15 Famous Indiana University Alumni
Obviously graduating from Indiana University is already admirable enough, but several alumni have gone on to do bigger and better things with their degrees out in the real world. In fact, you might not even realize that some famous celebrities even went to IU! Below are 15 famous Indiana University Alumni who you might not even realize were and still are Hoosiers.
1. Mark Cuban
Everyone has heard of Mark Cuban: American businessman, investor, author, television personality, philanthropist, owner of the Dallas Mavericks.. The list really goes on and on.
2. Ryan Murphy
On campus, Murphy was part of the Singing Hoosiers vocal ensemble. After graduating, he went on to create Glee, Nip/Tuck, and even American Horror Story.
3. Suzanne Collins
Remember when the Hunger Games came out and everyone was dying to see it? Suzanne Collins, writer of the trilogy and several other books, is also a proud Hoosier.
4. Kevin Kline
In addition to his handful of Academy and Tony Awards, Kline is also an American Theatre Hall of Fame inductee. He’s acted in musicals on Broadway and movies on the big screen. You might have seen him in Sophie’s Choice, No Strings Attached, and even the remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. In fact, he even plays Mr. Fischoeder in Bob’s Burgers!
5. Sarah Clarke
Clarke studied Fine Arts and Italian while at IU. She studied abroad in Italy during her senior year and that was where she developed her interest in acting. One of her most famous roles was playing Bella Swan’s mom in the Twilight movies.
6. Howard Ashman
This lyricist collaborated with Alan Menken on several Disney favorites, including The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.
7. Hoagy Carmichael
Born and bred in Bloomington, Hoagy Carmichael attended and maintained a lifelong affiliation with IU. He was an American composer from the early 1900s who even starred in some films. He wrote a song called “Chimes of Indiana,” and gave it to the school as a gift.
8. Joshua Bell
Bell is a world class violinist with exceptional talent.
9. Jane Pauley
Pauley is a world renowned journalist. She used to host Dateline NBC and the Today Show. A couple years ago she visited campus with Meryl Streep.
10. Colin Donnell
In his time as a student at Indiana University, Donnell participated in the Individualized Major Program, and he created the Musical Theatre major. After he graduated, he made a name for himself by performing in national tours of Mamma Mia! and Wicked. He made his Broadway debut in Jersey Boys, and starred in the show Arrow as Tommy.
11. Jared Fogle
Remember him? The Subway guy?
12. Calbert Cheaney
Cheaney is a retired American basketball player and a former assistant coach at Saint Louis University. He’s played for the Washington Wizards, the Boston Celtics, and the Golden State Warriors.
13. Wendell Willkie
Willkie was a corporate lawyer who became the Republican Party nominee for U.S. President in 1940.
14. Jimmy Wales
Jimmy “Jimbo” Wales is an Internet entrepreneur who is best known as the co-founder and promoter of the biggest online non-profit encyclopedia. Yep, the creator of Wikipedia went to Indiana University.
15. Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El played football at Indiana University. After graduating, he was quickly drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Randle El was a wide receiver in the NFL for nine seasons.
