UPSTATE LEGENDS: 18 Famous People You Didn’t Know Went to Cornell

This gallery looks at famous Cornell University, an Upstate New York legendary school since its founding over 150 years ago.  Arguably, Cornell has one of the most expansive and eclectic rosters of famous names that graduated or attended the university.

In this gallery you will find writers, actors, politicians, people who have won every imaginable award from the Emmy Award to the Nobel Prize to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  And, believe me, there are many, many surprises along the way.

Perhaps the biggest surprise to this writer is the fact that two actors attended Cornell University long before they reached stardom.  Both appeared in what would have to be called two of the most legendary children's films ever made.  The movies, made 30 years apart, are among films that get watched every year by families all over the world.  One performer attended Cornell before his immortal screen role, the other after his acting days were over..

Also in this gallery is a beloved writer who won a historic Pulitzer Prize, a TV broadcaster who hosted television's first reality show, and a rock and roll singer who has sold more than 30,000,000 albums.  One entertainer is the proud owner of 19 Emmy Awards.  You know him, and I'm sure you love him.

So here is to you, Cornell alumni.  There are a lot of you (it is estimated that there are more than 250,000 living Cornell alumni out there).  Here is a gallery of some famous names of former students you may (or may not) remember.