York University alumni

Rachel Anne McAdams is a Canadian actress. A graduate of York University in 2001 with a BFA in theatre, she is known for her starring roles in comedy and drama films as well as her work in television and theater. Her accolades include nominations for an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Tony Award. In 2026, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As a leading actress, her films have grossed over $3.4 billion worldwide.

Canadian film and television actress

Keinan Abdi Warsame (; born 1 February 1978), known professionally as '''K'naan''' ( ), is a Somali-Canadian rapper, singer-songwriter and filmmaker. He rose to international fame after releasing the single "Wavin' Flag", which was chosen as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Besides hip hop, K'naan's sound is influenced by elements of Somali music and world music. A Grammy Award-winning artist and FIPRESCI Prize-winning director, he is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives.

American musician and artist, most known as co-founding member of Sonic Youth (born 1953)

Canadian actress

Spanish Defense Minister (1971–2017)

Robert Scott Speedman is a Canadian actor and model. He is known for portraying Ben Covington in the coming-of-age drama television series Felicity, Lycan–Vampire hybrid Michael Corvin in the gothic horror–action Underworld films, and Barry "Baz" Blackwell in the TNT crime drama series Animal Kingdom. His other film work includes Duets, Dark Blue, XXX: State of the Union, The Strangers, Barney's Version, The Vow, and Crimes of the Future. In 2021, he returned to Grey's Anatomy as a main character following a guest role in season 14 as Dr. Nick Marsh.

Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada (1950-2011)

soccer player

Canadian YouTube personality, vlogger and comedian

Canadian pair skater

Canadian astronaut

American blogger (born 1983)

Hong Kong filmmaker (1955–2018)

Canadian actress

Canadian rapper, songwriter, record producer, DJ, and record executive

Zimbabwean writer (1964–2005)

Canadian actress

Chinese politician

Sociology professor and Marxist writer

Vice-President of Ghana

Irish-Canadian white supremacist podcaster and conspiracy theorist

Canadian actress

Canadian actor and model

Canadian actress

Canadian beach volleyball player

Jay Manuel is a Canadian TV host, creative director, make-up artist, and author. He is most recognizable as the creative director on the popular reality television show America's Next Top Model for the first eighteen seasons. Manuel also was featured as the host of Canada's Next Top Model.

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013

Kevin Brereton (born 20 February 1972), better known by his stage name k-os (; "chaos"), is a Canadian alternative rapper, singer, songwriter and producer. His given name may also be cited as Kheaven, a spelling he later adopted.

Canadian documentary filmmaker

Canadian actress

athletics competitor

Canadian ice hockey player and coach (1943–2014)

Canadian chess player

Canadian cinematographer

Canadian lawyer, political activist and politician

Egyptian judoka

Canadian athletics competitor

Canadian mixed martial artist

academic

Turkish figure skater (born 1985)

Russian-Canadian actress and model

Canadian actor

Canadian actress

Nigerian writer

Canadian soccer player

Palestinian poet

Canadian shot putter

Canadian financier

Canadian musician and Acoustic guitarist

Canadian actress

Psychologist and author about sensory processing sensitivity

Ghanaian-Canadian businesswoman

Canadian novelist and short-story writer

Canadian actor

Canadian actress and politician

Canadian politician

Canadian engineer and politician

Bosnian basketball player (1990-)

Canadian actress, director and writer