Four famous Sooners who made their mark in TV and Film!

It's fall again, and though the Coronavirus epidemic has made back-to-school time look very different across Oklahoma, young people all over our state are making the best of it and getting on with the education that will prepare them to be productive, informed members of society. That includes on campus at the University of Oklahoma, where students are taking a mix of on-campus and video classes to press on toward their degrees, showing the same grit and determination Oklahomans have shown throughout history.

We're proud of our partnerships with OU here at Landers Chevy of Norman, and proud of every OU grad. While thousands of OU students have gone on to illustrious careers in every field, there are several notable former Sooners who have made their mark in cinema, appearing in everything from Broadway plays to Oscar-winning roles. Seen below, check out the stories of four surprising Sooners who have gone on to noteworthy careers in TV and film!

Congratulations on getting back to class, Sooners! Best of luck in the fall semester! And if you need a quality new or pre-owned vehicle at a price you can afford, with the kind of service that will leave you with a smile as big as the Sooner State, come see us today at Landers Chevy of Norman!

OLIVIA MUNN
Born in Oklahoma City in 1980, actress Olivia Munn has done a little bit of everything during her career, from late-night TV to big budget summer blockbusters. After bouncing around all over the world with her family during her father's career in the Air Force, Munn returned to Oklahoma in her teens, attending the University of Oklahoma where she earned her degree in Journalism with the goal of becoming a news anchor. That goal led to a 2010-2011 stint on "The Daily Show with John Stewart." which opened the door to film roles. She has since starred in TV and film projects, including a recurring role on Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom," as well as roles in big-budget films including "X-Men: Apocalypse," "Iron Man 2," "Magic Mike" and "The Predator," the most recent film in the long-running "Predator" film franchise. 

VAN HEFLIN
Though his name is not often recognized by modern movie fans, Van Heflin is, to date, the only former Sooner to go on to win an Academy Award, a feat even the great Ed Harris hasn't yet accomplished. Born in Walters, Oklahoma in 1908, Emmet Evan "Van" Heflin, Jr. we bitten by the acting bug early while a high school student in Oklahoma City. He enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he became an acclaimed young stage actor before graduating with his B.A. in 1932. He went on to Yale, earning a Masters in Theater before heading to Hollywood and starting a career that blossomed in the 1940s. Heflin struck gold early in his career, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 1942's "Johnny Eager." From there, he went on to star in some of the greatest westerns of all time, including 1953's "Shane," 1957's "3:10 to Yuma," and 1958's "Gunman's Walk." He passed away in July 1971.

DENNIS WEAVER
A native of Joplin, Missouri, actor Dennia Weaver is another former Sooner who went on to fame in the movies. Born in 1924, Weaver was originally a track and field star, starting his college career at Missouri Southern State University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma where he ran track. While pursuing his athletic ambitions, Weaver enrolled in a drama course and was smitten with the profession. After serving as a pilot in World War II, Weaver tried out for the 1948 Olympic decathlon team. When he didn't make it, he decided to move to New York and become an actor. His career from there was star-studded, with Weaver appearing in Orson Welles' 1958 film "Touch of Evil," and Steven Spielberg's feature debut "Duel," along with dozens of notable westerns. He passed away in February 2006.

ED HARRIS
Born in New Jersey in 1950, beloved actor Ed Harris is one of the most awarded actors of stage and screen, and attended the University of Oklahoma as a young man to study drama before moving on to Los Angeles and a long career in film, appearing in dozens of acclaimed including "Apollo 13," "The Truman Show," Pollock," and "The Hours," all of which garnered Harris Academy Award Nominations. Just as impressive were Harris' starring roles in other films including "The Right Stuff," "The Abyss," and "Glengarry Glen Ross." Currently, Harris stars on HBO's smash sci-fi hit series "Westworld" as the mysterious Man in Black.

 
Source: blog