ReferenceList RulesPeople on this list must have gone to West Virginia University and be of some renown.
List of famous alumni from West Virginia University, with photos when available. Prominent graduates from West Virginia University include celebrities, politicians, business people, athletes and more. This list of distinguished West Virginia University alumni is loosely ordered by relevance, so the most recognizable celebrities who attended West Virginia 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 West Virginia University.
Items on this list include Jerry West, Don Knotts and other famous WVU Mountaineers!
This list answers the questions “Which famous people went to West Virginia University?” and “Which celebrities are West Virginia University alumni?”
What is West Virginia University known for? Well, these famous WVU alumni for one!1
Billy Mays
PitchmanAge: Dec. at 51 (1958-2009)
Birthplace: McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, United States of America
William Darrell "Billy" Mays Jr. (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009) was an American television... more2
Jerry West
Basketball Coach, Basketball playerAge: 82
Birthplace: Chelyan, West Virginia
Jerome Alan West (born May 28, 1938) is an American basketball executive and former player.... more3
Pat White
Athlete, American football playerAge: 34
Birthplace: Daphne, Alabama
Patrick Christian White (born February 25, 1986) is an American football coach and former... more4
Don Knotts
Comedian, ActorAge: Dec. at 82 (1924-2006)
Birthplace: Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Jesse Donald Knotts (July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor and comedian,... more5
Steve Harvey
Comedian, Television producerAge: 63
Birthplace: Welch, West Virginia, United States of America
Broderick Stephen Harvey (born January 17, 1957) is an American comedian, television host,... more6
Mary Lou Retton
Gymnast, ActorAge: 52
Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia, USA
Mary Lou Retton (born January 24, 1968) is a retired American gymnast. At the 1984 Summer... more7
Cheryl Hines
Television director, ComedianAge: 55
Birthplace: Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Cheryl Ruth Hines (born September 21, 1965) is an American actress, director and comedian who... more8
Bill Eadie
Wrestler, CoachAge: 72
Birthplace: USA, Brownsville, Pennsylvania
William Reid "Bill" Eadie (born December 27, 1947) is an American professional wrestler who... more9
Jon McBride
Astronaut, Fighter pilotAge: 77
Birthplace: Charleston, West Virginia
Jon Andrew McBride (born August 14, 1943), (Capt, USN, Ret.), is a retired American naval... more10
Gene Okerlund
Spokesperson, AnnouncerAge: 77
Birthplace: Robbinsdale, Minnesota, United States of America
Eugene Arthur Okerlund (December 19, 1942 – January 2, 2019), better known by his ring name... more11
Conchata Ferrell
ActorAge: 77
Birthplace: Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America
Conchata Galen Ferrell (March 28, 1943-October 12, 2020) was an American actress. Although she... more12
John T. Chambers
BusinesspersonAge: 71
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
John Thomas Chambers (born August 23, 1949) is the former executive chairman and CEO of Cisco... more13
Tim Mahoney
BusinesspersonAge: 64
Birthplace: Aurora, Illinois, United States of America
Timothy Edward "Tim" Mahoney (born August 16, 1956) is a former U.S. Representative for... more14
Jeff Chase
Stunt Performer, ActorAge: 52
Birthplace: USA, Paterson, New Jersey
Jeff Chase (born January 17, 1968) is an American film and television actor who played for the... more15
Stephen Coonts
Novelist, AuthorAge: 74
Birthplace: Buckhannon, West Virginia
Stephen Coonts (born July 19, 1946) is an American thriller and suspense novelist.... more16
Jerry Porter
American football playerAge: 42
Birthplace: Washington
Jerry Porter (born July 14, 1978) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted... more17
Antoine Fuqua
Film Producer, Music video directorAge: 54
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Antoine Fuqua (born January 19, 1966 or May 30, 1966) (sources differ) is an American film... more18
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Robert Walker
American football playerAge: 48
Birthplace: Huntington, West Virginia
Robert Walker (born June 26, 1972) was an American football running back for the West Virginia... more20
David Selby
Actor, Voice actingAge: 79
Birthplace: Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
David Lynn Selby (born February 5, 1941) is an American film, television and stage actor. He... more21
Raymond J. Lane
Venture capitalistAge: 73
Birthplace: McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Raymond J. "Ray" Lane is an American business executive and strategist specializing in... more22
Cecil H. Underwood
Politician, EducatorAge: Dec. at 86 (1922-2008)
Birthplace: West Virginia, United States of America
Cecil Harland Underwood (November 5, 1922 – November 24, 2008) was an American Republican... more23
Chris Henry
American football playerAge: Dec. at 26 (1983-2009)
Birthplace: Belle Chasse, Louisiana, United States of America
Chris Henry (May 17, 1983 – December 17, 2009) was an American football wide receiver who... more24
Asra Nomani
Journalist, AuthorAge: 55
Birthplace: India, Mumbai
Asra Quratulain Nomani (born 1965) is an American author and former Georgetown University... more25
Chris Sarandon
Actor, Voice actingAge: 73
Birthplace: Beckley, West Virginia, USA
Christopher Sarandon Jr. (; born July 24, 1942) is an American actor. He is known best for... more
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