University of Houston notable alumni shine across entertainment, politics, business, and beyond, proving that famous graduates of University of Houston make waves globally. From Emmy-winning actors to self-made billionaires, these Cougars embody innovation and grit. Dive into categories like actors, political leaders (including presidents where applicable), and billionaires with entertaining facts on top figures. Explore full breakdowns in entertainment-figures, politics, and millionaires-and-billionaires. Many credit UH's vibrant campus for their launchpad – check rate my professor reviews for the faculty who shaped them.
UH's drama and media programs have birthed Hollywood and music stars who bring Houston flair to the world stage.
No U.S. Presidents hail from UH as degree-holding alumni, but notable alumni from University of Houston have risen to influential political roles, shaping policy locally and abroad. Honorary mentions include figures like former U.S. President George H. W. Bush.
For more, visit Wikipedia's UH alumni list.
UH fosters entrepreneurial fire, producing tycoons in energy, hospitality, and tech – key to Houston's powerhouse economy.
Aspiring leaders? Browse higher-ed-jobs or academic jobs in Houston. UH Alumni site highlights more influencers.
Discover the captivating stories behind University of Houston notable alumni, whose journeys from the Houston campus to global stardom offer endless entertainment and inspiration. These notable alumni from University of Houston have shattered expectations, blending grit, creativity, and a signature Coog spirit that turns everyday graduates into icons. Whether dominating Hollywood, revolutionizing beauty empires, or anchoring prime-time news, their achievements highlight why UH (University of Houston) remains a launchpad for dream-chasers worldwide.
Take Jim Parsons ('96), the Emmy-winning genius behind Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. This University of Houston actor earned four Emmys and a Golden Globe, channeling his English degree from UH into a role that redefined nerd chic—proving that bazinga-level success starts with solid campus foundations. Or consider Mary Kay Ash ('43), the trailblazing founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Starting with $5,000 in savings, she built a multi-billion-dollar direct-sales powerhouse, empowering women with pink Cadillacs as rewards—a flashy, fun twist on entrepreneurship that screams UH innovation.
In the culinary spotlight, Christine Hà (MFA '13) became the first blind contestant to win MasterChef US Season 3. Her MFA in creative writing from UH sharpened her storytelling, turning recipes into triumphs over adversity. News enthusiasts cheer Dominique Sachse ('90), a KPRC-TV 2 anchor whose poised delivery has lit up Houston screens for decades. Sports fans tune into Robert Flores ('92), ESPNews anchor and ESPN SportsCenter veteran, who snagged a Rising Star Award. Fashion forward? Victor Costa ('58) dazzled with affordable glamour, while Karen W. Katz ('82) steers Neiman Marcus as CEO.
These famous graduates of University of Houston and University of Houston celebrities embody breakthroughs worth celebrating. For more star power, explore the entertainment-figures section. Aspiring talents can rate professors at University of Houston to find mentors like those who shaped these legends, or browse higher-ed-jobs in academia. Check the official UH Alumni notable list for full inspiration, and discover opportunities in Houston.
University of Houston alumni have shone brightly in entertainment, particularly as actors, musicians, rappers, and television personalities, bringing global acclaim through iconic roles, hit songs, and influential media presence that highlight the university's creative legacy.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lizzo | Singer and Rapper | 2009* | Multi-Grammy-winning artist and flutist who performed piccolo in the University of Houston Cougar Marching Band before achieving massive success with hits like 'Truth Hurts'. | |
| Dennis Quaid | Actor | 1974* | Acclaimed Hollywood actor recognized for roles in films such as The Right Stuff, The Parent Trap, and Frequency, attended UH as a non-graduate. | |
| Paul Wall | Rapper | unknown | Influential Houston rapper known for platinum-selling tracks like 'Sittin' Sidewayz' and his role in popularizing 'chopped and screwed' music style. | |
| Star Jones | Television Personality | Psychology | 1976 | Former prosecutor and co-host of ABC's The View, earned her BA in psychology from UH and built a prominent career in legal commentary and media. |
| Robert Earl Keen | Singer-songwriter | 1974* | Texas country and folk musician inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame, famous for storytelling songs like 'The Road Goes on Forever'; attended UH. | |
| Jim Parsons | Actor | Theater | 1996* | Emmy Award-winning actor best known for playing Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, attended UH briefly before transferring to the University of Hawaii. |
This section features notable athletes and sports figures associated with the University of Houston (UH), primarily in categories like basketball, track and field, golf, and football. These alumni have achieved world records, Hall of Fame inductions, and professional success, highlighting UH's legacy in competitive sports and inspiring future Cougars.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elvin Hayes | NBA Hall of Fame basketball player | 1985 | Legendary NBA power forward who played for the UH Cougars, named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. | |
| Billy Ray Brown | Professional golfer and sports broadcaster | 1985 | Former PGA Tour golfer who won three tournaments and now serves as an on-course reporter for Golf Channel and commentator for CBS Sports. | |
| Carol L. Lewis | Track and field champion | 1989, 1992 | Accomplished sprinter who won 10 individual and three team championships in track and field at UH, later receiving the UHAA Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006 and induction into the UH Athletics Hall of Fame. | |
| Leroy Burrell | Sprint coach and former world record holder | 1994 | Former world record holder in the 100 meters who served as head track coach at UH for 18 seasons. | |
| Andre Ware | Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and sports analyst | 1996 | Winner of the 1989 Heisman Trophy as UH quarterback, former NFL player, and current sports analyst and commentator. |
University of Houston alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics at federal, state, and local levels, with representation primarily in U.S. categories and limited entries in International or Royalty and Nobility; their achievements include advancing policy, public safety, and leadership in Texas governance.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annise Parker | Mayor of Houston | Political Science | 1978 | Served as Houston's 61st mayor from 2010 to 2016, becoming the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city and advocating for progressive urban policies. |
| Joe Nixon | Texas State Representative | Business Administration | 1977 | Served in the Texas House from 1987 to 2015, chairing the Judiciary Committee and influencing legal reforms. |
| Elizabeth Warren | U.S. Senator | 1968-1970 | Attended for two years before transferring; U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 2013 and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, noted for consumer protection advocacy. | |
| Ed Gonzalez | Harris County Sheriff | Business Administration | 1995 | Elected Harris County Sheriff in 2018; former Houston Police Department Chief known for progressive law enforcement reforms. |
| Adrian Garcia | Harris County Sheriff | unknown | Served as Harris County Sheriff from 2009 to 2017, emphasizing community policing and jail reforms. | |
| Craig Washington | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1966 | Represented Texas's 18th congressional district from 1989 to 1995 after succeeding Mickey Leland. |
| Mickey Leland | U.S. Representative | 1966 | Served Texas's 18th congressional district from 1975 until his death in 1989, renowned for his work on hunger relief and civil rights. | |
| Lee P. Brown | Mayor of Houston | Sociology | 1982 | First African American mayor of Houston from 1998 to 2004; previously served as NYPD Police Commissioner and Atlanta Police Chief. |
| John Whitmire | Texas State Senator | Political Science | 1975 | Has served Texas Senate District 15 since 1983, making him the longest continuously serving member of the Texas Legislature and a key figure in criminal justice reform. |
| Gene Green | U.S. Representative | Political Science | 1971 | Represented Texas's 29th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2019, focusing on energy, health care, and labor issues. |
The University of Houston alumni list includes a small number of individuals who have been associated with criminal activities, primarily in the context of high-profile legal cases in Texas. These entries provide factual context on verified notorious figures without endorsing or detailing crimes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cullen Davis | Oil heir | unknown | Cullen Davis attended the University of Houston as a member of Sigma Chi but dropped out without a degree; he gained national notoriety as an oil heir tried for the 1976 murder of his stepdaughter and attempted murder of his wife, convicted in 1980 before acquittals and mistrials. |
