Chris Klein — Class of 1997

Chris Klein is a Millard West graduate whose path from the halls of his high school to Hollywood began with a remarkable hometown discovery.

Born in Hinsdale, Illinois, Klein moved with his family to Omaha as a teenager and attended Millard West High School, where he participated in athletics and the performing arts. He played football, competed on the swim team and performed as Tony in the school's production of West Side Story.

During Klein's senior year at Millard West, Omaha filmmaker Alexander Payne visited the school while scouting locations for his upcoming film Election. The chance encounter led to an audition and ultimately Klein's first professional acting role, playing high school football star Paul Metzler opposite Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick. The acclaimed 1999 film marked the beginning of Klein's Hollywood career.

That same year, Klein achieved widespread recognition as Chris "Oz" Ostreicher in American Pie. The film became a major success, and Klein later reprised the role in American Pie 2 and American Reunion. His film career has also included prominent roles in Here on Earth, Rollerball, We Were Soldiers, The United States of Leland, Just Friends and American Dreamz.

Klein has also built an extensive television career. He portrayed the villain Orlin Dwyer/Cicada on The Flash and starred as Bill Townsend on Netflix's Sweet Magnolias. His more recent film work includes a role in Netflix's Fear Street: Prom Queen.

From being discovered as a Millard West senior to building a career spanning film and television, Chris Klein's story represents an extraordinary connection between the school and the entertainment industry. His success has made him one of Millard West's most widely recognized alumni and a distinguished member of the Millard West High School Hall of Fame.