March Madness 2024 is reaching its climax, with bets being made and brackets being made for fans to predict which team will be the last one standing.
Northwestern is one of 68 teams to qualify for the NCAA Tournament this year. No. 9 seed Northwestern will play No. 8 seed Florida Atlantic University on March 22nd.
There are a number of notable Northwestern alumni who may be rooting for the Wildcats during the tournament.
Zach Braff is one of the many famous alumni who graduated from Northwestern University. (Philip Farawan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)
Jake Gyllenhaal, Julia Stiles, Casey Affleck, and other actors who studied at Columbia University
- meghan markle
- Zach Braff
- Kathryn Hahn
- billy eichner
- david schwimmer
1. Meghan Markle
Before becoming a royal, Meghan was a student at Northwestern University. She graduated in 2003 with a double major in theater and international studies. While completing her studies, she was also a member of the sorority 'Kappa Kappa Gamma'.
Before Meghan Markle became a TV star and royal wife, she studied at Northwestern University. (Karwai Tan)
Markle's star rose from her role on the legal drama “Suits,” which aired from 2011 to 2019.
Markle married Prince Harry at St George's Chapel in Windsor in 2018 and became the Duchess of Sussex, a title bestowed on her by Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have since had two children, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilybet Mountbatten-Windsor.
Since 2020, the couple have retired as working members of the royal family.
2. Zach Braff
Zach Braff graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in film.
Braff is widely known for playing John Michael “JD” Dorian on the medical comedy series “Scrubs” from 2001 to 2010.
Ivy League-educated John Krasinski and other cast members of 'The Office'
Braff's other works include 2006's “The Last Kiss” and “The Ex” and 2016's “In Dubious Battle.”
Braff has also done voice-over work in films such as “Chicken Little” (2005) and “Oz: The Great and Powerful” (2013).
Braff made his directorial debut with the 2004 film “Garden State.” He continued his directorial path with films such as the 2014 film “Wish I Was Here'' and his 2023 film “A Good People.''
3. Kathryn Hahn
Kathryn Hahn graduated from Northwestern University in 1995 with a degree in theater.
Hahn became a beloved member of the Marvel Universe in 2021 when she played Agatha Harkness in the miniseries WandaVision.
Kathryn Hahn is widely known for her role as Agatha Harkness in the Marvel series. (Cindy Ord/VF24/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Hearn's other notable works before this include Bad Moms (2016) and that film's 2017 sequel Bad Moms Christmas, as well as This is Where I Leave You ( (2014) and “The Visit” (2015). and “Glass Onion” (2022).
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
Hahn returned to his alma mater this year to deliver the commencement address and award honorary degrees to graduates.
4. Billy Eichner
Billy Eichner is a 2000 graduate of Northwestern University. Like many of his celebrity alumni, he majored in theater.
Eichner's comedic game show “Billy on the Streets” made him famous, and he also provided the voice of the animated character Timon in the 2019 remake of “The Lion King,” and has appeared in the 2022 film “The Lion King.” He played the lead role in “Brothers”.
Eichner will be the keynote speaker at Northwestern University's School of Communication Convocation Ceremony in June.
“Northwestern has changed my life for the better in so many ways,” Eichner said in a press release about the event. “This is one of my favorite places to be, and I am truly honored to be the keynote speaker at this year’s School of Communication Convocation.”
5. David Schwimmer
David Simmer is a 1988 graduate of Northwestern University with a BA in Theater and Speech.
David Schwimmer played Ross Geller on the 90's sitcom Friends. (NBCU Photobank/NBCUniversal)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
After graduation, Schwimmer, along with seven other Northwestern alumni, founded Chicago's Looking Glass Theater Company.
Schwimmer is widely known for playing Ross Geller on the hit 90s sitcom Friends.
