The New Jersey Hall of Fame has confirmed its host for the 17th Annual Induction Ceremony. 

After announcing this summer that a Garden State icon was tentatively lined up for the gig, the organization said Sept. 25 that New Jersey native, actor, comedian and filmmaker Danny DeVito would, indeed, lead the show. 

DeVito is a Class of 2010 Hall of Fame inductee and has hosted ceremonies in years past. 

Set for Nov. 21, the ceremony will take place at The Rink @ The Arena at American Dream. The East Rutherford megamall is also the site of the Hall of Fame’s $20 million Entertainment and Learning Center, which opened in June 2024. 

New honorees

The Hall of Fame also revealed three more inductees it will honor this year, in addition to the 17 announced in June. The Class of 2025 was chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote.

The latest group of “trailblazers whose innovation and compassion are making an impact across New Jersey” are: 

Unsung Hero: Dorothea Bongiovi 

Co-founder and program director of JBJ Soul Kitchen, nonprofit community restaurant concept launched with husband and rocker Jon Bon Jovi.

Educator of the Year: Drury Thorp  

Educator known for innovative, student-centered teaching that inspires curiosity, deep thinking and civic engagement. 

Education, Research, Engineering, and Science: Shirley Ann Jackson 

President emerita of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, theoretical physicist at AT&T Bell Labs, and recipient of the National Medal of Science. 

“From world-renowned talents to community leaders, this year’s honorees reflect the full spectrum of what it means to be a hero,” Jon Hanson, chairman of the Hall of Fame as well as The Hampshire Cos., said in a statement. “NJHOF exists to provide the next generation with role models who show that excellence can be achieved on the stage, in the classroom, and in neighborhoods across our state.”