List of famous alumni from Ohio State University, with photos when available. OSU alumni have a lot to be proud of, as many well-known people were once Buckeyes during their college years. Prominent graduates from Ohio State University include celebrities, politicians, business people, athletes and more. Many famous NFL football players emerged from the school as well, including Nick Mangold, A.J Hawk, and Cris Carter. This list of distinguished Ohio State University alumni is loosely ordered by relevance, so the most recognizable celebrities who attended Ohio State University are at the top of the list. This directory is not just composed of graduates of this school, as some of the famous people on this list didn't necessarily earn a degree from Ohio State University.
Alumni include John Havlicek, Jeffrey Dahmer and more.
This list answers the questions “Which famous people went to Ohio State University?” and “Which celebrities are Ohio State University alumni?”1
George Steinbrenner
Businessperson, Theatrical producerAge: Dec. at 80 (1930-2010)
Birthplace: Rocky River, USA, Ohio
George Michael Steinbrenner III (July 4, 1930 – July 13, 2010) was an American businessman who... more2
R. L. Stine
Television producer, NovelistAge: 77
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
Robert Lawrence Stine (; born October 8, 1943), sometimes known as Jovial Bob Stine and Eric... more3
Bob Knight
Commentator, Basketball CoachAge: 79
Birthplace: Massillon, Ohio, United States of America
Robert Montgomery Knight (born October 25, 1940) is a former American basketball coach.... more4
Dwight Yoakam
Musician, Singer-songwriterAge: 63
Birthplace: Pikeville, USA, Kentucky
Dwight David Yoakam (born October 23, 1956) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and... more5
Jeffrey Dahmer
CriminalAge: Dec. at 34 (1960-1994)
Birthplace: West Allis, Wisconsin, United States of America
Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (; May 21, 1960 – November 28, 1994), also known as the Milwaukee... more6
Jack Nicklaus
Golfer, AthleteAge: 80
Birthplace: Upper Arlington, Ohio, United States of America
Jack William Nicklaus, nicknamed "The Golden Bear", is a retired American professional golfer.... more7
Jesse Owens
AthleteAge: Dec. at 67 (1913-1980)
Birthplace: Oakville, Alabama, United States of America
James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (September 12, 1913 – March 31, 1980) was an American track and... more8
Richard Lewis
Comedian, ScreenwriterAge: 73
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Richard Philip Lewis (born June 29, 1947) is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He came... more9
Patricia Heaton
Television producer, Film ProducerAge: 62
Birthplace: Bay Village, Ohio, USA
Patricia Helen Heaton (born March 4, 1958) is an American actress and comedian. She is known... more10
A. J. Hawk
American football playerAge: 36
Birthplace: Kettering, Ohio
Aaron James "A. J." Hawk (born January 6, 1984) is a former American football linebacker who... more11
Cris Carter
American football playerAge: 54
Birthplace: Troy, Ohio, USA
Graduel Christopher Darin Carter (born November 25, 1965) is a former American football player... more12
Charles F. Kettering
Inventor, EngineerAge: Dec. at 82 (1876-1958)
Birthplace: Loudonville, Ohio
Charles Franklin Kettering (August 29, 1876 – November 25, 1958) sometimes known as Charles... more13
Bruce Vilanch
Songwriter, ScreenwriterAge: 71
Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
Bruce Gerald Vilanch (born November 23, 1948) is an American comedy writer, songwriter and... more14
Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr.
Pilot, AstronautAge: Dec. at 32 (1935-1967)
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Robert Henry Lawrence Jr. (October 2, 1935 – December 8, 1967) was a United States Air Force... more15
William Alfred Fowler
AstronomerAge: Dec. at 84 (1911-1995)
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
William Alfred Fowler (August 9, 1911 – March 14, 1995) was an American nuclear physicist,... more16
James Thurber
Humorist, CartoonistAge: Dec. at 67 (1894-1961)
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio
James Grover Thurber (December 8, 1894 – November 2, 1961) was an American cartoonist, author,... more17
Rosie Jones
GolferAge: 60
Birthplace: Santa Ana, California
Rosie Jones (born November 13, 1959) is an American professional golfer, with 13 LPGA Tour... more18
Jack Tatum
American football playerAge: Died at 62 (1948-2010)
Birthplace: Cherryville, North Carolina
John David Tatum (November 18, 1948 – July 27, 2010) was an American football safety who... more
19Jon Whitcomb
IllustratorAge: Dec. at 82 (1906-1988)
Birthplace: Weatherford, Oklahoma
Jon Whitcomb (1906–1988) was an American illustrator. He was well known for his pictures of... more- 20Walter Ellsworth Brehm (May 25, 1892 – August 24, 1971) was a U.S. Representative from Ohio.... more
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Les Wexner
Businessperson, EntrepreneurAge: 83
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio
Leslie H. Wexner (born September 8, 1937) is a billionaire American businessman, and the... more22
Mary Oliver
Poet, AuthorAge: 85
Birthplace: Maple Heights, Ohio
Mary Jane Oliver (September 10, 1935 – January 17, 2019) was an American poet who won the... more23
Chris Wedge
Film Producer, CartoonistAge: 63
Birthplace: USA, Binghamton, New York
John Christian "Chris" Wedge (born March 20, 1957) is an American animated film director, ... more24
Ammon Ashford Hennacy (July 24, 1893 – January 14, 1970) was an American Christian pacifist,... more25
Vince Edwards
Television director, ActorAge: Dec. at 68 (1928-1996)
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
Vince Edwards (born Vincent Edward Zoine; July 9, 1928 – March 11, 1996) was an American... more
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