For many of the high school in Louisville — and lord knows there are plenty of high schools in Louisville — there is a celebrity that may define the image of the school or in some essential way defy it.
From musicians, actresses, and artists to sports stars of all kinds, there are plenty of recognizable figures who graduated from a Louisville high school. (And before you ask, Jennifer Lawrence was not left off. She got her GED.)
Read on for our picks for the most famous people to come from many of our very own Louisville high schools.
Did we miss your school? If you know of a celeb who graduated there, send us an email so we can add them to our list!
Sacred Heart: Jennifer Carpenter
Jennifer Carpenter, a renowned actress from Louisville, Kentucky, is best known for her role as Debra Morgan in the popular television series “Dexter.” Born on December 7, 1979, she attended Sacred Heart Academy before honing her craft at the Juilliard School in New York City. Her intense portrayal of complex characters has earned her significant acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Beyond “Dexter,” Jennifer has appeared in various films and TV shows, continually showcasing her versatile talent. She remains a proud Louisville native, often speaking fondly of her roots and the supportive community that shaped her early years.Atherton: Jack Harlow
Jack Harlow graduated in 2016. The Atherton grad got his start rapping in Louisville, but his star quickly rose with his 2020 hit “Whats Poppin.” So far, he’s been nominated for three Grammy Awards.Assumption: Maggie Lawson
Actress Maggie Lawson starred as Detective Juliet “Jules” O’Hara on the beloved TV show “Psych,” at one point dating her co-star James Rodriguez. She was born and raised in Louisville and started acting at a young age, hosting a kid’s show on WDRB and performing at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Lawson also attended Assumption High School.
Photo via Gage SkidmoreFairdale: Patty Loveless
Patty Loveless, a celebrated country music artist is known for her powerful and emotive voice. Her discography includes numerous chart-topping hits such as “Blame It On Your Heart” and “You Can Feel Bad.” Growing up in a musically inclined family, her career was almost destined. She initially found inspiration from her older brother, Roger Ramey, who became her manager. Throughout her career, Patty has received countless accolades, including multiple Country Music Association awards and two Grammys.Central: Muhammad Ali
Graduated in 1960. Muhammad Ali is Louisville’s most legendary native. The boxer, known as The Greatest, cut his knuckles practicing in a community center in the Smoketown neighborhood. He was born Cassius Marcellsu Clay Jr. and attended Central High School. He was also a well-known activist, advocating for racial justice.
Photo via Dutch National ArchivesDeSales: Joey McFarland
Graduated in 1990. He’s produced several blockbuster movies including “The Wolf of Wall Street” with Leonardo DiCaprio and “Dumb and Dumber To” with Jim Carrey. Carolyn Brown • @cebrownphotoduPont Manual: Nicole Scherzinger
Graduated from duPont Manual’s Youth Performing Arts School in 1996. The breakout star of “The Pussycat Dolls,” Nicole Scherzinger was born in Honolulu, Hawaii but moved to Louisville when she was six, where she got her start in the entertainment industry as a performer at Kentucky Kingdom and an actress at Actors Theatre of Louisville.
Photo by Joel Telling, Wikimedia CommonsKentucky Country Day: Will Smith A 2013 graduate, Will Smith has made Louisville, KY proud with his stellar career in Major League Baseball. As a catcher for the LA Dodgers, he played a crucial role in their victorious 2020 World Series win Known for his exceptional skills and dedication, Smith was also selected for the 2023 All Stars team and earned a spot on the 2022 All MLB Second-Team. His journey from a high school graduate to a celebrated MLB player serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, showcasing the remarkable talent that Louisville nurtures.Iroquois: Bryson Tiller
Graduated in 2020 when he went back to school and graduated at 27. Louisville has produced some significant rapping talent, including Bryson Tiller, whose made frequent appearances on top Billboard lists for his music, including his first hit “Don’t” and “Wild Thoughts,” alongside DJ Khaled and Rhianna. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended Iroquois High School. Before success hit, he worked at UPS.
Photo by Will FenwickSouthern: Phil Simms
Phil Simms, born in Springfield, Kentucky, is a highly regarded figure in the world of American football and is known for his impressive achievements. He made a significant mark as an NFL Quarterback, leading his team to two Super Bowl victories. His exceptional skills and leadership on the field have earned him accolades and a lasting reputation in sports history. Following his retirement from professional playing, Phil seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting and has become a familiar voice as an announcer on NFL Today.Male: Hunter S. Thompson
Though he never graduated— he was arrested and unable to complete his final exams— journalist Hunter S. Thompson still managed to make his mark with his cynical take on Louisville’s claim to fame with “The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved.” The essay was a homecoming for him, as Thompson was born and raised in Louisville. He went on to pen several classics, including “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and an inside look into the motorcycle gang Hell’s Angels.
Photo via Wikimedia CommonsNew Albany: Josh Dallas
Actor Josh Dallas has played Prince Charming on “Once Upon A Time” and a father involved in a mysterious plane disappearance in the prematurely canceled “Manifest,” but before that, he was a student thespian at New Albany High School. Dallas was born and raised in the Louisville area before leaving to study acting in England.
Photo via vagueonthehowHoly Cross: Ben Rhodes
Ben Rhodes, a proud Louisville, KY native, has made a significant mark in the world of NASCAR. As a talented driver, he is known for his impressive skills and determination on the track. Racing for ThorSport Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Rhodes has earned multiple wins and accolades, showcasing his prowess behind the wheel. His journey from karting in his hometown to competing at national levels serves as an inspiring story for many aspiring racers. Ben’s dedication to his craft and his friendly, approachable demeanor make him a beloved figure both in Louisville and the broader racing community.Seneca: Diane Sawyer
Graduated in 1963. Diane Sawyer was born in Glasgow, Kentucky but grew up in Louisville. Her father was a Republican Jefferson County judge but was killed in a car accident on Interstate 64. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is named after him. Diane Sawyer attended Seneca High School and worked at WLKY as a weather forecaster. She left Kentucky permanently in 1970 to serve as a press aide in the Nixon administration and has since made her mark as an anchor for Good Morning America and ABC World News Tonight.St. Xavier: Jim James
Graduated in 1996. The lead singer of rock band My Morning Jacket, Jim James is a born and raised Louisvillian and a St. Xavier High School alumnus. He formed MMJ in 1998 in Louisville and still frequently reps his hometown.
Photo by Tracy MacySt. Xavier: Justin Thomas
Graduated in 2011. He’s the winner of two major championships and has 17 total professional wins (as of June 2023). Thomas was recently added to the Hometown Heroes project with his very own banner. Justin ThomasWaggener: Static Major
Continuing Louisville’s history of rap talent is Static Major, who performed with the ‘90s hip-hop group Playa and made songs for Aaliyah, Lil Wayne (“Lollipop) and Genuine. Static Major, or Stephen Garrett, attended Waggener High School. In 2008, he died after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease.
Photo via LEO archives, by S. WadeBallard: Allan Houston Graduated in 1989. The shooting guard holds the record as the top scorer for the University of Tennessee, amassing an impressive 2,801 points. Allan Houston was picked 11th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1993 draft and enjoyed a 12-season career in the NBA, spending nine of those years with the New York Knicks. He played a crucial role in Team USA’s victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where they took home the gold medal. Additionally, Houston was honored with an induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Fun fact: besides his stellar playing career, he’s als ocontributed to the basketball community in a different way by working in the Knicks’ front office as the Assistant General Manager. Kentucky Basketball Hall of FameEastern: Ned BeattyGraduated in 1955. Beatty had quite the diverse acting career, taking on roles in various theater groups, including participating in Shakespeare in Central Park. He’s famous for his performances in “Deliverance,” “White Lightning,” and the Superman films, according to IMDB. You might also remember him from his recurring role on the TV show “Roseanne.” Beatty’s talent earned him Emmy nominations for Best Actor in “Friendly Fire” and Best Supporting Actor in “Magic Hour: Tom Alone.” WikipediaButler: Lance BurtonGraduated in 1978. Burton first got hooked on magic when he attended a birthday party just before turning six, according to his website. That early interest paid off big time – he started winning competitions and even landed a spot on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show.” Fast forward to 1994, he signed a whopping 13-year contract with the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where they even named the theater after him. It was the longest-running contract in Las Vegas history at the time. WikipediaValley High School: Conrad Bachmann
Conrad Bachmann, a notable alumni of Valley High School in Louisville, KY, has had an illustrious career in the entertainment industry. Known widely for his role in the cult classic film “Tremors,” Bachmann has an impressive portfolio that spans over 40 feature films. In addition to his remarkable films, he has appeared in over 300 commercials, including one memorable spot during the Super Bowl. His versatile acting skills and extensive work have made him a respected figure in the film and commercial sectors, and he remains a proud representative of Louisville.Pleasure Ridge Park: Dawne GeeGraduated in 1984. Gee went to school in Louisville all the way through to college at the University of Louisville, where she got degrees in communications and biology. She became a reporter for WAVE3 News in 1994 and currently heads up a nonprofit called A Recipe to End Hunger, which helps feed kids.Male: Darrell GriffithGraduated in 1976. A standout basketball player at Male and later at the University of Louisville, he earned the nickname Dr. Dunkenstein. He led the Cardinals to their national championship in 1980 and snagged the Wooden Award for being the best college player that same year. Griffith was picked second overall in the 1980 draft by the Utah Jazz, and he went on to win the 1981 Rookie of the Year. He played all 10 of his professional seasons in Salt Lake City. Both the Cardinals and the Jazz retired his No. 35 jersey. His Hometown Heroes banner is proudly displayed on the Watterson City building, visible along I-264 at Newburg Road.Louisville Collegiate School: Tori Murden McClure
Tori Murden McClure, a remarkable figure from Louisville, KY, is widely recognized for her extraordinary achievements and pioneering spirit. She made history by becoming the first woman and the first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1999. McClure’s tenacity and resilience extend beyond her oceanic endeavors; she is also a high-achieving academic, holding degrees from Smith College, Harvard Divinity School, and the University of Louisville School of Law. Currently, she serves as the president of Spalding University, where she continues to inspire and lead with her commitment to education and community service.Southern: Lisa Harrison Rogers Graduated in 1989. She starred in college basketball at the University of Tennessee, playing for the iconic coach Pat Summit and clinching the NCAA title in 1991. Then, she enjoyed a solid nine-year run in the WNBA. Harrison picked up some impressive awards along the way, like Kentucky Miss Basketball and Naismith Prep Player of the Year. She even got inducted into both the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Coaches Hall of Fame, plus she received a Hometown Heroes banner back in 2016.Shawnee: Ed Hamilton Graduated in 1965. He’s not just a talented sculptor but also a passionate activist, scooping up numerous accolades for his art and community efforts. Some of his honors include the Urban League Diversity Award and the Arthur M. Walters Champion of Diversity Award. Plus, he’s an alum of both Louisville School of Art and Spalding University.Trinity: Daryl Issacs Graduated in 1982. After taking the LSAT three times, he finally got into the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. According to his bio, he also needed three attempts to pass the bar exam. Eventually, he teamed up with his dad, Sheldon N. Isaacs, to start the well-known Isaacs & Isaacs, P.S.C. law firm.Presentation Academy: Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson, a celebrated actress from Louisville, KY, became a significant figure in 19th-century theatre. Born in 1859, she captivated audiences with her debut performance as Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” at the tender age of sixteen. Her remarkable talent quickly garnered attention, leading her to tour extensively across the United States. Despite her illustrious career, she retired from the stage in 1889, at the height of her popularity, choosing a quieter life. Mary Anderson remains a beloved icon in the history of theatre, celebrated for her contributions to the performing arts.
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Sydney is a native Louisvillian who spent her twenties in Los Angeles working in Hollywood. When off duty, she blogs about her adventures at Sydney to Anywhere. An avid explorer, the only thing she loves...
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