When people think of Omaha, they might picture the Henry Doorly Zoo, the College World Series, or the lively Old Market. But did you know that Omaha is also home to one of the most star-studded high schools in the Midwest? That’s right—the Big O has produced some of the biggest names in Hollywood, sports, business, and beyond. The high school that takes the crown for having the most Omaha celebrities? None other than Omaha Central High School.
Located in the heart of Omaha, Central High isn’t just one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious schools—it’s a launching pad for greatness. Over the decades, it has produced award-winning actors, legendary athletes, business moguls, and even Nobel Prize winners. Some of its most notable alumni include Henry Fonda, an Academy Award-winning actor best known for 12 Angry Men and On Golden Pond, and Dorothy McGuire, another Academy Award-nominated actress who starred in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Gentleman’s Agreement. More recently, Zahn McClarnon, a Native American actor famous for his roles in Westworld and Reservation Dogs, has represented Central on the Hollywood stage.
Beyond entertainment, Omaha Central has also produced sports legends. Gale Sayers, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, once walked the halls of Central High. Ahman Green, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Green Bay Packers, also got his start there. The school has even made its mark in Major League Baseball with Kimera Bartee, a former player and coach.
Success from Central High extends beyond entertainment and sports. The business world has also been influenced by its graduates, including Charlie T. Munger, the billionaire investor and longtime business partner of Warren Buffett. Peter Kiewit, the founder of Kiewit Corporation, one of the largest construction companies in the U.S., also came from Central. Even in academia and science, the school has produced greatness, with Nobel Prize winners like Alan J. Heeger (Chemistry), Lawrence R. Klein (Economics), and renowned philosopher Saul A. Kripke making their marks on the world.
So, what is it about Omaha—specifically Central High School—that fosters so much success? A strong educational foundation, a supportive community, and a culture that embraces ambition all play a role. The school’s rigorous academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and deep-rooted traditions provide students with the tools they need to excel in a variety of fields. Omaha itself, often overlooked on the national stage, has a history of nurturing talent and giving people the resources they need to rise to the top.
The Big O may not always be the first city that comes to mind when talking about famous figures, but its influence runs deep in entertainment, sports, and business. Whether it’s an NFL legend, a Hollywood icon, or a billionaire investor, Omaha Central High School continues to shape history, proving that greatness can come from anywhere—even right here in Omaha. So, the next time you hear about an Omaha famous success story, there’s a good chance they got their start in the halls of Central High.
