12 graduates from Rhode Island high schools that went on to do big things

As high school graduates all over the state turn their tassels and make their plans for the next chapter, we at The Providence Journal thought it might be fun to be reminded of some of the other graduates who have gone on to big things.

There are some that went on to become extremely famous (looking at you Viola Davis and your EGOT status) and others who went on to be pretty famous, making all different contributions to the world. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of some of Rhode Island’s famous graduates, perfect for writing in cards sentiments like “We believe you’ll be as successful as Pauly D.”

We’re all rooting for you.

Viola Davis

An icon, Viola Davis has won and been nominated for more awards than we have space to list and has become one of Hollywood’s leading ladies. She’s also well-known for giving back – to Central Falls High School (where she graduated from) as well as other schools in programs in the state.

It 'had to be Viola Davis': How RI's own came to play Michael Jordan's mom in 'Air'

Debra Messing

Yes, Debra Messing (most recognizable as Grace on Will and Grace) did take drama classes when she was a student at East Greenwich High School. In fact, when she received a Pell Award for Distinguished Achievement in 2015 her former high school drama teacher, James Metcalfe presented her with the award. As they say in graduation speeches, thank your teachers.

A. O. Scott 

The definition of being someone everyone wants to impress, A.O. Scott was the longtime chief movie critic for the New York Times. We say was because earlier this year he announced he was done with movies – in a move that shows it’s never too late to make a change – and switched to being a critic at large for NYT’s book review. He attended Classical High School. 

James Woods

Still a resident of Rhode Island, Oscar-nominated actor and conservative firebrand James Woods graduated from Pilgrim High School in Warwick. No matter how big you get, you can keep your roots in the country’s smallest state. 

7 celebrities with homes in Rhode Island Some of these you know. Some you won't.

H.P. Lovecraft

A category unto himself, H. P. Lovecraft gives us all permission to be a little weird. A writer of weird, science, fantasy and horror-fiction, the influence of this Hope High School graduate's work is still seen in modern American culture and there’s a body of research now called Lovecraft studies.

Ed Cooley

The former head coach of PC Friars men’s basketball team is now heading to Georgetown, Ed Cooley’s story is one of perseverance. He grew up in poverty in South Providence, graduated Central High School and went to college and stayed in college, even when it was hard, even when he thought about quitting. And by pushing through the challenges, he became a D-1 coach, and a heavily sought after one, no less.

More: Ed Cooley's greatest victory: overcoming a childhood of poverty in South Providence

Kevin Lima

From the moment Kevin Lima saw "The Jungle Book" as a 5-year-old, he knew he wanted to grow up to make movies like that. The 1980 graduate of Tolman High School went to college knowing he wanted to graduate to work at Disney and thus, went to a college with a reputation of being a Disney training ground. But then no one in his graduating class was hired as a Disney animator. So, we started working on an independent feature – "The Brave Little Toaster." That’s when Disney took notice and he applied again – because sometimes the key is to learn just a little bit more – and that time he was hired by Disney. He worked on “The Little Mermaid," "The Rescuers Down Under," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King,” and then went on to direct films like “Tarzan” and “Enchanted.”

Peter and Bobby John Farrelly

A two-for-one, the Farrelly brothers have made films together since graduating from Cumberland High School. As a duo, they wrote, directed and produced "There’s Something About Mary," "Dumb and Dumber," "Shallow Hal," "Kingpin," "Stuck on You," and "Fever Pitch." In recent years, Peter has done some work on his own including co-writing and directing "Green Book," which won two Oscars, and is one of the directors on "Lucky Hank."

More: 25 famous alumni from RI colleges and universities. Emma Watson is just the start.

Aaron Fricke

A gay rights activist, Aaron Fricke is most famous for something he did as a student at Cumberland High School – taking another boy with him to prom in 1980. When the school told him no, that there was a "real and present threat of physical harm,” he sued and won under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. It’s the legal victory that’s allowed other LGBTQ+ students to attend their proms.

David Macaulay

An author and illustrator, David Macaulay has long been driven by curiosity, using his talent for drawing and understanding of how mechanical things work to explain it to the rest of us. The Cumberland High School’s graduate’s work include "Cathedral" (1973), "City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction" (1974), and "The Way Things Work" (1988). He also illustrated two murals along I-95.

More: What's the story behind the 'Gnomes' mural on I-95? We tracked down the artist to ask

Paul Michael DelVecchio Jr

"Jersey Shore" was a divisive show of those that loved it, those that hated it, and those who cannot understand why any of us are talking about it. Two out of three of these groups will probably resent Johnston High School graduate DJ Pauly D’s inclusion on this list. But, he was the most successful of the cast members in taking a moment in the spotlight and spinning it into a lucrative DJ career, as he is believed to be the most financially well-off of the cast members.

David Franklin

A scientist, David Franklin made headlines when he filed a whistleblower lawsuit in 1996 against the Warner-Lambert unit of Pfizer. The company was marketing the epilepsy drug Neurontin for uses it wasn’t approved to treat. The East Providence High School graduate believed the company was putting profit above people and won the landmark case that led to other lawsuits that held pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Kim Schifino  

One half of the indie-band Matt and Kim, they’re best known for their gold-certified song “Daylight,” which has been used in TV shows, commercials and the even in "The Sims 3: World Adventure." What they’re also known for is their concerts, which are a celebration of the weird and outlandish. Schifino, an East Providence graduate, is a high-energy performer.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Viola Davis to Pauly D to H.P. Lovecraft: Some of RI's famous HS grads