Brown University’s alumni are like the cool, quirky cousins who show up at family reunions, leaving you wondering if you should be doing more with your life. Brown is where intellectuals meet artists, and creativity is allowed to flourish. Let’s take a look at some of its most famous (and, of course, entertaining) alumni who have taken the world by storm, in the best way possible. And remember, each of these alums at one point had to take it upon themselves to curate their entire undergraduate coursework through Brown’s famously open curriculum, so there’s no room to doubt their creativity.

Well Known Brown University Alums

1. Emma Watson – The Unlikely Activist

Before Emma Watson became a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, fighting for gender equality around the globe, she was Hermione Granger, the smartest witch in Hogwarts, charming the world in Harry Potter. But here’s the twist: Emma graduated from Brown in 2014 with a degree in English literature after conquering the wizarding world. While everyone else was cramming for finals, Emma was probably quietly organizing a global feminist campaign while writing a 10-page paper on Victorian literature. So, yeah, Emma, we’re all a little intimidated by your perfect balance of book smarts and activism. Bravo!

2. Krista Tippett – The Voice of Thoughtful Conversation

Krista Tippett, the host of On Being, a popular public radio show and podcast, is another Brown alumna who uses her education to shape important conversations. Tippett graduated with a degree in history. Her show, which explores questions of spirituality, ethics, and meaning, demonstrates the power of intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence, and deep reflection — traits she no doubt cultivated during her time at Brown, where freethinking and public intellectualism are encouraged.

3. John Krasinski – The Office Prankster Who’s Also a Director

John Krasinski wasn’t always pranking Dwight Schrute and turning Jim Halpert into a TV legend on The Office. First, he was getting a solid education at Brown, where he studied English. Krasinski’s comedic chops and heart-warming performances didn’t just come from being funny on set — they were fine-tuned at Brown. But he hasn’t stuck exclusively to comedy. After The Office, he directed and starred in A Quiet Place, a terrifyingly good film that turned him into a full-fledged Hollywood director. So, when he’s not being a lovable goofball, he’s scaring us half to death in a totally different way.

4. Ted Turner – The Media Mogul Who Changed News Forever

Ted Turner is a legendary media mogul who attended Brown University briefly before dropping out. Despite not finishing his degree, Turner’s business success is undeniable. He founded CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, and built a media empire that included a slew of other channels. Turner also ventured into sports ownership, famously owning the Atlanta Hawks. His pioneering vision in media reshaped the way we consume news, and his philanthropic efforts have had a far-reaching impact on global conservation and public health. Brown didn’t hold Turner back; instead, his entrepreneurial spirit took flight in a big way.

5. John F. Kennedy Jr. – The Entrepreneur with a Legacy

While John F. Kennedy Jr. is often remembered for his political family legacy, his professional ventures were just as impactful. After graduating from Brown with a degree in American History, he attended law school at the New York University School of Law. Kennedy used his entrepreneurial spirit to launch George, a political magazine aimed at younger readers that combined political commentary with humor. While his life was tragically cut short, his foray into media entrepreneurship left a lasting imprint on the world.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Brown Admission

Over the last five years, 100% of Ivy Coach’s package clients have earned admission to Brown University. You read that right. 100%! We haven’t had to face a single rejection letter from Brown because we’ve mastered the complex mix of strategy, heart, and numbers that turn an unsuccessful Brown application into a successful one.

If you would like our team of former elite college admissions officers to help your child optimize their odds of admission to Brown University, fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.