When you walk through the Red Square at the University of Washington, the bricks under your feet feel like they’ve seen a lot. And they have. This isn't just some rainy campus in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a literal factory for people who change how we live, eat, and even how we watch TV. Honestly, the list of famous alumni of University of Washington is kind of ridiculous when you actually look at the names.
You’ve got everything from legendary martial artists to the guy who basically invented the modern operating system. It’s a weird, brilliant mix.
The Names Everyone Knows (But Maybe Didn't Know Were Huskies)
Most people know Bruce Lee. He’s the face of martial arts. But a lot of folks don't realize he spent his formative years at UW in the early 1960s. He was a drama major, of all things. He didn’t actually finish his degree—he dropped out to pursue his dreams and eventually became a global icon—but the university still claims him, and rightfully so. He even met his wife, Linda Emery, on campus.
Then there's the tech side. Everyone thinks of Seattle and immediately thinks of Bill Gates. While Bill Gates famously dropped out of Harvard, the UW connection is deeply rooted in his family. His father, Bill Gates Sr., was a prominent UW alum and lawyer, and his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was a UW Regent. Even more interesting? The guy who wrote the first version of MS-DOS, Tim Paterson, is a 1978 UW graduate.
Basically, without the Husky influence, your computer might not even exist in the way it does today.
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Hollywood and the Arts
The drama department at UW is actually quite a powerhouse. You’ve probably seen Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) or Joel McHale (Community). Rainn actually started at UW before transferring to NYU, but Joel McHale is a Husky through and through—he even played on the football team as a walk-on tight end. Talk about a range.
- Kyle MacLachlan: The Twin Peaks star graduated in 1982.
- Anna Faris: The comedic genius behind Scary Movie and Mom is a proud grad.
- Kenny G: Yes, the world’s most famous saxophonist earned his degree here in 1978.
The Business Titans and Innovations
It’s not just about fame in the "paparazzi" sense. The famous alumni of University of Washington include people who built the infrastructure of our daily lives. Take Jeffrey Brotman, for instance. You might not know his name, but you definitely know his store: Costco. He co-founded the retail giant after graduating from UW.
And then there's Chris DeWolfe. Before Facebook was even a glimmer in Mark Zuckerberg's eye, DeWolfe (class of '88) co-founded Myspace. It was the first true social media explosion.
Breaking Records and Saving Lives
Have you ever done "The Wave" at a sports game? You can thank Robb Weller for that. He was a UW yell leader who led the first recorded "Wave" at a Husky football game in 1981. It’s sort of wild that a global stadium tradition started in Seattle.
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On a much more serious note, UW alumni have literally saved the world. Dr. William Foege, a UW medical graduate, is credited with developing the strategy that led to the global eradication of smallpox. That is about as impactful as a career gets.
The Sports Legends
Husky Stadium is known for being the loudest stadium in college football, and the players it has produced are just as loud in the record books. Warren Moon is a name that still carries massive weight. He led the Huskies to a Rose Bowl win in 1978 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career in both the CFL and the NFL.
We also have Hope Solo, the legendary goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. She’s a World Cup winner and a multi-time Olympic gold medalist. Her time at UW (1999-2002) set the stage for her becoming one of the best to ever play the position.
Why This Legacy Actually Matters
Understanding the caliber of famous alumni of University of Washington helps explain why the school remains a top-tier institution in 2026. It’s not just about the past; it’s about the network. When you graduate from UW, you aren't just getting a piece of paper. You’re joining a lineage that includes Nobel Prize winners (like Linda Buck, who won for her work on the olfactory system) and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists.
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Actionable Insights for Aspiring Huskies or Current Students
If you're looking at this list and wondering how to leverage the Husky network, here are a few things you should actually do:
- Use Husky Landing: This is the university’s official professional networking platform. It’s basically LinkedIn but just for Huskies. It’s a direct line to alumni who actually want to help.
- Join the UWAA: The University of Washington Alumni Association isn't just for old people. They host events in cities all over the world. If you move to NYC or Tokyo after graduation, there’s a Husky chapter there.
- Research Your Department’s History: Knowing that Arthur D. Levinson (Chairman of Apple) or Sally Jewell (former CEO of REI) came from your same program can be a huge confidence booster and a great talking point in interviews.
The reality is that UW is a massive ecosystem. Whether you’re into tech, arts, or saving the planet, someone from Montlake has already paved the way.
Don't just look at these names as "famous people." Look at them as proof of what you can do with a degree from the 206. The Husky legacy is built on a specific kind of grit—the kind that survives 150 days of rain a year and still manages to change the world.
To make the most of this connection, start by updating your profile on the UW Alumni portal and look for mentorship opportunities within your specific college. Networking isn't just about who you know; it's about who knows you're a Husky.