How Jon Hamm and 7 other Mizzou alumni are shaping pop culture
Each fall, students come to Columbia and, a span of years later, leave to remake the world around them.
So many graduates of our city's colleges and universities are influencing the shape and scope of our popular culture. Right this minute.
Recently, we looked at Stephens College alumni making a serious contemporary impact. Now, we turn to just eight of the many University of Missouri grads making a lasting impression on the worlds of entertainment and information.
Chris Cooper
The Oscar-winning actor — who also took classes at Stephens College — continues to make his presence felt on screen, with parts in last year's "Boston Strangler" and the forthcoming "Everything's Going to Be Great," alongside the likes of Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney.
Sheryl Crow
One of MU's true daughters, Crow is a newly minted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer whose songwriting continues to influence a new generation of artists. Thankfully, Crow ended a short-lived, self-imposed stay on recording with last year's "Evolution," another strong offering in an iconic catalog.
More: From Chuck Berry to Sheryl Crow, these Missourians call Rock and Roll Hall of Fame home
Cal Fussman
The journalist and author keeps important conversations going on his Big Questions podcast, which covers current events and influential trends. Recent episodes have discussed leadership, AI, electoral politics and the Olympics.
Jon Hamm
While the Emmy winner no longer creates ad copy to define the 1960s as "Mad Men's" Don Draper, Hamm keeps redefining the world of prestige TV with Emmy-nominated turns on "Fargo" and "The Morning Show." He'll also play key roles in upcoming series "Landman" and "Your Friends and Neighbors." And Hamm has become a must-call for any comedy project looking to liven things up.
David Koechner
One of the great unsung players of modern comedy, "The Office" and "Anchorman" actor remains a fixture on screens big and small, and also criss-crosses the country performing standup sets and hosting "Office" trivia events.
Greg Miller
Those who need to know about the latest in video games and pop culture know they should turn to Miller. Also a Columbia Daily Tribune alum, Miller built his reputation at IGN before co-founding the culture site Kinda Funny. Miller, who also works as a WWE broadcaster, has more than 1.2 million followers on Twitter/X.
Alicia Olatuja
A remarkable vocalist, the St. Louis native's natural instrument unites the worlds of jazz, gospel, classical and pop. Olatuja performed at the second Obama inauguration and has worked with everyone from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to jazz greats.
Nischelle Turner
The Emmy-winning Turner makes TV more entertaining and engaging with dual hosting gigs on "Entertainment Tonight" and "Secret Celebrity Renovation."
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Jon Hamm, Sheryl Crow among Mizzou alumni shaping pop culture
