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30 Famous People Who Attended Juillard

Residenced in New York City, The Juilliard School is one of the world’s most esteemed conservatories for performing arts. Originally established as the Institute of Musical Art in 1905, it became The Juilliard School in 1926 after merging with the Juilliard Graduate School. Numerous Juilliard alums have gone on to become extremely well-known and successful performers, musicians, dancers, and other professions over the past century.

The thirty well-known former students on this list are only a small portion of the numerous highly regarded performers who have attended Juilliard over the years. Broadway icons and Oscar winners alike have left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry as Juilliard graduates. The next generation of exceptional artistic talent is still drawn to and trained by the school.

1.Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In the late 1970s, Kevin Spacey, the well-known actor, attended Juilliard to study drama. Although he left to pursue acting full-time before finishing his degree, the training he received helped prepare him for his success on stage and screen. Spacey’s performances in American Beauty (1999) and The Usual Suspects (1995) earned him Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. In addition, he received Golden Globes and other honors for his well-received roles in Se7en and L.A. Confidential. Apart from his cinematic career, Spacey has acted in numerous Broadway productions, garnering Tony Awards for both The Iceman Cometh and Lost in Yonkers.

2. Robin Williams

Robin Williams. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Robin Williams, who studied acting at Juilliard from 1973 to 1976, is well-known for his outrageous improvisational comedy abilities. He was a unique student because of his outrageous antics. Williams started doing stand-up comedy in San Francisco clubs after leaving Juilliard, and he eventually got a part as the alien Mork on the television series Mork & Mindy. His film career took off after this, and he went on to win critical acclaim for roles in popular films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, and Good Will Hunting. Williams passed away tragically in 2014, but not before winning an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting.

3. Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In 2003, Jessica Chastain, the well-known actress, completed her studies in Juilliard’s prestigious drama division. She participated in student productions of Herakles and Romeo and Juliet while attending Juilliard. She started appearing in TV series like ER and Veronica Mars after graduating, but her big break came when she played Celia Foote in the 2011 drama The Help. She would go on to be nominated for Academy Awards for her roles in The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, and other films. Chastain is still a shining star on screen, appearing in everything from big-budget superhero movies to independent dramas.

4. Viola Davis

Viola Davis. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Similar to her co-star in The Help, Viola Davis attended Juilliard and graduated in 1993. She received a scholarship to Juilliard and finished her four years there. Prior to making her breakthrough with her Tony-winning performance in the Broadway play Fences, Davis quickly obtained parts in small-budget films and off-Broadway productions. Davis was nominated for an Oscar for her highly praised role in the 2016 Fences movie adaptation. For her performance in Fences, she at last took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Today, Davis is well-known for his critically acclaimed roles in films such as Suicide Squad and How to Get Away with Murder.

5. Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The leading man Val Kilmer attended Juilliard to study drama from 1979 to 1981. His talent was immediately recognized, and following his sophomore year, he was cast by director Martha Coolidge in the film Real Genius. Kilmer began his illustrious acting career by quitting school to work on the film. He later starred in several hugely successful blockbusters, including Willow, Tombstone, Batman Forever, and Top Gun. Kilmer won praise for his remarkable portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s film The Doors. Even now, he keeps up a steady career, most recently showing up in films like Top Gun: Maverick.

6. Patti LuPone

Patti LuPone. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The renowned Broadway diva Patti LuPone graduated from Juilliard’s very first drama course in 1972. She quickly made her Broadway debut in the musical Grease as a stand-in. For her legendary portrayal of Eva Perón in Evita, LuPone was awarded her first Tony Award. She has also won numerous Tony Awards for her critically acclaimed work in musicals such as Sweeney Todd, Gipsy, Les Miserables, and Company. LuPone is still praised on Broadway stages today for her enormous voice and dramatic instincts.

She won three Laurence Olivier Awards for her work on the West End stage: one in 1985 for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles as Moll in The Cradle Will Rock and Fantine in the original London cast of Les Misérables, and another in 2019 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company. In 1993, she received a nomination for her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. For the recording of the 2007 Los Angeles Opera production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, she has been honoured with two Grammy Awards.

7. Laura Linney

Laura Linney. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Laura Linney, a well-known actress from theatre, television, and movies, received her Juilliard degree in 1986. She participated in classroom productions at Juilliard under the direction of directors such as Olympia Dukakis. Linney quickly secured well-received Broadway parts in productions such as Six Degrees of Separation. Her breakthrough performance in a movie was in the drama You Can Count on Me from 2000. Later on, Linney was nominated for three Oscars: Mr. Holmes, The Savages, and Kinsey. Her television career has earned her four Emmy Awards, including one for The Big C. She received praise recently for her role in the Netflix series Ozark.

8. Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In the late 1990s, Oscar Isaac, the versatile actor, enrolled at Juilliard to study drama. He was in Group 30 at the school, which included Jessica Chastain and other actors. Before finishing his degree, Isaac left school to take a leading role in a Broadway production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. It marked the beginning of a busy career in theatre, television, and film acting. Early credits for Isaac’s success include Show Me a Hero and Inside Llewyn Davis. With the recent Star Wars trilogy, Poe Dameron gained immense international recognition. He keeps getting better in high-profile roles like Moon Knight.

Isaac stays close to his family and doesn’t care about his celebrity status. A report from the New York Daily News claims that he proposed to Maria Miranda in 2007.In Elvira Lind, a Danish film director, and Isaac first met in 2012. The two got married in 2017. Mads (born 2019) and Eugene (born 2017) are their two sons. He resides in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg.

9. Adam Driver

Adam Driver. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Star Wars’s popularity Adam Driver trained as an actor at Juilliard from 2005 to 2009. He was one of the original members of the esteemed Drama Division at the school. Not long after graduating, Driver started getting cast in TV series like Girls and Broadway plays. When he was chosen to play the evil Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, his career took off. His roles in films such as BlacKkKlansman and Marriage Story brought him unprecedented critical acclaim, and he was nominated for multiple Oscars and Emmys. Driver is still a rising star who accepts difficult roles.

10. John Houseman

John Houseman. , , via Wikimedia Commons

John Houseman co-founded the groundbreaking drama division of the Juilliard School in 1968 before going on to become a well-known actor and producer. He was the first director of the drama division, mentoring such stars as Patti LuPone and Kevin Kline. Later in life, Houseman pursued a prestigious acting career of his own and won an Oscar for his supporting turn in The Paper Chase. Alongside Orson Welles, he produced classic films like Citizen Kane. During his time at Juilliard, Houseman prevented the institution from going bankrupt.

11. Kevin Kline

Kevin Kline. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the first students to graduate from the brand-new Juilliard drama school in 1972 was the renowned actor Kevin Kline. He studied with mentors such as John Houseman at Juilliard. Kline won a Tony Award for his role in the play On the Twentieth Century not long after graduating in 1976. His film career took off after he landed parts in Oscar-winning comedies such as A Fish Called Wanda and The Big Chill. Dave, In & Out, Sophie’s Choice, and Present Laughter are among the other notable credits. Kline keeps up her consistent work in theatre and movies.

12. Christine Baranski

Christine Baranski. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Christine Baranski, a prolific actress from television, movies, and stage, studied at Juilliard in the early 1970s. Soon after graduating, she received praise for her off-Broadway performance in Tom Stoppard’s Real Inspector Hound. When she played Lois Lane in the musical The Rink, she made her Broadway debut. Baranski received 15 Emmy nominations after going on to play significant parts in popular series like The Good Wife and Cybill. She keeps getting better, as seen in roles in films like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Gilded Age.

13. Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In the late 1980s, actor and singer Anthony Rapp majored in musical theatre at Juilliard. He created the part of Mark Cohen in the ground-breaking musical Rent after leaving Juilliard. He was nominated for a Tony and returned to the role in the popular movie. In Star Trek: Discovery, Rapp portrayed Lt. Stamets, a role that made him famous. Roles in Dazed and Confused, A Beautiful Mind, Road Trip, and other films are among his other credits. Rapp is still producing consistently for TV, movies, and theatre.

14. William Hurt

William Hurt. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Oscar winner William Hurt studied drama at Juilliard from 1971 to 1975. He participated in school productions of Alfred Hitchock’s The 39 Steps and Macbeth during his tenure there. Hurt secured significant film roles in films such as Body Heat and Altered States shortly after graduating. In 1985, he was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman. After starring in important films like Children of a Lesser God, Broadcast News, and A History of Violence, he went on to receive three Oscar nominations.

15. Alan Alda

Alan , , via Wikimedia Commons.

With financial assistance from his father, Alan Alda attended Juilliard before going on to star in the TV series MASH as Hawkeye. He spent the 1950s studying drama. Following her time in the Army, Alda quickly secured Broadway acting roles. His breakthrough role on MASH from 1972 to 1983 resulted from this. As Hawkeye, Alda demonstrated her comedic and dramatic skills and won numerous Emmys. Later on, he was praised by critics for his work on television programmes such as The Blacklist, 30 Rock, and The West Wing. Alda, who is in his 80s, still acts and promotes science.

16. Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Beyond his legendary performance as the Man of Steel in “Superman,” Christopher Reeve embodies grace, resiliency, and a spirit that goes beyond his heroics on screen. His enormous talent shone on screens, but what really made him famous was his courage and resoluteness in the wake of a devastating spinal cord injury. Reeve’s unwavering determination turned into a ray of hope as she promoted research on spinal cord injuries and improvements in medical care. His remarkable influence went well beyond his work in movies; as a real-life superhero, he inspired generations with his unwavering bravery, commitment to advocacy, and amazing legacy that never stops inspiring.

17. Chris Sullivan 

Chris Sullivan., , via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Sullivan is a multifaceted talent whose captivating presence and profound versatility transcend beyond the screen. Sullivan is best known for his captivating role as Toby in the popular television series “This Is Us,” but his talent goes far beyond acting. His mysterious character moves with ease across many artistic mediums, including theatre, film, and music. He exudes an enigmatic charm in addition to his on-screen charisma, displaying a rainbow of skills that cut across numerous creative fields. Sullivan, with his understated charm and unmatched ability to bring life to a variety of roles, is a living example of the value of artistic profundity and the personification of an artist whose influence extends well beyond the characters he plays.

18. Benjamin Walker

Benjamin Walker., , via Wikimedia Commons

Benjamin Walker, a versatile actor, received his degree from Juilliard’s prestigious drama programme in 2004. Major classical roles quickly came his way, such as the lead in the Broadway production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Important parts in films like Kinsey and Flags of Our Fathers resulted from this. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, a historical action film, gave Walker his big screen debut. In television series like American Gothic and motion pictures like In the Heart of the Sea, he keeps getting better.

19. Laura Dern

Laura Dern, , via Wikimedia Commons.

Silver screen icon Laura Dern is unmatched in her ability to give each character a deep depth that lingers long after the credits have rolled. Her decades-long skill has allowed her to play a wide range of characters that captivate audiences, such as the tough Renata Klein in “Big Little Lies” and the tenacious Ellie Sattler in “Jurassic Park.” With a captivating presence that skillfully moves from fragility to strength, Dern leaves a lasting impression on the annals of film history. In addition to her skill on screen, she supports narratives that encourage social reflection, solidifying her status as an industry trailblazer and acting virtuoso.

20. Wes Bentley

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Wes Bentley, who was raised in Arkansas, enrolled at Juilliard in 1993 to pursue a degree in drama. After landing his first significant Hollywood role in the 1999 blockbuster American Beauty, he dropped out of school early. In the Academy Award–winning picture, Bentley portrayed the disturbed adolescent Ricky Fitts. In critically acclaimed independent films like The Claim and Ghost Rider, he went on to excel. His most notable recent roles include those in Yellowstone, The Hunger Games, American Horror Story, and Interstellar.

21. John Lithgow

John Lithgow. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The renowned actor John Lithgow studied undergrad at Harvard before attending Juilliard from 1968 to 1972 for training. His performance in the Broadway comedy The Changing Room quickly earned him a nomination for a Tony Award after he graduated. Lithgow received his first Oscar nomination for his significant early roles in Terms of Endearment and The World According to Garp. After making his breakthrough in films like Footloose, he starred in the popular sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. Lithgow is still doing a lot of theatre and film work.

22. Sarah Michelle Gellar

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Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar was accepted to Juilliard before she became well-known. Instead, she declined the esteemed chance to be the lead actress on the soap opera All My Children. Her big TV and movie roles in the 1990s and 2000s were a result of this. In addition to Buffy, Gellar acted in popular films such as Scooby-Doo, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Cruel Intentions. She keeps up her steady work in films and television; most recently, she was on The Big Shot With Bethenny Frankel.

23. Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas. , , via Wikimedia Commons

When Spanish actor Antonio Banderas moved to Juilliard in the early 1980s to pursue his acting career, many were taken aback. After just two years, he left his drama studies to pursue on-screen roles full-time. Banderas quickly obtained parts in well-known Hollywood productions, including Interview with the Vampire and Philadelphia. His big break came when Pedro Almodovar, the director, cast him in successful films like Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! Banderas is still actively involved in American and European cinema.

24. Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Famous musician Alicia Keys was accepted to Juilliard as a young piano prodigy. There, from the age of twelve to sixteen, she studied classical piano intensely. Even though she eventually left school to focus on pop music and songwriting, her classical training helped shape her distinct style. Keys made her breakthrough with her groundbreaking debut album Songs in A Minor from 2001, which fused R&B elements with classical piano playing. With hits like “Fallin’,” “No One,” and “Girl on Fire,” she went on to become one of the best-selling musicians in the world.

25. Sam Rockwell

Sam Rockwell. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In the late 1980s, charismatic actor Sam Rockwell studied with future stars Adam Driver and Anthony Rapp at the Juilliard School. Before finishing his degree, he left Juilliard to perform in off-Broadway plays. Rockwell first gained recognition for his disturbed roles in independent films such as Safe and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, following his early castings in films such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As the racist police officer Dixon in the 2017 film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, he was awarded an Oscar.

26. Edward Norton

Edward Norton., , via Wikimedia Commons

After graduating from high school, actor Edward Norton was accepted to Yale and Juilliard. He chose to attend Yale, but he subsequently claimed that his summer experience at Juilliard gave him the courage to take acting more seriously. Norton received three Oscar nominations after landing significant roles in films such as Primal Fear, Fight Club, American History X, and Birdman. He still looks great in challenging dramatic and comedic roles.

27. Miles Teller

Miles Teller. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Well-known actor Miles Teller attended Juilliard to study drama and graduated in 2009. He participated in Richard III and The Trial of the Catonsville Nine at Juilliard while still a student. In Rabbit Hole (2010), Teller quickly secured his breakthrough role opposite Nicole Kidman. Since then, he has had a successful career that has included leading parts in critically acclaimed independent films like The Spectacular Now as well as popular films like Whiplash, Divergent, Fantastic Four, and Top Gun: Maverick.

Teller gained international recognition for his role in the popular action movie Top Gun: Maverick (2022). He has starred in two television series: The Offer (2022) on Paramount+ and the crime drama Too Old to Die Young (2019) on Amazon Prime Video.

28. Itzhak Perlman 

Itzhak Perlman. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Itzhak Perlman is a violin virtuoso whose talent extends beyond the instrument. He is a legend in the world of classical music. With a career spanning decades, Perlman’s genius lies not only in his remarkable command of the instrument but also in his capacity to arouse strong feelings with each note he plays. Despite experiencing physical difficulties as a result of polio, his fortitude and love of music have motivated people all over the world. Perlman’s performances are proof of his unmatched talent, which is marked by a deep profundity that touches listeners’ hearts. Itzhak Perlman is regarded as a timeless and esteemed maestro in the pantheon of classical musicians because of his unwavering dedication to musical excellence and his captivating stage presence.

29. Elizabeth Rodriguez

Elizabeth Rodriguez. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1990s, character actress Elizabeth Rodriguez studied drama at Juilliard and received her degree. Early roles were in TV series The Sopranos and independent films Acts of Worship. Rodriguez made her big screen debut in the popular Netflix series Orange Is the New Black as Aleida Diaz. She still looks amazing as tough women on television, as seen in Hightown and Fear the Walking Dead. Milk and All the Real Girls are among the movie roles.

Rodriguez provided the voice of Rafa Martez in the June 2021 episode “Decommissioned” of Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

30. Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Felicity Huffman studied drama at Juilliard before landing the coveted role on Desperate Housewives. She went to the renowned school in the early eighties. Huffman received a nomination for Best Actress in the independent film Transamerica, where she played a transgender woman, shortly after graduating. She went on to receive praise from critics for her eight seasons as Desperate Housewives’ Lynette Scavo on ABC. Huffman keeps up a consistent acting career in both TV and films.

Huffman, 60, pleaded guilty to charges arising from the widespread “Varsity Blues” college admissions scandal in May 2019 and was given a 14-day prison sentence, of which 11 days were served in October 2019. In October 2020, Huffman finished the last part of her sentence, which involved a year of supervised release.

Some of the most talented actors, musicians, dancers, and performers of the last century received their training at the Juilliard School. Its demanding curriculum in performing arts equips gifted students for fulfilling careers in the arts.