Hollywood Stars and Hoosier Roots
Indiana University in Bloomington isn’t just a Big Ten powerhouse—it’s a launching pad for some of the world’s most recognizable faces. From Oscar-winning actors to chart-topping musicians and billionaire entrepreneurs, IU’s alumni list reads like a Hollywood red carpet. So, who are the most famous celebrities from IU? Let’s dive in.
Hollywood's Favorite Hoosiers
Kevin Kline
Academy Award winner Kevin Kline studied drama at IU before starring in classics like A Fish Called Wanda and The Big Chill. His time at IU’s theatre program shaped his legendary career.
Laverne Cox
A groundbreaking actress and advocate, Laverne Cox made waves with her role in Orange is the New Black. Before her Emmy nominations, she honed her craft right here in Bloomington.
Jonathan Banks
From Breaking Bad to Better Call Saul, Jonathan Banks has played some of TV’s most iconic tough guys. His roots trace back to IU, where he studied theater before hitting it big.
Lights, Camera, Bloomington!
IU grads aren’t the only ones making Hollywood waves—Bloomington itself has been a backdrop for the big screen. From cult classics to Oscar-nominated dramas, the city has hosted its fair share of film crews.
Check out our guide to the Top 5 Famous Movies Filmed in Bloomington and see how the Hoosier heartland has made its mark on cinema.
Musicians Who Found Their Sound at IU
Hoagy Carmichael
The legendary jazz composer behind “Georgia on My Mind” and “Stardust” studied law at IU. You can still visit the Hoagy Carmichael Room on campus to learn about his legacy.
Joshua Bell
One of the world’s premier violinists, Joshua Bell graduated from IU’s Jacobs School of Music, which remains one of the top music schools globally.
Sports & Business Powerhouses
Mark Cuban
Before he owned the Dallas Mavericks and starred on Shark Tank, Mark Cuban was an IU Kelley School of Business student, hustling his way to the top.
IU Athletics Receives Transformative Gift from Mark Cuban - Indiana University Athletics
Ryan Murphy
The mastermind behind Glee, American Horror Story, and Pose, Murphy cut his teeth writing for the Indiana Daily Student.
And Don’t Forget… Miles Teller’s IU Bar Takeover
Speaking of modern Hollywood stars—did you know actor Miles Teller (of Top Gun: Maverick fame) brought his beverage brand to IU? Teller is a co-owner of The Finnish Long Drink, a ready-to-drink cocktail with roots in Finland. His team orchestrated a campus takeover at IU Bloomington, blending celebrity marketing with Midwest vibes.
You can read the full story on how Miles Teller and The Long Drink took over IU’s bar scene. It’s a great example of how IU remains a hotspot for celebrity business ventures.
Famous Hoosiers from IU: Quick Hits
Comedian Jim Gaffigan attended the IU Kelley School of Business.
MythBusters co-host Jamie Hyneman also studied at IU.
Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games, earned her master's degree at IU.
Quick Q&A: IU's Famous Alumni
Who is the most famous Indiana University graduate?
Mark Cuban and Kevin Kline are two of the most widely known, but musicians like Joshua Bell also make the list.
Did Miles Teller go to IU?
No, but he brought his Long Drink brand to IU Bloomington for a high-profile bar takeover, mixing celebrity buzz with Hoosier hospitality.
Were any movies filmed in Bloomington?
Yes! Bloomington has been featured in several films, from cult classics to Oscar-worthy stories. We rounded up the Top 5 Famous Movies Filmed in Bloomington so you can see how this Hoosier town found its way onto the big screen.
Why It Matters to Hoosiers
Indiana University isn’t just producing scholars—it’s launching pop culture icons, business moguls, and global entertainers. Whether you're walking past the Sample Gates or catching a concert at the IU Auditorium, you’re in the same stomping grounds as some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond.
Who’s your favorite IU celebrity? Share your thoughts and let's keep celebrating what makes Indiana one of the most inspiring places in the country.
