Iowa City’s past and present are filled with the who’s who of America, from A-Lists and Olympic athletes to Pulizer, Grammy, and Oscar winners to space and medical pioneers, inventors and entrepreneurs and everyone in between. 

If you watch movies or television, follow professional sports, or read New York Times bestsellers, chances are you may not even realize how many of our nation’s legends and leaders have lived, worked, or studied in this city that is home to the University of Iowa. 

Generation and after generation, around every corner, there are signs of who walked here before you. 

Did you know?

Iowa City is where:

• The trampoline was invented. 
• University of Iowa professor and space pioneer James Van Allen discovered radiation belts and studied cosmic rays
• Writers like Jane Smiley, Philip Roth, Michael Cunningham, and Tracy Kidder got their start

In 2024, WNBA legend Sue Bird and actor Jason Sudeikis were spotted at Carver-Hawkeye Arena watching basketball and actor William Macy was at Kinnick Stadium to watch football. That was the same year people reported seeing Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele in downtown Iowa City as they filmed their documentary Will & Harper. 

This community, rich in history, culture, and creativity, has produced some of the brightest minds in education, film, television, music, and sports. Whether you’re exploring the University of Iowa campus, grabbing a milkshake at a local diner, or frequenting a favorite pub, the echoes of Iowa City’s notable citizens and achievements surround you. Oh, the stories that Iowa City has to tell. Here are just a few for you to enjoy:

Ahead of Its Time: The University of Iowa

The University of Iowa (UI) has been a leader in progressive values and inclusivity since its inception–literally. The institution’s commitment to equal rights has set precedents that ripple through higher education nationwide.

In 1855, the UI became the first public university in the U.S. to admit men and women on an equal basis. This monumental step toward gender equality came at a time when many institutions restricted women’s access to education. But UI quickly backed up their values for equal rights for women. The University awarded the first law degree to a woman in the country, solidifying its place as a champion of equality.

Fast-forward to 1970, and UI again led the way by becoming the first state university to officially recognize a gay student organization. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights were almost never acknowledged by institutions, UI showed its courage and commitment to forward-thinking values. These are just a few examples of how inclusion and diversity are at the heart of Iowa City.

Other long-standing traditions that got their start at the University of Iowa include:

• UI played in the nation’s first collegiate basketball game in 1896
• The oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River is in Iowa City at the UI Museum of Natural History
• UI was the first American university to broadcast television and was a pioneer in developing educational TV (1933)
• UI was the school to first create the master of fine arts degree, and its legacy lives on in the lives of the many producers, actors ,and writers that light up the screen

Lights, Camera, Iowa City!

Iowa City’s influence stretches westward to Hollywood and eastward to New York City, thanks to the many talented individuals who honed their skills here before making it big on the screen. Many famous people got their start right here in Iowa City.

The Big Screen

Iowa City’s influence isn’t confined to its academic halls. Many brilliant minds who studied here have gone on to craft unforgettable experiences on the silver screen. Iowa City’s alumni have helped shape the films we know and love. Here are some talented filmmakers and writers who got their start right here.

Bond, James Bond

Richard W. Maibaum (BA, 1931; MA, 1932) wrote the scripts for 13 James Bond films, bringing the iconic British spy to life with wit and action. His work contributed to some of the most recognizable moments in cinematic history.

To The End of The Universe

Nicholas Meyer (BA, 1968), a director and writer, is known for acclaimed films like Fatal Attraction, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, and the beloved Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. During his time at the UI, he earned his degree in Communication and Theatre Arts. And we’re all thrilled he did, because we’ve come to love and appreciate his powerful works.

The Midwest Life

Jeanne Jordan (BA, 1973) co-directed the Academy Award-nominated documentary Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern, a story rooted in Midwestern life and resilience. The documentary was awarded both the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.

The MCU

Joe Russo (BA, 1992), known for directing Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame–one of the highest-grossing films of all time, got his start in Iowa City at UI with a major in English and Writing. He has directed Captain America: Civil War and The Winter Soldier as well as You, Me, and Dupree and Cherry. 

Don’t Make a Sound

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (both BA, 2007) co-wrote and produced the suspenseful hit A Quiet Place, a film that had audiences gripping their seats in fear. The duo dreamed up the film while earning Communication Studies degrees.

Save the World

Don Hall, another Iowa alum, directed Disney’s Big Hero 6, which earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015. He earned his degree in Drawing and Painting. 

The Small Screen

Television has also been touched by Iowa City’s brilliance. The hit series The Sopranos and Northern Exposure owe some of their success to Mitchell A. Burgess (BA, 1978) and Robin L. Green (MA, 1977), who served as executive producers after spending years earning degrees in Iowa City. 

Harper Steele, an alum and City High graduate, made her mark as a writer for Saturday Night Live, adding to the show’s legacy of comedy. Her decades-long friendship with Will Ferrell was captured in the Netflix documentary Will & Harper, a heartwarming journey across the country to process a new stage in their friendship. Naturally, one of their road trip pitstops was in Iowa City where Harper grew up. They visited City High and Deadwood Tavern to film and reminisce during their time here. 

Foodies may remember Cory Barrett from winning the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship in 2018 and his appearances on Iron Chef. He has been named a James Beard semifinalist for his culinary skills. Barrett’s creativity in the kitchen reflects the kind of innovation that seems to thrive in Iowa City. Luckily, if you’re in the area, you can get a taste of his creations at Barrett’s in Coralville anytime you’d like!

Other local dining spots have their brush with fame as well. The Hamburg Inn No. 2 is more than just a diner; it’s a landmark. The legendary “pie shake” – a delicious blend of pie, ice cream, and milk – has been featured in The New York Times and was immortalized on the hit show The West Wing. This iconic eatery delivers a slice of history and spotlight. It’s even a hotspot on the campaign trail, serving everyone from Barack Obama to Ronald Reagan. 

And the list goes on (and on… and on…). Did you know these famous producers, writers, and actors have Iowa City ties, too?!

• Diablo Cody (aka Brooke Busey), University of Iowa, BA in Communication Studies 2000, writer behind 2007 Juno & 2009 Jennifer’s Body
• Kathleen A. Dore, BA 1972, MBA 1984, former president of the Bravo Cable Network, IFC Co (the parent company of the Independent Film Channel), and Rainbow Entertainment Services
• John Falsey, MFA 1978, Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody-winning producer on the TV shows Northern Exposure and Providence, and co-creator of St. Elsewhere
• Mark M. Johnson, masters in Communication and Theatre Arts 1973, Oscar-winning producer of Rainman, The Chronicles of Narnia, Good Morning Vietnam, Tin Men, Diner, The Banger Sisters and Bugsy
• Barry M. Kemp, bachelor in Communication and Theatre Arts 1971, producer of TV hits Newhart and Coach (in which the main character is based on our own legendary Hawkeye football coach Hayden Fry, and the UI Fieldhouse Facility makes an appearance)
• David Milch, master of fine arts 1970, writer and producer of the HBO drama Deadwood, and TV programs Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blues
• Mary Beth Hurt, Communications and Theatre Arts 1968, Tony award-winning stage and screen actress famous for her roles in The World According to Garp (a book written by UI graduate John Irving) and Untraceable
• Bruce French, Communication and Theatre Arts 1967, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Legal Eagles, Mr. Mom and Fletch actor
• Gene Wilder, Communication and Theatre Arts 1955, actor famous for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, and Stir Crazy
• Charles Guggenheim, Communication and Theatre Arts 1948, Academy Award-winning documentary film maker known for Nine From Little Rock, The Johnstown Flood, and A Time for Justice
• Stewart Stern, studied art at UI in the 1940s, screenwriter who wrote Rebel Without A Cause and Sybil

Making Music History

In December 2002, music icon Bono of U2 visited the Iowa Memorial Union. A co-founder of the ONE Campaign and Product Red, Bono’s dedication to global activism made his visit a special moment for the community.

Iowa City’s love for the arts goes way beyond the screen. The city has a music culture that starts early in our youth. Both City High and West High boast Grammy Foundation: Best in the Nation music programs, cultivating young talent that often goes on to create beautiful works of art.

And who could forget the time Iowa City made Guinness World Records? In 2010, during FRYfest, the community came together to set the world record for the largest Hokey Pokey dance. There’s no better testament to the city’s sense of fun and spirit.

These famous musicians also got an early start in Iowa City:

• Brian Bell, guitarist, songwriter, and backing vocalist for Weezer was born in Iowa City
• Saiyr, pop singer who performed with Christina Milan along with her group grew up in Iowa City before moving to California to pursue her musical career
• Emaza Dilan, pop singer and Instagram influencer was born in Iowa City
• Nate Ruess, pop singer for the band Fun (2013 Grammy Award winner for Song of the Year – “We Are Young” and Best New Artist) spent his early years in Iowa City before his family moved to a farm in Arizona
• Jason Reeves, songwriter, singer and guitarist best known for working with Colbie Callait and Gone West was raised in Iowa City

Sports Legends and Firsts

Iowa City’s notable history also extends into the sports world. Did you know that the butterfly stroke was invented in Iowa City at UI? In the early 1930s, swimming coach David Armbruster wanted to enhance breaststroke speed by having swimmers recover their arms over the water, a technique he termed the “butterfly.” Collaborating with swimmer Jack Sieg, they introduced a leg movement called the “dolphin fishtail kick.” This combination evolved into the butterfly stroke, which was officially recognized as a distinct swimming style in 1952.

Few names are as revered in wrestling as Dan Gable. Though he competed for Iowa State University, Gable became a legendary coach at the UI. With a near-perfect wrestling record and an Olympic gold medal, Gable’s legacy in the sport is unmatched, although each year, wrestlers and alumni continue to cheer and endorse the sport. UI alum Spencer Lee took home the Silver medal from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, continuing the legacy of great wrestling and taking it from Iowa to the world stage.

In recent years, basketball phenom Caitlin Clark has captured national attention. As a standout UI student-athlete, her record-breaking time on the court at Iowa has led to a record-breaking rookie year in the WNBA. Her contribution to women’s basketball continues to flow into other women’s sports, opening up eyes and hearts to female athletes across all athletics. 

More and more athletes seem to be finding their way through Iowa City on their path to greatness. 

• Zach Johnson, winner of the 2007 Masters and 2015 British Open Championship golfer was born in Iowa City and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Joey Woody, World Championship track and field athlete in the 400 meters hurdles event, graduated from Iowa City High School and is the director of track and field and cross country at Iowa.
• Brittany Brown, track and field sprinter is a Paris Olympian in the 200 meters and Iowa Hawkeye
• Nile Kinnick won the 1939 Heisman Trophy and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
• Tristan Wirfs Pro Bowl football player in the NFL and Super Bowl Champion played college ball at UI
• Dallas Clark played 11 seasons in the NFL, including a Super Bowl Championship with the Indianapolis Colts, after his All-American football career at UI
• George Kittle, tight-end in the NFL went to Iowa City West High School, and played for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and has since gone on to 5 Pro Bowls in the NFL
• Tim Dwight, NFL wide receiver and return specialist known for his 94-yard touchdown return in Super Bowl XXXIII, graduated from Iowa City High and continued his career as a Hawkeye

Iowa City certainly has its small-town charm, but it is also here to make a worldwide impact. From groundbreaking milestones in equal education to Hollywood hits and sports triumphs, this city embodies a long legacy of forward-thinking, creative determination. Each street corner, campus building, and local small business holds stories of remarkable people who have left their mark on Iowa City and the world.

So next time you’re walking around Iowa City, remember: You never know whose path you’re crossing or what incredible story might be waiting to unfold. Keep your eyes up; you won’t want to miss a thing!