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The Times recently wrote about Barack Obama’s time at Punahou School in Hawaii. The article mentioned that AOL founder Steve Case was also a graduate. I was impressed with their notable alumni list already. A quick search revealed this was only the tip of the iceberg.
- Kelly Preston (actress, Mrs. John Travolta)
- Michelle Wie (golfer)
- Pierre Omidyar (eBay founder)
- Sarah Wayne Callies (star of Prison Break)
- Norm Chow (offensive coordinator, Tennessee Titans)
- Rod Lurie (creator of Commander in Chief)
- Jennifer Nicholson (daughter of Jack)
- Mark Tuinei (late Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman)
I’m sure most big private schools have similar lists. My (public) school can boast of Just Shoot Me star Laura San Giacomo and former Penn State and New York Jets defensive lineman Lou Benfatti. That probably won’t be hard to beat.
So tell us. Did anyone notable attend your high school? Extra points for infamous classmates, like Mark Foley, or that crazy, diaper-wearing astronaut.
no one notable in their own rights (yet), but i went to class with the children of dan marino and steve madden…
posted by kay on 3-19-2007 at 7:31 am
Hello,
My ex-husband (not a celebrity) went to Punahou with two future members of the Kingston Trio. One was Dave Guard and the other was Bob Shane.
posted by Alice Venables on 3-19-2007 at 7:59 am
My high school’s alumni list includes Bill Murray, Chris O’Donnell, Jonathan Nolan (writer of Memento and The Prestige), William Peterson (Grissom on CSI), Jim Irsay (owner of the Colts, who is a traitor b.c we are in Bears country), the creators of Mortal Kombat, among many others…
posted by ME on 3-19-2007 at 8:16 am
No joke, the guy who invented a new method of pap smear. He was inducted into our hall-of-honor while I was there. Imagine a full-school assembly of over a thousand high school kids for a man who invented THAT.
Oh, also one of the guys who tracked down the Unabomber.
posted by Greg on 3-19-2007 at 8:16 am
I went to high school with a guy who discovered a new form of matter. Apparently that takes our grand total to 7. I know 4 (solid, liquid, gas, plasma) but beyond that I have NO idea.
posted by Maria on 3-19-2007 at 8:32 am
Cathy Rigby, back in her early days, attended the Los Alamitos High, were I went. Also J.T. Snow (baseball player and son of Jack Snow, football player), who attended with fellow baseball player Rob Nen. Susan Egan, the woman that originated Belle on Broadway in Beauty in the Beast is an alum, too. Rumor has it Taryn Manning, an actress, attended the school when the Orange County High School of the Arts was housed on campus. Jodie Sweetin, the middle sister on the TV Show “Full House” also went there. Long distance swimmer Lynne Cox is a graduate, too. There is a rumor that Jason Lewis, the hot guy that dated Samantha in “Sex in the City” is an alum, too. (OCSHA being on campus made the acting quotient quite high: there are more listed on Wikipedia.)
posted by Karyn on 3-19-2007 at 8:58 am
I went to High School with Neil Cuthbert who wrote ‘Hokus Pokus’. Unfortunately he also wrote ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ but hey, not everyone can be a winner (sorry Neil).
My son went to High School with Jay Mohr
posted by Jane on 3-19-2007 at 9:13 am
Pete Steinkopf of The Bouncing Souls attended my high school, but I think that’s all we got.
posted by erak on 3-19-2007 at 9:14 am
Stephen King, infamous for his (absolutely terrifying) horror novels, attended Lisbon High School in Maine. I actually (briefly, but it’s a small town) met the inspirations for some of his characters.
posted by Allison on 3-19-2007 at 9:28 am
Dave Eggers went to the local public school in my town (I went to the private school). But some of the anecdotes he relates in A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius I knew from going to school in the same town (i.e. how Mr. T moved to the neighborhood and cut down all the trees on his property, which the town did not appreciate, and how a local teacher had a sex change operation and returned after one summer to teach as a woman).
posted by AD on 3-19-2007 at 9:36 am
Jessica Buttafuoco, daughter of the infamous Joey.
Oh yeah, and America Ferrera, star of Ugly Betty.
Not to mention some of the key players in the Jesse James Hollywood scandal that later became the historical events behind the movie Alpha Dog starring Justin Timberlake.
I’m so proud of my public high school.
posted by Sam on 3-19-2007 at 9:39 am
We had Jaime Pressley, Penny Hardaway (NBA) and Jerry Stackhouse
posted by ajs on 3-19-2007 at 9:49 am
Not quite as notable as others listed, but Chris Young, 2006 Nashville Star winner, went to my high school. We were in the same class.
posted by Rachel on 3-19-2007 at 10:09 am
I don’t know if anyone famous graduated from my high school, but my school (and my senior year) are famous. My senior year, 1988-1989, I attended Permian High School. That football season was immortalized in the book and movie “Friday Night Lights.”
posted by Anthony on 3-19-2007 at 10:35 am
Karen Ann Quinlan, the girl in a coma who was at the center of the landmark US “right to die” case in the 1970s, went to my highschool (Class of 1972), but well before my time. Very sad case…
posted by Jim on 3-19-2007 at 10:51 am
I attended Davidson Fine Arts School in Augusta, GA. So far our two most famous people are Allison Jones, an actress in made-for-TV movies, and Mike Dease, a saxaphone player turned trombone superstar. Unfortunately the school isn’t old enough to have anyone who graduated above the age of 45 yet.
posted by Cathy on 3-19-2007 at 10:51 am
The only one from my school (which was private) that I know of is Suzy Amis, who was in Titanic. Oh and also Wes Welker (who was just traded to the Patriots from the Dolphins) and Graham Colton (a musician who is probably most famous for dating Kelly Clarkson) both graduated three years before me.
posted by Suzanne on 3-19-2007 at 11:01 am
Jay Cutler, Mr Olympia 2006, graduated from Wachusett Regional High School a few years before I did. I think he’s the most famous alum we have.
posted by Justin on 3-19-2007 at 11:04 am
Montel Williams of the sobbing daytime TV show attended my high school with my mom. His accomplishments from his yearbook are plenty, but the one thing that brought the most amusement was his nickname: Tiny Hiney.
posted by Beth on 3-19-2007 at 11:21 am
Jeff Kent (baseball MVP) and Scott Weiland (lead singer, Stone Temple Pilots) both graduated in my class of 1986 from Edison High School, in Huntington Beach, CA.
posted by Mike on 3-19-2007 at 12:16 pm
I went to the same high school (in Edmonton, Alberta) as recent NHL retiree Mark Messier. I was taught by his uncle.
posted by Simon on 3-19-2007 at 12:25 pm
I graduated from Lansing Everett High School in 1979 and, for one overlapping year, attended at the same time as Ervin “Magic” Johnson. We won the state high school basketball championship that year, but not since.
A teammate of his, Bruce Fields, was reccently manager of baseball’s Toledo Mud Hens, a Detroit Tigers farm club.
posted by Michael on 3-19-2007 at 1:25 pm
Sarah Jessica Parker and John Travolta both attended the same high school as my dad.
posted by leofishy on 3-19-2007 at 1:29 pm
Eureka High School in CA, Mike Patton (Faith No More, Fantomas, etc.) graduated a couple of years before me, so we had the same music teacher (whatever that means).
posted by Emily Jane on 3-19-2007 at 2:00 pm
I went to HS in Newbury Park w/ Belinda from the Go-Go’s, and if I would have stayed in my previous HS in Woodland Hills I would have had Chris Knight, of the Brady Bunch in my graduating class.
posted by Karyn on 3-19-2007 at 2:09 pm
I went to jr. high and high school with Matt Stone of South Park fame. We hung out in jr. high, he was funny as hell, but we lost touch in high school. I’m glad he’s doing well. He’s still cracking me up, mmm-kay.
posted by jenn on 3-19-2007 at 2:21 pm
Tom Clancy went to the same high school as I did, in Towson, MD. He graduated waaay before I did, since I graduated 13 years ago.
posted by Stephen on 3-19-2007 at 2:33 pm
Bryan White (of country music fame circa early 1990s) went to my high school. He was actually in the same class as my older sister.
posted by Steph on 3-19-2007 at 2:35 pm
My highschool, Fairfield High School in Fairfield, CT, boasts alumni like John Mayer, tennis player James Blake, Justin Long (he’s the Mac from the “I’m a Mac” commercials), and Mrs. Crocodile Dundee herself, Linda Kozlowski.
posted by Adam on 3-19-2007 at 3:18 pm
Kurt Cobain went to Aberdeen Highschool, which is 20 mins away from mine, and they would party in westport, where i live, in fact his daughter and one of my friends used to play together when they were little, Chris Novesilic, the guitarist of Nirvana, went to my school and visits the town sometimes. The town motto of Aberdeen is Come as you are.
posted by Ashley on 3-19-2007 at 5:25 pm
Rumor had it that Tommy Hilfiger went to my high school, but turns out his brother just taught at one of the junior highs (that, I know, is true- one of my friends was close to Tommy’s niece). Geraldine Ferraro (only woman to run as VP) was born in my hometown, but alas, went to high school elsewhere.
This doesn’t count, but Susan Stroman (director/choreographer of The Producers
and soon-to-be Young Frankenstein) went to my college and my boyfriend’s high school.
My boyfriend’s father had Stephen King as an English TA at the University of Maine…according to him, Mr. King is “pretty strange.” I just think that’s too cool not to mention. :)
posted by Kate on 3-19-2007 at 6:29 pm
I went to George Washington high school in San Francisco with Rosemary Cassals(famous tennis player) She was in my homeroom and my P.E. class. She was very quiet and shy and really just into playing tennis. We both graduated in 1966. Then, she went on to become famous.
posted by Linda on 3-19-2007 at 6:37 pm
Geoff and Russ Courtnall [NHL] went to my high school briefly, as did Deborah Kara Unger who was in Crash [1996] and Silent Hill… AND the Moffats lived down the block from me [but they went to another school]
Victoria, Canada! We’re pretty mediocre!
posted by RH on 3-19-2007 at 7:09 pm
Pamela Anderson went to my high school
Beat that!
posted by mr tickle on 3-19-2007 at 7:15 pm
David Hasselhoff went to my boyfriend’s high school in suburban Chicago.
posted by kt on 3-19-2007 at 7:31 pm
We had John Mellencamp.
posted by JT on 3-19-2007 at 8:13 pm
My high school only opened 8 years ago. Hardly enough time to produce a celebrity. Who knows? Maybe in a couple of years.
posted by Xeno on 3-19-2007 at 8:59 pm
Anyone from the UK remember Noels House party? well i used to go to high school with the guy who played Mr Blobby!
posted by Chris on 3-20-2007 at 6:34 am
I went to school with and was a teammate of Shane Helms. Helms is better known as the Hurricane on WWE. Yes, he was a wrestler in high school, but he weighed in at a less than impressive 103 pounds. Despite his small stature, he already had the personality and the commitment to be in professional wrestling.
posted by Joe Ayscue on 3-20-2007 at 7:21 am
My high school boasts (sort of) Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker and the voice of The Joker in the WB Batman cartoon series) and Dave Grohl (former drummer for Nirvana before leading the Foo Fighters)
posted by Max on 3-20-2007 at 8:48 am
I got to the Crawford Complex (formally known as Crawford Senior High School) in California and… there was a centerfold playboy bunny named Lorrie Menconi who went to my school, that fat witch from Hocus Pocus and Bob Boone, baseball player. Joan Embry too. Oh and finally Carlos Amezcua who is a Spanish news anchor.
posted by Sara on 3-20-2007 at 9:29 am
Lauren Holly, former Mrs. Jim Carrey, went to my high school in Geneva, NY. She was in Dumb and Dumber and is now on NCIS.
posted by Rob on 3-20-2007 at 10:25 am
I went to highschool with Outkast’s Big Boi’s younger brother. His family lived in a house in the neighborhood next to mine. I also went to high school in the same town where Cee-lo lives (Goodie Mob, Gnarles Barkley). The first high school I attended boasts the first woman college football player, a kicker for a team in Alabama.
posted by Kiera on 3-21-2007 at 9:05 am
There’s an entire website called www.celebrityprepschools.com
Al Franken went to mine.
posted by BB on 3-21-2007 at 6:03 pm
A Heisman trophy winner went to my school, I don’t know his name but I should, since there’s a huge portrait of him in the commons.
posted by Rachel on 3-24-2007 at 2:53 pm
Jessica Simpson went to the same High School I went to, JJ Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas. My best friend’s sister was friends with her when she went to school. I also went to the same Jr. High as Jessica’s sister.
posted by Chris on 5-20-2007 at 5:27 pm
I grew up and went the elementary school with the latest Bear’s member Greg Olsen. Pretty cool looking back and playing catch with him…
posted by Mark on 9-4-2007 at 10:20 pm
Hulk Hogan went to my middle school and to the high school I attended freshman year.
posted by Jason on 9-6-2007 at 2:37 pm
George Stephanopoulos (sp) went to my high school in Cleveland. He spoke at my graduation.
posted by Julie on 12-28-2007 at 7:33 am
I grew up in Staten Island and went to Tottenville High School our Famous Alumni are Jason Marquis, Joe Andruzzi, Adewale Ogunleye
posted by Nicole on 12-28-2007 at 10:57 am
Preston lLacy, the fat guy from ‘Jackass’ went to my high school. WOO!
posted by Emily on 12-28-2007 at 12:33 pm
Here’s a bigger Punahou list to try on:
Figure you have the Dole, AOL, Quiksilver and eBay logos to put on the Punahou website
Graduates:
Buster Crabbe, Actor (lead role in Tarzan, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, 1933-1950 ) and Olympic Swimmer with Olympic gold medal in 1932
Mark Tuinei Professional Football Player with Dallas Cowboys 1983-1997 (two time All Pro Offensive Lineman with Dallas Cowboys and 3 Superbowl Rings)
Henry Marsh, World Champion Steeplechase
Mosi Tatupu, Professional Football Player with New England Patriots 1978-1991 (appeared in one Superbowl, once All Pro, college Football Mosi Tatupu award)
Hiram Bingham, Yale University Anthropologist and discoverer of Machu Picchu, former Governor of Connecticut and US Senator from Connecticut 1923-1933
Herman Clark – Professional Football Player with Chicago Bears 1952-1957 (twice All Pro)
James B. Dole, Founder of Dole Pineapple
Charley Ane Professional Football Player with Detroit Lions 1953-1959, twice All Pro, team captain for two NFL Championships
Mariechen Jackson Olympic Swimmer and winner of Gold and Silver Medals in 1924 Olympics
Warren Kealoha Olympic Swimmer and Gold Medal Winner in 1920 and 1924 Olympics
Chris Woo Olympic Swimmer and Gold Medal in 1976 Olympics
William Ouchi Endowed Professor of Business, Anderson School UCLA, and author Theory Z and Making Schools Work, Chief of Staff of Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan
Samuel C. Armstrong U.S. Army General and Civil War Hero, defeated Pickett’s Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, founded Hampton University
Dave Guard and Bob Shane, two of three members forming folk band The Kingston Trio, two Grammies, 10 Top 40 hits
Gerry Lopez Professional Surfer and Actor (Big Wednesday, Conan The Barbarian)
Allan Burns Writer/Creator, 6 time Emmy Award Winner (The Munsters, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Cap’n Crunch character)
Charles Gates owner of Gates Rubber Company
Judi Anderson, Miss USA 1978
Fred Hemmings, World Champion Surfer 1968
Jeff Hakman, World Champion Surfer 1974 and 1975 and founder of Quiksilver
James Jones, World Champion Surfer 1972 and 1976
Robbie Naish, World Champion Wind Surfer
Stacy Kube, Mrs. Walt Disney III
Lilian Watson Richardson Olympic Swimmer and gold medal in 1964 Olympics
Norm Chow, NFL Offensive Coordinator, Tennesee Titans
Attended:
Pierre Omydyar E-bay founder and philanthropist
Kevin McCollum Broadway Producer including producer of Tony award winning Broadway Musical “Rent”
Sun Yat-Sen founding president of the Republic of China
posted by George Naylor on 1-2-2008 at 12:52 pm
Some more Punahou notables:
Sarah Wayne Callies, actress, from Prison Break
Carrie Ann Inaba is a judge on Dancing with the Stars
Ron Jacobs, Radio legend and creator of the “American Top 40″
The movie Indiana Jones is supposed to be inspired by the real life story of Hiram Bingham
posted by Ron Smart on 1-10-2008 at 4:09 pm
Garnett “Rick” Nunes (Punahou class of 65) who performed for 25 years as “Hawaii’s Own Tribute to Elvis” is now a Minister in Tempe,AZ.
posted by Deanna Lyn Ferguson on 2-13-2008 at 7:31 pm