Distinguished Alumni
For its size, Rhode Island College boasts a large number of distinguished alumni who have made an impact on the regional and national stage, including:
Viola Davis, Actress
Rhode Island College, Class of 1988
Viola Davis was the first African-American actor to earn the “Triple Crown,” having won an Oscar, Emmy, and two Tony awards in the acting category. She is the first African-American to win five Screen Actors Guild awards.
Howard Fine, Acting Coach, Author and Theater Director
Rhode Island, Class of 1981
Founder of the Howard Fine Acting Studio (Hollywood, CA and Melbourne, Australia), Fine has worked with countless actors, including Rosanna Arquette, Simon Baker, Michael Chiklis, Jennifer Connelly, Bradley Cooper, Kim Delaney, Mark Harmon, Salma Hayek, Jared Leto, Brad Pitt, Brooke Shields, Will Smith, Sela Ward, and Michelle Williams.
Ron McLarty, Author, Actor and Voice Acting
Rhode Island College, Class of 1969
McLarty portrayed a Boston police officer in the television series Spenser for Hire, but after being discovered by author Stephen King, it has been McLarty’s work as an accomplished narrator that has brought him widespread acclaim.
Danny Smith, Producer, Writer and Voice Actor
Rhode Island College, Class of 1981
Best-known for being the writer, producer and voice actor in the animated television series, Family Guy, which is set in his native Rhode Island.
On the local level, Rhode Island College alumni and ardent supporters can be found leading the Providence Performing Arts Center, Pawtucket Arts Festival, the Waterfire Arts Center, and more!