to me, only in the fact that my memory bank is filled with more and more information and memories and great moments. But in terms of being the longest-tenured announcer in the NFL, it’s talked about a lot by other people, but it doesn’t mean anything to me.”
- Eagles play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese
“There’s always people who hear my name and might think, ‘Hey, it’s the guy who messes around with liquid nitrogen.’ And sometimes that upsets me because I also like to be known as someone who can roast a good chicken, or cook a piece of fish in a pan with butter, salt and pepper (laughs)."
- Celebrity chef Richard Blais
“I’m recognized now, whereas after the first few seasons [of Game of Thrones], people really wouldn’t notice me because of the difference the wig makes. That was actually quite comforting when I was able to be more anonymous … but I don’t mind. It’s really gratifying to know that you have a lot of fans who truly appreciate the show and the work you do. I’m very lucky.”
- Emilia Clarke
“I just want to be one of those guys that wherever I go, you’re going to follow because you trust that I’m going to give you something excellent. It doesn’t matter if it’s drama or comedy, I put the same amount of energy and the same amount of care and excellence into doing each thing equally as well. I want to showcase all of my talents and work hard. I’m always trying to impress and I’m always staying hungry.”
- Marlon Wayans
“There are many times, especially after I’ve finished working on a film, that I tell myself I’m going to take a year off and spend more time on my ranch, but that’s not my nature. I know I would get bored very fast if I didn’t have a film project to look forward to.”
- Salma Hayek
“He was one of the greatest human beings of all time. If you knew him, you knew that you would never meet anyone like him ever again. He was a huge inspiration, a truly special guy.”
- Scott Caan on his late father, James Caan
“I think the Haunted Mansion theme-park ride must have offered a fair amount of inspiration for all those involved. It really encapsulates everything this movie is about, and the idea was always to bring that real, lived, theme-park experience to the big screen.”
- Haunted Mansion star Jamie Lee Curtis
“I remember when Will & Grace ended, my brother-in-law said, ‘So I guess you can retire now.’ I looked at him and I said, ‘What? I don’t even know what you’re talking about.’ You have to want this so badly that you’ll figure out a way to keep going. I think that plus a ton of luck is the secret.”
- Eric McCormack
“Being on a sports talk radio show on the biggest sports station in the best sports city in the country is terrifying, but I also hope women look at that and hear me voicing my opinions and see they don’t have to be a pretty face siting behind a desk. They can have opinions on sports and their knowledge can go a little bit deeper than that. I want to inspire them to know they can do everything that men are doing in the world of sports broadcasting.”
- 94WIP host and Fox 29 sports anchor, Devan Kaney
“Don’t get me wrong—I love acting and deeply value the collaborative and creative process on set. However, sometimes in your life your priorities change, and I get my greatest joy and contentment from time spent with my children. Our home is truly where my heart is the happiest.”
- Jennifer Garner
BEST OF THE BEST
Introducing the Best of the Best 2023 of South Jersey. Don't walk but run to try out these local restaurants, stores and many more!
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ANNUAL ATTORNEY FEATURE
Our annual list of the leading lawyers in the South Jersey region as chosen by their peers and our readers.
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TOP REAL ESTATE
Meet all of the Top Real Estate Professionals in South Jersey.
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TOP PHYSICIANS
Featuring an abundent of doctors from multiple disciplines who are making a noticeable impact in the health care world.
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TOP PHYSICIANS FOR CHILDREN
The following list is full of names that were chosen for their skillful work and patient-focused care for children.
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TOP PHYSICIAN FOR WOMEN
The following list includes all the top physicians for women in South Jersey.
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TOP DENTIST
South Jersey's leading dental professionals are ready for their close-ups.
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SUPER WOMEN
Recognizing 12 local women who inspire every step of the way.
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MEN OF THE YEAR
Across our community people continued to show up for those in need, providing hope and support when it was needed most.
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BEST OF HOME AND GARDEN
Our Best of Home and Garden list is full of the names to know when it comes time for your next big fixer upper.
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