Discover the notable alumni of Northwestern University. The list includes people like Zooey Deschanel, David Schwimmer, Meghan Markle, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Ann-Margret. This list of notable alumni is loosely sorted by popularity and has people from different domains of life, such as film & theater personalities, media personalities, leaders, writers and musicians etc.
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Birthdate: April 5, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
Rapper-singer Pharrell Williams began his career with The Neptunes, the record-production duo he had formed with Chad Hugo. He was also part of the band N.E.R.D., as its lead vocalist. He is known for his Academy Award-nominated song Happy from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack and his 13 Grammy wins.
Birthdate: September 20, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bayonne, New Jersey, United States
George R. R. Martin wrote the epic fantasy series of novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, which inspired the iconic Emmy-winning HBO series Game of Thrones. Also known as the "American Tolkien," he was featured on TIME 100. He has earned the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards, too.
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Cindy Crawford(One of the Most Popular Supermodels During the 1980s and 1990s and a Ubiquitous Presence on Magazine Covers)
Birthdate: February 20, 1966
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: DeKalb, Illinois, United States
Supermodel Cindy Crawford ruled the fashion industry in the 1990s. Her trademark mole and the red Versace dress she wore at the Oscars set fashion trends. She has endorsed scores of products, appeared in all top-notch magazines, hosted a TV show, and owns a make-up line and a furniture line.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: January 17, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Zooey Deschanel is an American actress known for her deadpan roles in successful comedy films, such as The Good Girl, Elf, Failure to Launch, Yes Man and 500 Days of Summer. She also acted in the popular sitcom New Girl. She is also a singer and songwriter and plays keyboards, percussion, banjo, and ukulele. Zooey is a co-founder of the female-focused website, HelloGiggles.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 4, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Meghan Markle, best known as Rachel Zane from the series Suits, became the Duchess of Sussex after marrying Britain’s Prince Harry in 2018. Following this, she quit acting. Meghan and Harry later stepped down from their royal roles and moved to the U.S. They later signed a deal with Netflix.
Birthdate: October 4, 1923
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Died: April 5, 2008
Charlton Heston was an American actor whose cinematic legacy became the subject of an 11-film retrospective titled Cinematic Atlas: The Triumphs of Charlton Heston. Also a political activist, Charlton Heston was one of the few Hollywood actors to criticize racism in the 1950s and 1960s; he was also a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.
Recommended Lists:7
David Schwimmer(Famous for Portraying 'Ross Geller' in the Sitcom 'Friends')
Birthdate: November 2, 1966
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Flushing, New York, United States
David Schwimmer is best known for portraying the role of Ross Geller in the hugely popular and successful American television series, Friends, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. He has also worked in films like Kissing a Fool, Apt Pupil, Picking up the Pieces and The Iceman.
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Kathryn Hahn(Best Known for Her Role as 'Lily Lebowski' in the NBC Crime Drama Series 'Crossing Jordan')
Birthdate: July 23, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Westchester, Illinois, United States
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: April 28, 1941
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Valsjöbyn, Sweden
Swedish-American actress and singer Ann-Margret was initially described as a female version of Elvis Presley due to her vibrant contralto voice. The winner of five Golden Globe Awards, Ann-Margret had a major impact as an actress throughout the 1960s. Her affair with Elvis Presley was depicted in the 2005 miniseries Elvis in which she is portrayed by Rose McGowan.
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Stephen Colbert(Host of the Satirical Comedy Central Show 'The Colbert Report')
Birthdate: May 13, 1964
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Stephen Colbert is an American actor, comedian, political commentator, and television host. Over the years, Stephen Colbert has influenced popular comedians, such as James Corden, Billy Eichner, Mindy Kaling, Jordan Klepper, and Hasan Minhaj. He has been twice named on Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: April 9, 1926
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: September 27, 2017
As the founder of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner changed the way people viewed nudity. Known for his enviable lifestyle, he resided in luxury mansions along with his Playboy Playmates. Also a well-known philanthropist, Hefner made significant donations to various causes. He also supported freedom of expression and sexual liberation.
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Zach Braff(Actor and Filmmaker Best Known for His Role as ‘J.D.’ in TV Series ‘Scrubs’)
Birthdate: April 6, 1975
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: South Orange, New Jersey, United States
American actor Zachary Braff made his mark in the entertainment industry with the long running television series Scrubs and later with Alex, Inc. As a director and scriptwriter, his first movie Garden State was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards including a Grammy. The popular actor has done theatres and also voiced for many commercials and Disney animations like Chicken Little.
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Cloris Leachman(Actress and Comedienne Known for Role as ‘Phyllis Lindstrom’ in the TV Sitcom ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’)
Birthdate: April 30, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Died: January 27, 2021
Cloris Leachman is an actress and comedian. One of the most decorated American actresses of all time, Cloris Leachman has won several prestigious awards in an illustrious career spanning more than seven decades; she is the most awarded actress in the history of Emmy Awards, along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She has also received an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award.
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Warren Beatty(Only Perosn to be Nominated at the Oscars Twice for Acting, Directing, Writing and Producing his Movies 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'Reds')
Birthdate: March 30, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Richmond, Virginia, United States
One of the most acclaimed and celebrated American filmmakers of all time, Warren Beatty has received 15 Oscar nominations as actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. He has also been involved in politics as a supporter of the Democratic Party; he played an important role in organizing fundraising for George McGovern's presidential campaign. He is also known for his Casanova image.
Recommended Lists:15
Dermot Mulroney(American Actor Who is Known for His Roles in Romantic Comedy, Western, and Drama Films)
Birthdate: October 31, 1963
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Dermot Mulroney is an American actor best known for his work in the Western, romantic comedy, and drama films. Also an acclaimed cellist, Mulroney has played the cello in movies like Star Trek Into Darkness and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Also known for his looks, he was named in People magazine's Sexiest Men of the Year list in 2005.
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Jeri Ryan(Actress)
Birthdate: February 22, 1968
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Munich, Germany
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 1, 1843
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Springfield, Illinois, United States
Died: July 25, 1926
Lawyer Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, served as the U.S. Secretary of War from 1881 to 1885 and as the U.S. minister to the U.K. from 1889 to 1893. He had served in the Civil War, too, and had also been the president of the Pullman Car Company.
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Melissa Hart(First Celebrity to Win the $1 Million Top Prize on TV Game Show 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune')
Birthdate: April 18, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Smithtown, New York, United States
Melissa Joan Hart became a teen icon with her performances as Clarissa Darling in the Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All and as Sabrina Spellman in the 1990s’ sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Fans also loved her as Mel in Melissa & Joey. She also co-owns a fashion line.
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Kristen Schaal(Actress, Known for Her Voice Roles on “Bob's Burgers” and “Mabel Pines” on Disney's “Gravity Falls”)
Birthdate: January 24, 1978
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Longmont, Colorado, United States
Kristen Schaal is best known for her Emmy-nominated voice roles, mostly as Sarah Lynn, in BoJack Horseman and her Annie Award-winning voice role as Louise Belcher in Bob's Burgers. Fans also loved her as Mel in Flight of the Conchords. She has also co-written a book with her husband.
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Megan Mullally(Actress and Comedian Best Known for Her Role as ‘Karen Walker’ on the NBC Sitcom ‘Will & Grace’)
Birthdate: November 12, 1958
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Megan Mullally is best known as Karen Walker from Will & Grace, a role that earned her two Emmys and three SAG Awards. She has also hosted The Megan Mullally Show and been part of series such as Childrens Hospital. She and her husband wrote a bestselling book, too.
Recommended Lists:21
Clancy Brown(Known for His Negative Roles)
Birthdate: January 5, 1959
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Urbana, Ohio, United States
Best known for his villainous roles, American actor Clancy Brown is the son of renowned publisher and politician Clarence J. "Bud" Brown Jr. He soared to fame with his performance as Captain Byron Hadley in The Shawshank Redemption. He also voiced Mr. Krabs in the Nickelodeon animated series Spongebob Squarepants.
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Seth Meyers(Host of 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' and Former Cast Member of 'Saturday Night Live;)
Birthdate: December 28, 1973
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, United States
Seth Adam Meyers is best known as the host of Late Night with Seth Meyers. He was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live and won several awards for his work, including a Peabody Award and an Emmy. He also hosted SNL’s Weekend Update segment.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: February 13, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Highgate, London, England
Died: April 27, 2023
English-born American television presenter, actor, politician, and musician Jerry Springer is a multifaceted man. A qualified lawyer, he shifted to politics from law as a young man. After a few years, he moved to journalism and found considerable success. As a TV presenter, he is best known for the tabloid talk show, The Jerry Springer Show.
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Maude Apatow(American Actress Best Known for Her Role as ‘Lexi Howard’ in the TV Series ‘Euphoria’)
Birthdate: December 15, 1997
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Banos, California, United States
Maude Apatow is an American actress. The daughter of actress Leslie Mann and filmmaker Judd Apatow, Maude Apatow followed in the footsteps of her parents to establish a career in Hollywood. Also a popular social media personality, Apatow's Twitter account was named by Time magazine as one of the Best Twitter Feeds of 2013.
Recommended Lists:25
Shelley Long(Actress, Singer and Comedian Best Known for Her Role as ‘Diane Chambers’ in the TV Series ‘Cheers’)
Birthdate: August 23, 1949
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Shelley Long is best known for her Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning performance as Diane Chambers in the NBC sitcom Cheers. She later reprised the role in Frasier. Fans also loved her in films such as Irreconcilable Differences and Hello Again, and as DeDe Pritchett in the series Modern Family.
Birthdate: November 13, 1934
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Died: July 19, 2016
Garry Marshall was an American screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He is credited with creating the popular television series Happy Days and its several spin-offs. He is also credited with co-creating other TV series like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy. Makin' It, a 1979 sitcom starring David Naughton, was also co-created by Garry Marshall.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: September 14, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rye, New York, United States
Kimberly Williams-Paisley is an American actress best known for her starring role in the 1991 comedy film Father of the Bride and its 1995 sequel. Also known for her skills as a writer and filmmaker, Kimberly Williams-Paisley made the critically acclaimed 2006 short film Shade, which won several awards.
Birthdate: March 2, 1919
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died: December 17, 2009
Jennifer Jones is best remembered for her Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning role in the film The Song of Bernadette. A former model, she also starred in movies such as Love Letters and Duel in the Sun. She survived a suicide attempt once and became a mental health advocate later.
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Robert Reed(Actor)
Birthdate: October 19, 1932
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Highland Park, Illinois, United States
Died: May 12, 1992
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
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Billy Eichner(Comedian, Famous for the Game Show 'Billy on the Street')
Birthdate: September 18, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
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Zoe Perry(Film actress)
Birthdate: September 26, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
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Robert Conrad(Actor)
Birthdate: March 1, 1935
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 3, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Mamie Gummer, daughter of sculptor Don Gummer and actor Meryl Streep, is best known for as Emily from Emily Owens, M.D. and as Nancy Crozier from The Good Wife and its spin-off, The Good Fight. She also gained fame for her Drama Desk-nominated role in Ugly Lies the Bone.
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Paul Lynde(Comedian and Actor Known for His Role as ‘Uncle Arthur’ in the TV Series ‘Bewitched’)
Birthdate: June 13, 1926
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mount Vernon, Ohio, United States
Died: January 10, 1982
Paul Lynde was an American comedian, actor, game show panelist, and voice artist. Lynde was much-loved and admired by his peers and often featured in lists, such as the most-liked TV stars. Throughout his life, Lynde was rumored to be homosexual and was popular among the homosexual community. In 2020, it was revealed that Lynde's biopic was in the making.
Recommended Lists:35
Nicolle Wallace(American Television Host and Former White House Communications Director (2005 - 2006))
Birthdate: February 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Orange County, California, United States
Nicolle Wallace has been Jeb Bush's press secretary, the White House communications director under George W. Bush, and John McCain’s senior political advisor. She has also hosted Deadline: White House and The View, and written three political novels, including Eighteen Acres. A self-proclaimed “non-practicing Republican,” she supports same-sex marriage.
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Aimee Garcia(Actress and Writer)
Birthdate: November 28, 1978
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Aimee Garcia is an American writer and actress best known for her portrayal of television roles, such as Yvonne Sanchez in Vegas, Veronica Palmero in George Lopez's eponymous sitcom, and Jamie Batista in Dexter. Her performance in Dexter was honored with a Special Achievement in Television award at the 2013 American Latino Media Arts Award.
Recommended Lists:37
Nigel Ng(Comedian)
Birthdate: March 15, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Birthdate: January 3, 1930
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Staten Island, New York, United States
Died: December 4, 2015
Robert Loggia is best known for his Academy Award-nominated role of Sam Ransom in Jagged Edge and his Saturn Award-winning role in Big. He also appeared in series such as Malcolm in the Middle and The Sopranos. His humanitarian work earned him the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Recommended Lists:39
Anna Gunn(Actress)
Birthdate: August 11, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
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Patricia Neal(A major star of the 1950s and 60s, she was the recipient of an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two British Academy Film Awards)
Birthdate: January 20, 1926
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Packard, Kentucky, United States
Died: August 8, 2010
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Recommended Lists:41
William Daniels(Actor)
Birthdate: March 31, 1927
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
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Marg Helgenberger(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Catherine Willows’ in the TV Series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’)
Birthdate: November 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fremont, Nebraska, United States
Marg Helgenberger is best known for her Emmy-winning role as K.C. Koloski in the ABC series China Beach. Fans also loved her as Siobhan Ryan in the soap Ryan's Hope and as Catherine Willows in the series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She is also associated with a breast-cancer-related philanthropic venture.
Recommended Lists:43
Noah Wyle(Best Known for His Role as ‘John Carter’ in the TV Series ‘ER’)
Birthdate: June 4, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Noah Wyle is an American actor best known for playing John Carter in the popular medical drama television series ER, for which he received nominations for five Primetime Emmy Awards and threeGolden Globe Awards. Also known for his philanthropic activities and political advocacy, Wyle works closely with organizations like Doctors of the World and World Wide Fund for Nature.
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Richard Kind(Actor and Comedian Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Mark Devanow’ in the TV Series ‘Mad About You’)
Birthdate: November 22, 1956
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, United States
Richard Kind is an American actor who has played important roles in TV series like Mad About You, Spin City, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Also known for his voice acting skills, Kind has voiced prominent characters in popular animation films, such as A Bug's Life, Cars, Toy Story 3, Cars 2, and Inside Out.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: July 1, 1939
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Park Ridge, Illinois, United States
Died: August 8, 2013
A multifaceted personality, Karen Black was an actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. In the 1970s, she appeared in many major studio and independent films, mostly playing eccentric and unconventional characters. She became known as a figure of New Hollywood. Her career spanned five decades and she continued working until shortly before her death.
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McLean Stevenson(Best Known for His Role as ‘Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake’ in the TV Series ‘M*A*S*H’)
Birthdate: November 14, 1927
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Normal, Illinois, United States
Died: February 15, 1996
Comedian McLean Stevenson is best remembered for his Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated role of Henry Blake in the series M*A*S*H. He also appeared on Match Game and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and gained fame as Larry Alder in Hello, Larry. He also appeared in Condo and Dirty Dancing.
Recommended Lists:47
Jeffrey Hunter(Actor Known for His 1965 Role as 'Captain Christopher Pike' in the Original Pilot Episode of 'Star Trek')
Birthdate: November 25, 1926
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Died: May 27, 1969
Jeffrey Hunter was an American actor and producer who contributed immensely to the film and TV industries in the USA. He achieved popularity for his lead roles in the 1950s. Jeffrey Hunter is best remembered for his performances in films like King of Kings and The Searchers.
Birthdate: June 10, 1915
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lachine, Montreal, Canada
Died: April 5, 2005
Recommended Lists:49
Robert Knepper(Actor)
Birthdate: July 8, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Fremont, Ohio, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
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Otto Graham(American Football Player)
Birthdate: December 6, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Waukegan, Illinois, USA
Died: December 17, 2003
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
Recommended Lists:Northwestern University or NU is a private research university based out of Evanston, Illinois. The university has branched out to touch more lives with its quality education, with its branches in Chicago, San Francisco and Doha. The university traces its foundation back to the mid 1800’s and has striven to attain its current position of having the tenth largest university endowment in the United States of America. Being on the sustainable side, Northwestern University was also listed as one of the top 10 universities in the country purchasing renewable power, as per the Green Power Partnership in 2009. The university offers way over 2100 bachelor’s degrees, 3000 master’s degrees, 500 doctoral degrees and 400 professional degrees in several areas of study. Selection process and admissions are characterized as “most selective” as per the U.S. News & World Report, with an elite group of handpicked students who make the cut every year. With the student body comprising of 21,000 students from over 100 countries, the university is a mix of diverse cultures, which perfectly blend to provide an ideal learning environment. The notable board of faculty includes an esteemed list of individuals who have gone to accomplish great things in their areas of study. Some of its prominent alumni include David Schwimmer, Stephen Colbert, Julia-Louis-Dreyfus, Saul Bellow and so on. Presenting to you, a detailed list of outstanding achievers born out of Northwestern University.
