Bergen County continues to make waves on the entertainment map as Tenafly High School graduate and four-time Academy Award nominee Ed Harris steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the upcoming Disney+ series Wonder Man. Harris, a respected actor whose career spans decades on stage and screen, takes on the role of Neal Saroyan, a Hollywood talent agent whose charm conceals a more complex and potentially dangerous side.

In Wonder Man, Saroyan serves as the agent for Simon Williams, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. While initially appearing as a shrewd mentor helping Williams navigate the pitfalls of fame, the character’s comic book origins reveal a more manipulative streak. Saroyan is known for orchestrating elaborate schemes and even deploying mind-control abilities, positioning him as a formidable adversary within the Marvel canon. Harris’s portrayal promises a layered performance, balancing the slick charisma of a high-powered agent with the darker, supervillainous undercurrents of the character.

Harris secured the role following earlier discussions between Marvel Studios and actor Bob Odenkirk. The series, co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton—director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings—and Andrew Guest, consists of eight episodes slated to premiere on Disney+ on January 27, 2026. The ensemble cast also includes Sir Ben Kingsley reprising his role as Trevor Slattery, Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams/Grim Reaper, and Josh Gad in a yet-to-be-disclosed part, ensuring a mix of veteran and emerging talent.

Harris’s induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame underscores the actor’s ongoing impact on both Hollywood and his home state. His achievements highlight a broader legacy of Tenafly High School alumni who have left indelible marks across film, television, music, and production, establishing the school as a notable incubator of creative talent.

Among the school’s distinguished actors, Lea Michele (Class of 2004) stands out for her iconic role as Rachel Berry on Glee and her acclaimed Broadway performances, including Spring Awakening and Funny Girl. Tate Donovan (Class of 1981) has carved a versatile career as both actor and director, lending his voice to Disney’s Hercules and appearing in The O.C. and Argo. Hope Davis (Class of 1982) continues to garner acclaim with films like About Schmidt and American Splendor, as well as television roles in Succession and Your Honor. Earlier generations of alumni include Jon-Erik Hexum (Class of 1975), remembered for Voyagers! and Cover Up, and Trish Van Devere (Class of 1958), celebrated for her work in The Changeling and frequent collaborations with George C. Scott. Michael Sorvino (Class of 1996), following in his father Paul Sorvino’s footsteps, has contributed both on screen and in voice acting roles, including the Mafia video game series.

The school’s impact extends beyond acting. Siddhartha Khosla has earned Emmy recognition for composing the scores for This Is Us and Only Murders in the Building, while Gary Wright (Class of 1961) achieved international acclaim with 1970s hits like Dream Weaver. Singer and entrepreneur Emin Agalarov (Class of 1997) and K-pop star Han Seung-yeon exemplify Tenafly High’s global musical footprint. In writing and production, alumni like Paul Attanasio (Class of 1977) have earned Academy Award nominations for films including Quiz Show and Donnie Brasco, while David Wild (Class of 1980) has contributed extensively as a writer and producer for major awards shows, including the Grammy Awards.

Harris’s entry into the Marvel universe is more than a career milestone; it underscores New Jersey’s ongoing influence on the entertainment industry. The state continues to produce talent that bridges Hollywood, Broadway, television, and music, creating a network of alumni whose reach extends worldwide. For audiences and enthusiasts interested in the evolving landscape of film and television, New Jersey provides both a launching point and a continuing home for creative achievement, a legacy captured in part by the state’s dynamic film and television scene.

As the Disney+ premiere approaches, excitement is building not only around Harris’s performance but also around the ways Tenafly High’s legacy continues to shape contemporary entertainment. Wonder Man offers viewers an opportunity to witness one of New Jersey’s most respected actors step into a new, high-stakes universe while reaffirming the Garden State’s enduring influence on global pop culture.

Our Top 10 Most Famous Tenafly High School Alumni

1. Lea Michele (Class of 2004) – Star of Glee and Broadway’s Spring Awakening; her powerhouse vocals made her a household name.
2. Tate Donovan (Class of 1981) – Actor and director; voiced Hercules and appeared in The O.C. and Argo.
3. Hope Davis (Class of 1982) – Critically acclaimed actress with roles in Succession, Your Honor, and American Splendor.
4. Jon-Erik Hexum (Class of 1975) – 1980s TV star known for Voyagers! and Cover Up; remembered for his modeling and acting career cut tragically short.
5. Michael Sorvino (Class of 1996) – Actor and voice actor; son of Paul Sorvino, known for Summer of Sam and the Mafia video game series.
6. Trish Van Devere (Class of 1958) – Actress famous for Where’s Poppa? and The Changeling, frequently collaborating with husband George C. Scott.
7. Gary Wright (Class of 1961) – Singer-songwriter behind the 1970s classic hit Dream Weaver.
8. Siddhartha Khosla – Emmy-winning composer; created the score for This Is Us and Only Murders in the Building.
9. Emin Agalarov (Class of 1997) – Azerbaijani-Russian pop singer and successful businessman.
10. Han Seung-yeon – Member of the globally popular South Korean girl group Kara.

Notable Actors and Performers

• Lea Michele (Class of 2004): Starred as Rachel Berry on Glee; extensive Broadway career including Spring Awakening and Funny Girl.
• Tate Donovan (Class of 1981): Actor and director; roles in Hercules (voice), The O.C., and Argo.
• Hope Davis (Class of 1982): Critically acclaimed actress; appeared in About Schmidt, American Splendor, and TV series Succession and Your Honor.
• Jon-Erik Hexum (Class of 1975): Actor and model; known for Voyagers! and Cover Up before his tragic accidental death on set.
• Michael Sorvino (Class of 1996): Actor and voice actor; known for the Mafia video game series and Summer of Sam.
• Trish Van Devere (Class of 1958): Actress; films include Where’s Poppa? and The Changeling, often collaborating with husband George C. Scott.

Musicians and Composers

• Siddhartha Khosla: Emmy-winning composer; works include This Is Us and Only Murders in the Building.
• Gary Wright (Class of 1961): Singer-songwriter; famous for 1970s hits Dream Weaver and Love Is Alive.
• Emin Agalarov (Class of 1997): Azerbaijani-Russian singer and businessman.
• Han Seung-yeon: Member of South Korean girl group Kara.

Writers and Producers

• Paul Attanasio (Class of 1977): Academy Award-nominated screenwriter; works include Quiz Show and Donnie Brasco, creator of Homicide: Life on the Street.
• David Wild (Class of 1980): Writer and producer for major award shows, including the Grammys and various music specials.