Actors Who Are Certified In Surprisingly Unusual Skills

Many Hollywood stars possess hidden talents that go far beyond their ability to memorize lines or perform on cue. Some of these actors spent years cultivating specific trades before they found fame while others pursued higher education in complex fields. These unique certifications range from medical degrees and pilot licenses to black belts in martial arts. The following list explores the diverse and often surprising professional qualifications held by some of the most recognizable men in the entertainment industry.

Harrison Ford

This legendary actor is a fully licensed private pilot for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. He has logged thousands of hours in the air and even participated in emergency rescue missions in Wyoming. Ford owns a collection of vintage planes and often flies himself to various film locations. His passion for aviation led him to serve as the chairman of the Young Eagles program to inspire future pilots.

John Travolta

Travolta is one of the most dedicated aviation enthusiasts in Hollywood and holds licenses to fly multiple types of heavy jets. He is certified to pilot the Boeing 707 and even owns a home with a private runway that allows him to park his aircraft at his front door. The actor has flown humanitarian aid missions to disaster zones using his own plane. His skills are so advanced that he has received honorary pilot awards from major aeronautical organizations.

Tom Cruise

The action star is known for performing his own stunts and holds a license as a commercial pilot. He earned his wings in 1994 and is qualified to fly both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. Cruise also possesses a helicopter license which he utilized extensively while filming difficult aerial sequences. His dedication to authenticity means he often pilots the aircraft seen in his high-octane movies.

Ken Jeong

Jeong is a licensed physician who practiced internal medicine before he pursued comedy full time. He obtained his medical degree from the University of North Carolina and completed his residency in New Orleans. The actor maintained his medical license for years even after achieving success in Hollywood. He has occasionally used his medical training to assist during real-life medical emergencies on set or during travel.

Steve Buscemi

Buscemi worked as a professional firefighter with the FDNY in New York City before his acting career took off. He served with Engine Company 55 in Little Italy for four years during the early 1980s. The actor returned to his former firehouse following the attacks on September 11 to help search for survivors at Ground Zero. He remains a vocal advocate for firefighter causes and often supports union rallies.

Christopher Walken

Walken worked as a lion tamer in a circus when he was just a teenager. He has described the experience as less dangerous than it sounds because the big cat he worked with was very old and docile. This early exposure to showmanship helped shape his unique presence and fearless approach to performance. The actor considers this brief career in the circus a pivotal part of his background in entertainment.

Pierce Brosnan

The former James Bond actor is a skilled fire eater who learned the dangerous trade at a workshop in London. He performed the stunt professionally for several years before shifting his focus to acting on stage and screen. Brosnan has occasionally demonstrated this fiery skill during television appearances and interviews. He admits that the trick caused him mouth injuries in the past but remains a unique part of his resume.

Idris Elba

Elba is a professional kickboxer who undertook intense training to compete in a sanctioned bout. He documented his journey to become a professional fighter in a television series that showcased his physical transformation. The actor won his debut professional fight by knockout at York Hall in London. His dedication to combat sports extends to his ongoing practice of Muay Thai for fitness and discipline.

Ed O’Neill

The sitcom star is a serious martial artist who holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has trained under the legendary Rorion Gracie for over two decades and considers the sport a vital part of his life. O’Neill earned his black belt in 2007 and serves as an inspiration for older practitioners of the grappling art. His skills are legitimate and he is highly respected within the grappling community.

Dolph Lundgren

Lundgren holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT but decided to pursue acting after meeting Grace Jones. The action star combines his immense physical strength with a brilliant academic mind. He continues to advocate for education and maintains an interest in scientific advancements.

Peter Weller

The man behind the mask in ‘RoboCop’ is a scholar with a PhD in Italian Renaissance Art History. He completed his doctoral studies at UCLA while continuing to work in film and television. Weller now teaches literature and art history at Syracuse University as a highly qualified professor. His academic career focuses specifically on the visual culture of the Italian Renaissance.

Rowan Atkinson

Atkinson holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s College at Oxford. He is also a licensed truck driver which requires a specific Heavy Goods Vehicle license in the United Kingdom. The comedic actor has a deep understanding of mechanics and high-performance cars. His technical background contrasts sharply with the bumbling character of Mr. Bean.

Hugh Jackman

Jackman worked as a physical education teacher at Uppingham School in England before finding fame. He taught sports and coached teams while he was a young man exploring his career options. The actor once encountered a former student on a red carpet during an interview. His background in fitness and coaching helped prepare him for the physical demands of his superhero roles.

Gerard Butler

Butler obtained a law degree from the University of Glasgow and worked as a trainee lawyer. He was just one week away from becoming a qualified solicitor when he was fired for his erratic behavior at the time. The actor decided to move to London to pursue acting immediately after losing his legal job. He credits that failure as the push he needed to follow his true creative passion.

Jeremy Renner

Renner worked as a professional makeup artist to support himself during his early days as an actor. He specialized in Lancôme cosmetics and found that his male perspective was popular with female clients. The job allowed him to audition during the day while earning a steady income on weekends. He retains a strong understanding of lighting and shading which helps him on film sets today.

Patrick Dempsey

Dempsey is a professional race car driver who has competed in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He maintains a competition license and owns his own racing team called Dempsey Racing. The actor takes the sport very seriously and has achieved podium finishes in professional endurance races. His passion for motorsport rivals his dedication to his acting career.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris is a certified magician and served as the President of the Academy of Magical Arts. He practices intricate sleight of hand and has incorporated magic into several of his acting roles. The actor has a secret room in his house dedicated to his collection of magic tricks and memorabilia. His skills are professional grade and he often performs for live audiences.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Day-Lewis took a hiatus from acting to become a cobbler and learned to make shoes in Florence. He apprenticed under the late master shoemaker Stefano Bemer for several months. The method actor fully immersed himself in the trade and lived a quiet life in Italy during this period. His dedication to mastering the craft of shoemaking highlights his extreme commitment to learning new skills.

Nick Offerman

Offerman is a professional woodworker who runs his own collective woodshop in Los Angeles. He builds boats and fine furniture using traditional hand-crafted techniques. The actor released a book detailing his love for the craft and the philosophy behind working with one’s hands. His skills were famously incorporated into his character Ron Swanson in ‘Parks and Recreation’.

James Woods

Woods studied political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on a scholarship. He was a brilliant student who originally intended to become an eye surgeon before turning to acting. The actor has an exceptionally high IQ and was a member of the drama group while attending the prestigious university. He left MIT just before graduation to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Shaquille O’Neal

O’Neal is a sworn deputy marshal and has served with various police departments across the United States. He attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy to gain his professional certification. The basketball legend takes his law enforcement role seriously and focuses on community policing and crimes against children. He plans to run for sheriff in the future to further his service.

Steven Seagal

Seagal is a 7th-dan black belt in Aikido and was the first foreigner to operate an Aikido dojo in Japan. He spent years in Osaka training and teaching the martial art before bringing his skills to Hollywood. The actor incorporates real Aikido techniques into his fight choreography. His certification is recognized globally within the martial arts community.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Van Damme was a professional karate competitor who compiled an impressive record before becoming an actor. He earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate and competed on the Belgian national team. The actor also studied ballet for five years to improve his flexibility and grace. This combination of brutal fighting skill and artistic movement defined his on-screen fighting style.

Willie Nelson

Nelson is a fifth-degree black belt in the martial art of GongKwon Yusul. He has practiced martial arts for decades as a way to maintain his health and mental sharpness. The country music icon trains regularly on his tour bus even while traveling for concerts. His dedication proves that martial arts can be a lifelong pursuit regardless of age.

Forest Whitaker

Whitaker holds a black belt in Kenpo Karate and actively trains in the Filipino martial art of Kali. He utilizes yoga and meditation as part of his daily routine to center himself. The actor performs many of his own stunts and sword fighting sequences thanks to this training. His physical discipline informs the intense focus he brings to his dramatic performances.

Bob Newhart

Newhart worked as a certified accountant before he ever attempted stand-up comedy. He was employed by the United States Gypsum Corporation in Chicago where he balanced ledgers. The comedian often joked that his accounting methods were too creative for the corporate world. His deadpan delivery style is often attributed to his days working in a quiet office environment.

Dennis Farina

Farina served as a police officer in the Chicago Police Department for eighteen years. He worked in the burglary division and saw real street action before becoming an actor. Director Michael Mann hired him as a consultant which eventually led to acting roles. His authentic portrayal of law enforcement officers came directly from his nearly two decades of service.

Jerry Springer

Springer earned a law degree from Northwestern University and practiced law before entering politics and entertainment. He served on the Cincinnati City Council and was eventually elected as the mayor of Cincinnati. The talk show host had a serious career in government and regulation before his shift to tabloid television. His legal background helped him navigate the complex contracts of his later career.

John Cleese

Cleese studied law at Downing College in Cambridge and graduated with an upper second-class degree. He was qualified to pursue a career as a solicitor but chose comedy after his success with the Cambridge Footlights. The actor uses his sharp intellect and command of language to craft precise comedic scripts. His legal training likely contributes to his ability to argue absurd points with logical conviction.

Graham Chapman

Chapman was a fully qualified medical doctor who studied at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College. He practiced medicine briefly and was legally registered as a doctor in the United Kingdom. The Python member was known to offer medical advice to his friends and colleagues on set. He abandoned his medical career to focus entirely on writing and performing comedy.

Jesse Williams

Williams worked as a high school teacher in the Philadelphia public school system for six years. He taught American Studies along with African Studies and English to secondary students. The actor is passionate about education and civil rights advocacy. He draws upon his experience in the classroom to inform his activism and public speaking.

Rob Riggle

Riggle is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for twenty-three years. He was a Public Affairs Officer and saw active duty in Liberia as well as Afghanistan. The comedian balances his intense military background with his boisterous on-screen persona. He has received numerous medals and commendations for his dedicated service to the country.

Adam Driver

Driver served as a mortarman in the United States Marine Corps for nearly three years. He enlisted shortly after the events of September 11 to serve his country. The actor was medically discharged after a mountain biking accident prevented him from deploying. He credits the Marines for giving him the discipline and maturity required to succeed in acting.

James Hong

Hong graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a road engineer for the County of Los Angeles for over seven years. The prolific actor balanced his engineering job with evening acting gigs before switching careers fully. He helped design and build several roads that are still in use in California today.

Tom Hardy

Hardy is a high-level practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and holds a blue belt. He frequently competes in open tournaments and has won gold medals in his weight division. The actor trains relentlessly and uses the sport to maintain his physical and mental well-being. His grappling skills are legitimate and he enters competitions without seeking special celebrity treatment.

Ashton Kutcher

Kutcher has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for many years and earned his brown belt under Rigan Machado. He is considered a skilled grappler who takes the sport very seriously. The actor believes the discipline of martial arts helps him focus in his business and personal life. He has travelled to Brazil to train and immerse himself in the culture of the sport.

Joe Rogan

Rogan is a black belt in Taekwondo and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was a four-time Massachusetts state champion in Taekwondo during his youth. The commentator and actor has a deep technical understanding of combat sports. His expertise allows him to break down complex fighting techniques for a general audience.

Jason Lee

Lee was a professional skateboarder in the late 1980s and early 1990s before becoming an actor. He founded Stereo Skateboards and was a pioneer in modern street skating. His signature trick was the 360 flip which he performed with exceptional style. He remains a respected figure in the skateboarding community despite his transition to Hollywood.

Mickey Rourke

Rourke was a professional boxer who returned to the ring in the early 1990s after establishing his acting career. He fought eight professional bouts and remained undefeated during that stint. The physical toll of boxing resulted in numerous injuries that required reconstructive surgery on his face. He remains passionate about the sport and frequently attends major boxing matches.

Vinnie Jones

Jones played professional football in the English Football League for over a decade. He was known as a tough defensive midfielder and played for Wimbledon, Leeds United, and Chelsea. The actor captained the Welsh national team and was famous for his aggressive style of play. He leveraged his hardman reputation on the pitch into a successful career playing tough guys in films.

Terry Crews

Crews is a talented artist who received an art scholarship to Western Michigan University. He worked as a courtroom sketch artist and later painted portraits of his teammates while playing in the NFL. The actor has a portfolio of realistic paintings and continues to create art in his spare time. He often designs furniture and has released his own collection of modern design pieces.

David Duchovny

Duchovny holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Yale University. He was working on his PhD titled ‘Magic and Technology in Contemporary Poetry and Prose’ before acting took over. The actor taught literature as a teaching assistant during his time at Yale. His academic background influences his writing and his approach to analyzing scripts.

James Franco

Franco is a dedicated academic who has earned multiple degrees from prestigious institutions. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University and has studied at NYU and Brooklyn College. The actor has also taught film and English classes at UCLA and USC. He is known for pursuing education relentlessly while simultaneously working on film projects.

Frankie Muniz

Muniz put his acting career on hold to become a professional race car driver. He competed in the Atlantic Championship and signed with Jensen Motorsport. The former child star has demonstrated serious skill on the track and continues to race competitively. He considers racing to be his primary passion alongside his music and acting endeavors.

Colin Farrell

Farrell worked as a line dancing instructor in Limerick before he became a movie star. He taught country western dancing at a nightclub to earn money in his youth. The actor has demonstrated his moves on various talk shows to prove his credentials. This unusual job is a humorous footnote in the career of the intense dramatic actor.

Jason Statham

Statham was a member of Britain’s National Swimming Squad for twelve years. He competed as a professional diver and represented England in the 1990 Commonwealth Games. The action star specialized in the 10-meter platform and the 3-meter springboard. His background in elite athletics gave him the discipline and physical coordination needed for stunt work.

Jack White

White completed a professional apprenticeship in upholstery before he found fame with The White Stripes. He ran his own shop called Third Man Upholstery in Detroit. The musician and actor often wrote poetry inside the furniture he re-upholstered. He still practices the trade occasionally and redesigned the furniture for his record label’s office.

Vanilla Ice

The rapper and actor is a successful real estate investor with a contractor’s background. He buys, renovates, and flips houses professionally and has taught courses on the subject. His skills in home improvement were showcased on his own reality television show. He has made a significant fortune through his property ventures outside of the music industry.

Steve Martin

Martin is an accomplished banjo player who has won Grammy Awards for his bluegrass performances. He taught himself to play the instrument at a young age and incorporated it into his stand-up routine. The comedian tours with professional bluegrass bands and is respected as a serious musician. He established a prize to reward excellence in banjo and bluegrass music.

Tom Holland

Holland is a trained dancer who spent years studying ballet and acrobatics. He underwent rigorous training to secure the title role in ‘Billy Elliot the Musical’ in London. This dance background provided the agility and flexibility required for his role as Spider-Man. He is capable of performing complex flips and gymnastic feats without the aid of wires.

Tell us which of these actor’s hidden skills surprised you the most in the comments.