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Famous people who attended University of Georgia
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The University of Georgia is known for quality degree programs, competitive sports and a lively social atmosphere. But, who knew the school was such a breeding ground for celebrities? Shown here: Television personality, producer and disc jockey Ryan Seacrest attended the University of Georgia, but left in 1993 to pursue a career in entertainment.
The University of Georgia is known for quality degree programs, competitive sports and a lively social atmosphere. But, who knew the school was such a breeding ground for celebrities?
1. Ryan Seacrest
Television personality, producer and disc jockey Ryan Seacrest attended the University of Georgia, but left in 1993 to pursue a career in entertainment. He is from Dunwoody.
In 2016 he returned to speak to UGA's graduating class and receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
2. Tricia Yearwood
Grammy award-winning country singer-songwriter Trisha Yearwood briefly attended the University of Georgia in 1985, before transferring to another school.
3. Three members of R.E.M.
Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Bill Berry of the Grammy award-winning group R.E.M. dropped out of University of Georgia in the early 80s to further their music careers.
Stipe is still involved in Athens politics, speaking out in 2016 against allowing guns on campus.
4. Bubba Watson
Golf great Bubba Watson helped the Bulldogs clinch the SEC title in 2000 while attending the University of Georgia.
5. Kim Basinger
Academy award–winning actress Kim Basinger attended the University of Georgia in the 70s, but dropped out to pursue a modeling career in New York City.
6. Herschel Walker
Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker began playing football for the University of Georgia in 1980 but left his junior year to play for the USFL and NFL.
7. Kyle Chandler
Emmy-winning actor Kyle Chandler known for his role in “Friday Night Lights," attended the University of Georgia but dropped out in 1988 to pursue acting.
8. Tituss Burgess
Actor Tituss Burgess, known for roles on “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," graduated from the University of Georgia in 2001.
9. Phaedra Parks
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” reality television star Phaedra Parks graduated from the University of Georgia’s law school in 1998.
10. Josh Holloway
Actor Josh Holloway, known for his role as Sawyer in “Lost," attended the University of Georgia briefly in 1987 before pursuing a modeling career in Los Angeles.
11. Bill Anderson
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and country music hall of famer Bill Anderson attended the University of Georgia in the 50s.
12. Deborah Norville
Journalist and longtime host of "Inside Edition" Deborah Norville graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1979
13. Terrell Davis
Former NFL player Terrell Davis attended the University of Georgia before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1995.
14. Alton Brown
Celebrity chef Alton Brown attended the University of Georgia, but left in 1985 to shoot commercials and music videos.
15. Fran Tarkenton
Former NFL player and media personality Fran Tarkenton played football at the University of Georgia in the late 50s and led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season his freshman year.
16. Hamilton E. Holmes
Orthopedic physician Hamilton E. Holmes (center) was one of the first two black students to attend the University of Georgia in 1961. Holmes was also the first black student to be admitted to the Emory University School of Medicine.
17. Charlayne Hunter-Gault
Media personality and civil rights activist Charlayne Hunter-Gault was one of the first two black students to attend the University of Georgia in 1961.
18. Wayne Knight
Actor Wayne Knight, known for his role as Newman in “Seinfeld," attended the University Georgia in the early 1970s but dropped out to pursue a theater career in Virginia.
19. Hines Ward Jr.
Sports analyst, former NFL player and season 12 winner of "Dancing with the Stars" Hines Ward Jr. played for the University of Georgia before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998.
20. Natasha Trethewey
Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. poet laureate Natasha Trethewey graduated from the University of Georgia in 1989.
21. Brandon Stanton
Best-selling author and creator of the wildly popular blog, "Humans of New York," Brandon Stanton graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008.
