Harvard might be known for producing presidents and Nobel laureates, but it’s also been the alma mater of many famous faces from film, music, and television. You might be surprised at which of your favorite celebrities once walked the Ivy League halls.
1. Natalie Portman
The Oscar-winning actress earned a degree in psychology in 2003. She famously skipped the premiere of Star Wars: Episode I to study for finals.
2. Conan O’Brien
This beloved late-night host graduated magna cum laude in 1985. He was also president of the Harvard Lampoon.
3. Rashida Jones
Known for The Office and Parks and Recreation, Jones studied religion and philosophy. She graduated in 1997 with honors.
4. Matt Damon
He attended Harvard but left before graduating to pursue acting. While there, he began writing the script for Good Will Hunting.
5. Tommy Lee Jones
The Oscar-winning actor was a Harvard football teammate of Al Gore. He graduated cum laude with a degree in English.
6. Mira Sorvino
The Mighty Aphrodite star earned a degree in East Asian Studies. She’s fluent in Mandarin and graduated magna cum laude.
7. BJ Novak
The Office writer and actor graduated in 2001 with a degree in English and Spanish literature. He also performed in the Harvard Lampoon.
8. John Lithgow
This versatile actor graduated in 1967 with a degree in history and literature. He later returned to deliver a commencement address.
9. Tatyana Ali
Best known as Ashley on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, she graduated with a degree in African-American studies and government. She also released a music album during her time at Harvard.
10. Elisabeth Shue
The Back to the Future Part II star left Harvard for acting but returned years later. She completed her degree in government in 2000.
11. Edward Norton
Though he transferred to Yale, Norton originally started his college career at Harvard. He majored in history and was fluent in Japanese.
12. Colin Jost
The SNL head writer and “Weekend Update” co-host graduated in 2004. He was also president of the Harvard Lampoon.
13. Hill Harper
The CSI: NY actor holds a degree from Harvard Law School. He was classmates with Barack Obama.
14. Yo-Yo Ma
The world-renowned cellist studied at Harvard and earned a degree in anthropology. He later received the National Medal of Arts.
15. Fred Gwynne
Best known as Herman Munster, Gwynne graduated in 1951. He also illustrated for The Harvard Lampoon.
16. Dean Norris
You may know him as Hank Schrader from Breaking Bad. Norris graduated from Harvard in 1985 with a degree in social studies.
17. Jack Lemmon
The classic Hollywood actor was a member of the class of 1947. He was also active in theater during his time there.
18. Allison Williams
The Girls star and daughter of newscaster Brian Williams studied English. She graduated in 2010 and was involved in musical theater.
19. Ashley Judd
Though primarily associated with the University of Kentucky, Judd attended Harvard’s Kennedy School. She earned a mid-career MPA in 2010.
20. Michael Schur
The creator of The Good Place and co-creator of Parks and Recreation studied English. He wrote for the Harvard Lampoon and graduated in 1997.
21. Andy Borowitz
The satirist and Borowitz Report creator graduated in 1980. He was also editor of the Lampoon.
22. Tommy Orange
The acclaimed author of There There earned a fellowship at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute. His work blends modern Native American life with literary acclaim.
23. Noah Emmerich
You’ve seen him in The Americans and The Truman Show. He holds a degree in history from Harvard.
24. Bridgit Mendler
Disney alum Bridgit Mendler went to MIT for her Masters and Bachelors, and went to Harvard for her law degree.
25. Kyra Sedgwick
She took executive education courses at Harvard’s Kennedy School. Known for The Closer, she balances Hollywood and policy interests.
26. Neil deGrasse Tyson
While best known as an astrophysicist and TV host, Tyson studied physics at Harvard. He graduated in 1980.
27. Rivers Cuomo
The Weezer frontman attended Harvard intermittently over a decade. He finally graduated in 2006 with a degree in English.
28. Damien Chazelle
The La La Land director studied filmmaking at Harvard. He also played drums in a jazz band during college.
29. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Best known for Home Improvement, he attended Harvard after taking a break from acting. He studied philosophy and history.
30. Natalie Massenet
The fashion entrepreneur and founder of Net-a-Porter studied at UCLA, but she later completed an executive education course at Harvard Business School. Her influence in fashion and tech is global.
