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9 former Wildcats who are now famous

Posted at 11:43 AM, May 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-09 14:50:02-04

As students prepare for commencements, we take a look at nine celebrities, who spent their time at the University of Arizona.

Kourtney Kardashian
After spending two years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Kourtney Kardashian moved to Tucson to finish school. While at the University of Arizona, she received her degree in Theatre Arts, with a minor in Spanish. Five years after graduating, the first season of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" premiered. Today "Kardashians" is a household name. 
Major: Theatre Arts
Graduated: 2002

Jerry Bruckheimer
Jerry Bruckheimer has produced over 30 feature films and television shows including "The Pirates of the Caribbean" and "CSI" franchises. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Algebra. He began his career in advertising, before pursing work in the entertainment industry. Today he is regarded as one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood. 
Major: Psychology
Graduated: 1967

Savannah Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie earned her undergraduate degree in 1993, where she graduated cum laude. She became a weekend anchor in Columbia, Missouri, before returning to Tucson as a reporter and anchor at its NBC affiliate. She is currently a co-anchor of the national program, The Today Show. 
Major: Journalism
Graduated: 1993

Geraldo Rivera
Geraldo Rivera is known for his work as a TV host and reporter on Fox News. While at UA, Rivera was a member of the fraternity, Tau Delta Phi.  In 2015, Rivera donated $500,000 to the University or Arizona for a Greek life park. 
Major: Business
Graduated: 1965

Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig actually did not intend on being an actress while in college. She studied art while at UA, and reports say she continues to draw in her free time. After taking an extracurricular acting class, she left UA to move to Los Angeles. There, she joined improv groups, and was later cast in "Saturday Night Live". She has also carved out a career as an actress, starring in films such as the hit movie, "Bridesmaids". 
Major: Art
Graduated: Dropped out

Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie is the adopted daughter of singer, Lionel Richie, and the star of the reality show, "The Simple Life", which aired from 2003-2007. She attended the U of A, but returned to Los Angeles after two years in Tucson.
Major: Media Arts
Graduated: Dropped out

Garry Shandling
Raised in Tucson, Garry Shandling graduated from Palo Verde High School and later the University of Arizona. After graduating with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to work in advertising. In the late 1970s, he began his stand-up comedy career. He performed at the iconic Comedy Store in Los Angeles, and then became a fill-in host for Johnny Carson. Shandling died in 2016. 
Major: Marketing
Graduated: 1972

Greg Kinnear
After graduating with his degree in Broadcast Journalism, he moved to Los Angeles to work in reporting and hosting. After working as a TV Host, his career transitioned into acting. He is known for his roles in "Little Miss Sunshine", "You've Got Mail", and "As Good As It Gets", where he was nominated for an Oscar. 
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Graduated: 1985

Kate Walsh
Kate Walsh is a TV and movie actor, known for her roles in "Greys Anatomy", "Private Practice" and "13 Reasons Why." 
Major: Theatre
Graduated: Unknown

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