Hawkeye legends: 10 famous University of Iowa alumni

Ashton Kutcher is an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as Michael Kelso in “That ’70s Show,” and Walden Schmidt in “Two and a Half Men.” He studied biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa, initially aiming to find a cure for his brother’s heart ailment. Beyond acting, Kutcher is a venture capitalist, co-founding A-Grade Investments and Sound Ventures, which invested in various technology startups.

2. Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder, who died in 2016 at the age of 83, was a beloved American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker. He studied communication and theatre arts at the U of I, graduating in 1955. Wilder is renowned for his comedic roles and his iconic portrayal of Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor.

3. Harry Kalas

Harry Kalas, an iconic American sportscaster, was born in Chicago in 1936. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1959, where he honed his distinctive voice that would later echo through Major League Baseball stadiums. Kalas was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1971 until his death in 2009, beloved for his resonant tone and memorable calls. He also had a significant role with NFL Films and is credited for the infamous phrase, “That ball is outta here!”

4. Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark graduated from the University of Iowa in 2024 with a degree in marketing and a minor in communications. During her collegiate career, she became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and was named the national player of the year twice with the Hawkeyes. Her outstanding performance led to her being the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. 

5. Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw, an esteemed American broadcast journalist, attended the University of Iowa before completing his studies at the University of South Dakota. He is renowned for his role as the anchor of “NBC Nightly News” from 1982 to 2004. Brokaw has received numerous accolades for his journalistic work, including two Peabody Awards, two Emmy Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014.

6. Mildred Benson

Mildred Benson, an American writer, earned her English degree from the University of Iowa in 1925 and later became the first student there to receive a master’s degree in journalism. She is best known for writing many of the early Nancy Drew mysteries under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, shaping the series’ adventurous and daring heroine. Her work made significant contributions to children’s literature, particularly in developing strong female characters. She was born in Ladora, Iowa, which is also where she died in 2002 at the age of 96.

7. George Kittle

George Kittle, an exceptional NFL tight end, honed his skills at the University of Iowa from 2012 to 2016 before joining the professional ranks. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Kittle has become one of the league’s top tight ends, known for his robust receiving yards and record-breaking performances. During his professional career, he set the single-season receiving yards record for a tight end, was selected for five Pro Bowls, and appeared in Super Bowl LVIII.

8. Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams, a distinguished American playwright, graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in English. He is celebrated for his profound plays like “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” which delve into deep psychological themes and complex characters. His remarkable contributions to American theater were honored with his induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1979. He died in 1983 at the age of 71.

9. Terry Branstad

Terry Branstad, Iowa’s longest-serving governor, was born in Leland, Iowa, in 1946. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, and got his law degree from Drake University in 1974. He was Governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999, and again from 2011 to 2017, making him the longest-serving governor in US history. Branstad’s career also includes serving as the US Ambassador to China from 2017 to 2020 under President Donald Trump.

10. Joe Russo

Joe Russo, a celebrated filmmaker, graduated from the University of Iowa with a major in English and writing. Alongside his brother Anthony, he has directed several high-profile films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Russo brothers’ notable works include “Avengers: Infinity War,” which made history as the first superhero movie to surpass $2 billion at the box office. Joe Russo has also directed the pilot episodes and some signature episodes of comedy shows like “Arrested Development,” “Community,” and “Happy Endings.”