From ‘The White Lotus’ to ‘The West Wing’: Ranking Fictional Duke Alumni by Influence and Infamy
Duke University has been home to many brilliant minds—both real and fictional. But not every portrayal of a Duke alum has been one the university would proudly claim. Enter The White Lotus Season 3’s Tim Ratliff, a TV character whose morally ambiguous actions have already stirred controversy, including some pushback from Duke itself.
While it’s not the first time a fictional Blue Devil has found themselves in hot water, Tim’s inclusion in the show raises the question: how does he stack up against other famous Duke alumni in film and television?
8. Tim Ratliff (‘The White Lotus’ Season 3)
Tim Ratliff (Jason Isaacs) heavily represents Duke in The White Lotus universe … and that’s a problem for the real university. As a wealthy and morally ambiguous character, Tim brings more maturity and influence to the table than his son Saxon.
Tim’s dreams of murder-suicide to avoid accountability for his financial crimes make him a hard Duke alum to stomach. The White Lotus Season 3 finale will either bring redemption or catastrophe for the scion from Durham.
7. Jimmy Cooper (‘The O.C.’)
As the troubled father of Marissa Cooper, Jimmy Cooper’s Duke credentials are a footnote in his narrative rather than a defining trait. Known for his financial missteps and dramatic falls from grace, Jimmy (Tate Donovan) doesn’t exactly reflect the blue-chip success one might expect from a Duke graduate. However, his role in The O.C. made him a recognizable name in early 2000s television.
6. Saxon Ratliff (‘The White Lotus’ Season 3)
Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger) is a slightly more palatable Duke alum than his father. Each episode of The White Lotus Season 3 reveals more about Saxon’s character, inching him toward “tragic figure” territory. But the eldest Ratliff child also can’t seem to help himself (see: the meditation session with Chelsea) and falls back to his true nature. On the other hand, the Duke grad’s behavior has a lot to do with his environment.
5. Stacy Warner (‘House, M.D.’)
A high-powered attorney and former love interest of Dr. Gregory House, Stacy Warner (Sela Ward) is a Duke graduate whose intelligence and legal acumen make her a force to be reckoned with. Stacy plays a crucial role in House’s life, often challenging him in ways few others can. While her time on House, M.D. was relatively brief, her impact was significant enough to earn her a spot on this list.
4. Benjamin Barry (‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’)
A charismatic advertising executive with a knack for winning high-stakes bets, Benjamin Barry is a Duke graduate who knows how to sell—whether it’s diamonds or himself. Played by Matthew McConaughey, his charm and strategic thinking make him a standout in the world of fictional Duke alumni. While his career in advertising might not be as high-profile as some others on this list, his cultural impact, thanks to the enduring popularity of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, secures him a solid spot.
3. Sloan Sabbith (‘The Newsroom’)
A brilliant and fiercely independent financial journalist, Sloan Sabbith is a standout character in The Newsroom. Played by Olivia Munn, Sloan’s intelligence and wit make her one of the most respected figures in fictional journalism. Her Duke education is a testament to her expertise in economics, and she consistently proves herself as one of the sharpest minds in the series.
2. Sarah MacKenzie (‘JAG’)
A formidable Marine Corps officer and attorney, Sarah MacKenzie (Catherine Bell) is one of the most admirable figures on this list. Her intelligence, discipline, and leadership in JAG make her a strong representative of Duke’s academic and moral rigor. While JAG may not have the same cultural footprint as some of the other shows on this list, MacKenzie remains a beloved character in military and legal drama circles, even returning to TV on NCIS: Los Angeles.
1. Sam Seaborn (‘The West Wing’)
As one of the sharpest minds in The West Wing, Sam Seaborn’s Duke Law education is a key piece of his impressive résumé. Rob Lowe’s role in shaping political discourse within the series is monumental, and his idealism and wit made him a fan favorite. A strong, capable leader, he is one of the most respected fictional Duke alumni in television history.
From doctors to politicians, businessmen to criminals, Duke University’s fictional alumni cover a wide range of personalities and professions. Whether inspiring, infuriating, or downright diabolical, these characters have all left their mark on television history. And The White Lotus Season 3 finale will determine if Tim and Saxon Ratliff pass with honors or fail to make their alma mater proud.
