Celebs Who Prioritized Education Alongside Their Careers

Many famous figures decided to pursue higher learning despite having lucrative careers in the entertainment industry. These individuals proved that intellectual growth is just as important as box office success or platinum records. From Ivy League universities to specialized doctoral programs, these celebrities balanced set schedules with study sessions. Their dedication to education highlights a commitment to personal development beyond the limelight.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman enrolled at Harvard University shortly after the release of ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in psychology while continuing to film major motion pictures during her summer breaks. The actress famously stated she would rather be smart than a movie star during her time on campus. Portman completed her degree in 2003 and has since been an advocate for education. Her academic background often informs her approach to complex character roles.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson chose to focus on her education after completing the massive ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. She enrolled at Brown University and later spent time as a visiting student at Worcester College at Oxford. The British actress graduated from Brown with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 2014. Watson managed to balance her studies with filming movies like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. Her time in academia helped shape her subsequent work in activism and gender equality.

James Franco

James Franco is known for an insatiable appetite for higher education that he pursued while acting full-time. He reenrolled at UCLA to complete his undergraduate degree in English with a concentration in creative writing. After graduating, he attended multiple graduate programs simultaneously at Columbia University, NYU, and Brooklyn College. He later enrolled in a doctoral program in English at Yale University. Franco has also taught classes on screenwriting and directing at several prestigious institutions.

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik was already a known child star from ‘Blossom’ when she decided to pursue a rigorous academic path. She attended UCLA and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience with minors in Hebrew and Jewish studies. Bialik continued her studies to earn a Ph.D. in neuroscience with a dissertation on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents. Her scientific background played a crucial role when she was cast as neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. She often speaks about the importance of STEM education for young women.

Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong followed a traditional medical career path before finding fame in comedy and acting. He completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University and obtained his M.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jeong completed his internal medicine residency in New Orleans while performing stand-up comedy at night. He was a licensed physician practicing in California before his breakout role in ‘Knocked Up’. His medical knowledge was famously utilized during a medical emergency in the audience of a stand-up show.

Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson is best known for his physical comedy, but he holds advanced degrees in electrical engineering. He received his undergraduate degree from Newcastle University before moving on to The Queen’s College at Oxford. It was during his master’s program at Oxford that he began collaborating with screenwriter Richard Curtis. Atkinson developed the character of Mr. Bean while completing his academic work. His engineering background contrasts sharply with the bumbling characters he portrays on screen.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o pursued advanced drama training to hone her craft before winning an Academy Award. She attended Hampshire College for her undergraduate degree in film and theatre studies. The actress later enrolled in the Yale School of Drama for a Master of Fine Arts acting program. Nyong’o was cast in ’12 Years a Slave’ shortly before her graduation from Yale. Her rigorous training is evident in the depth and precision of her performances.

John Legend

John Legend was an academically gifted student who was offered scholarships to Harvard and Georgetown. He ultimately chose to attend the University of Pennsylvania where he studied English with an emphasis on African-American literature. Legend served as the president and musical director of a co-ed jazz and pop a cappella group called Counterparts. He worked as a management consultant for the Boston Consulting Group before his music career took off. This corporate experience gave him a unique perspective on the music business.

Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in history and literature. During his time at the university, he served as the president of the humor magazine The Harvard Lampoon. His thesis focused on the literary works of William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor. O’Brien utilized his writing skills to secure jobs at ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘The Simpsons’ shortly after graduation. His intellectual background often informs the absurd yet sharp wit of his talk shows.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones studied religion and philosophy at Harvard University before becoming a comedy staple. She was involved in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club during her time there. Jones originally considered becoming a lawyer but became disillusioned with the legal field during the O.J. Simpson trial. She graduated in 1997 and transitioned into acting and writing for television. Her diverse academic interests contribute to her work as a writer and producer.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton studied history at Yale University where he was a competitive rower. He acted in university productions alongside fellow students like Paul Giamatti and Ron Livingston. After graduating, he worked in Osaka, Japan, as a consultant for his grandfather’s company before committing to acting. Norton speaks Japanese proficiently as a result of his time abroad. His analytical approach to character development is often attributed to his strong academic foundation.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is renowned for her technical precision, which was cultivated during her extensive education. She received her Bachelor of Arts cum laude from Vassar College in 1971. Streep then earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama. She performed in dozens of stage productions during her time at Yale to pay for her tuition. This intense training period prepared her to become one of the most celebrated actors in history.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster was already a movie star when she decided to attend Yale University to study literature. She took a hiatus from acting to focus on her studies and experience a relatively normal college life. Foster graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in literature in 1985. She wrote her thesis on the author Toni Morrison under the guidance of literary scholars. The actress returned to Hollywood with a renewed perspective and transitioned into directing.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields put her modeling and acting career on hold to attend Princeton University. Her decision was highly publicized and scrutinized by the media at the time. She wrote her senior thesis on the films of Louis Malle and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in French literature. Shields has stated that her education gave her a sense of self-worth independent of her public image. She proved that child stars could successfully transition into academia.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal promised his mother he would finish his education despite leaving college early for the NBA. He returned to Louisiana State University to complete his bachelor’s degree in general studies. O’Neal later earned an MBA online through the University of Phoenix. He capped his academic journey by earning an Ed.D. in Human Resource Development from Barry University. The basketball legend prefers to be addressed as Dr. O’Neal in professional business settings.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. While starring in ‘Desperate Housewives’, she enrolled in a master’s program at California State University, Northridge. She earned her master’s degree in Chicano Studies in 2013. Her thesis focused on the value of Latinas in STEM careers. Longoria utilizes her academic background in her political activism and production work.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler attended the University of Glasgow School of Law and served as the president of the law society. He worked as a trainee lawyer at an Edinburgh firm before his acting career began. Butler was fired one week before he became qualified as a lawyer due to his erratic behavior at the time. He moved to London to pursue acting and never returned to the legal profession. However, his legal training gave him a strong command of rhetoric and argumentation.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson attended the University of New South Wales in Australia. She graduated with a double degree in Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies and a Bachelor of Laws. Wilson originally planned to become a lawyer and focused on acting only after a malaria-induced hallucination. She has used her legal knowledge to negotiate her own contracts in Hollywood. Her sharp wit is supported by her extensive formal education.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow intended to follow in her father’s footsteps as a headache specialist and researcher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Vassar College. Kudrow worked on her father’s research staff for eight years before breaking into acting. Her brother’s friend, comedian Jon Lovitz, encouraged her to perform in Los Angeles. This scientific background makes her quite different from her character Phoebe Buffay in ‘Friends’.

Dolph Lundgren

Dolph Lundgren holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He later earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sydney. Lundgren was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT but quit to pursue acting after meeting Grace Jones. He speaks multiple languages and has an IQ that is reportedly over 160. His action hero persona often overshadows his background as an elite academic.

Brian May

Brian May was working on his Ph.D. in astrophysics when Queen began to achieve massive success. He abandoned his studies in 1974 to tour with the band but never lost his passion for astronomy. May returned to Imperial College London more than thirty years later to complete his work. He successfully defended his thesis on zodiacal dust in 2007. The guitarist is now a visiting researcher and has collaborated with NASA on various projects.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. He then earned a Master of Arts in English literature from Yale University. Duchovny had started a Ph.D. at Yale but left it unfinished to pursue acting in commercials. His thesis topic was intended to be ‘Magic and Technology in Contemporary Fiction and Poetry’. His intellectual demeanor made him a perfect fit for the character Fox Mulder in ‘The X-Files’.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant won the Galsworthy scholarship to study English literature at New College, Oxford. He joined the Oxford University Dramatic Society and starred in his first film while still a student. Grant graduated with Upper Second Class Honours and considered a career in art history. He worked various jobs, including writing book reviews and tutoring, before finding steady acting work. His Oxford education is often reflected in his articulate and self-deprecating public persona.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale studied French and Russian literature at New College, Oxford. She spent her third year studying abroad in Paris as part of the program. Beckinsale was involved with the Oxford University Dramatic Society and filmed ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ during her holidays. She ultimately left university before completing her degree to focus on her burgeoning acting career. However, she remains fluent in multiple languages and is known for her literary interests.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Christ Church, Oxford. He later trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Ahmed has spoken about the culture shock he experienced moving from a working-class background to an elite university. His academic background in politics and philosophy informs his music and his activism. He uses his platform to discuss representation and systemic issues in the media industry.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan studied law at Worcester College, Oxford, after being a classically trained violinist. She was offered a training contract at a major law firm in London but turned it down. Chan decided to pursue acting instead and enrolled at the Drama Centre London. Her parents were initially concerned about her leaving a stable legal career for the arts. She has since found success in major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston earned a double first in Classics from Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge. He was spotted by a talent agent during a university production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. Hiddleston continued his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art after Cambridge. His classical education allows him to bring a Shakespearean gravity to his modern roles. He is known for his ability to recite poetry and ancient texts from memory.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne studied History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with 2:1 Honours. He wrote his dissertation on the signature color Yves Klein Blue. During his time at Cambridge, he performed in plays and modeled to support himself. Redmayne continued to work in theater before transitioning to film and winning an Oscar. His art history background gave him a distinct appreciation for visual aesthetics in cinema.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira graduated from Macalester College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts in acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Gurira is also an accomplished playwright who uses her education to craft complex narratives about African women. Her play ‘Eclipsed’ was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. She balances her writing career with major roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver attended Stanford University where she initially studied English. She participated in campus theater productions and lived in a treehouse for a brief period. Weaver then attended the Yale School of Drama alongside Meryl Streep. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1974. Her highly disciplined training helped her pioneer the role of the female action hero in ‘Alien’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett was the first African-American student at Yale University to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. She earned a B.A. in African-American studies and an M.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. Bassett worked as a photo researcher and receptionist while auditioning for roles in New York. Her academic grounding brings a powerful historical resonance to her biographical roles. She remains an active supporter of arts education programs.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown graduated from Stanford University with a degree in drama in 1998. He then attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts for his Master of Fine Arts. Brown worked in regional theater for years before breaking out in television. His training allows him to navigate complex emotional arcs in shows like ‘This Is Us’. He frequently credits his professors for shaping his approach to acting.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover attended the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He graduated with a degree in dramatic writing in 2006. While still a resident assistant in his dorm, he caught the attention of Tina Fey with his spec scripts. This led to a writing job on ’30 Rock’ immediately after graduation. Glover has since applied his writing education to create and star in his acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski graduated from Brown University in 2001 as a playwright with an honors thesis. He also spent time teaching English in Costa Rica before attending college. Krasinski studied at the National Theater Institute in Connecticut to further his acting skills. He interned as a scriptwriter on ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ during his early career. His writing background was instrumental in his transition to directing ‘A Quiet Place’.

Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen majored in Italian Renaissance studies at Brown University. She spent her junior year abroad in Florence, Italy, to immerse herself in the culture and language. Bowen acted in university productions but did not seriously consider a professional career until later. She speaks fluent Italian as a result of her dedicated studies. Her intelligence and quick timing were essential for her role in ‘Modern Family’.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal studied literature and Eastern religions at Columbia University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999. Gyllenhaal famously took a senior seminar with her mother who was a visiting professor at the time. She later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London for a summer term. Her literary education influences her choices of script and directorial projects.

Julia Stiles

Julia Stiles was already a successful teen actress when she enrolled at Columbia University. She graduated with a degree in English literature in 2005. Stiles received the John Jay Award, an honor given to distinguished alumni of the university. She managed to film the ‘Bourne’ movies while completing her coursework. Stiles has noted that college helped keep her grounded during her rise to fame.

Cole Sprouse

Cole Sprouse took a hiatus from acting after his Disney Channel success to attend New York University. He studied in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and focused on archaeology. Sprouse participated in excavations in Europe and Asia during his time as a student. He worked in an archaeology lab in Brooklyn before returning to acting in ‘Riverdale’. He valued the anonymity and intellectual challenge the university provided.

Dylan Sprouse

Dylan Sprouse attended the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU alongside his twin brother. He obtained a four-year degree in video game design. During college, he worked at a restaurant to experience a normal job outside the entertainment industry. He has since used his degree to write comics and develop games. Sprouse values the perspective his education gave him on storytelling mechanics.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning enrolled at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. She focused on women’s studies and history while continuing her film career. Fanning has often spoken about the importance of having a life outside of film sets. She managed to balance high-profile projects like ‘The Alienist’ with her classes. Her dedication to finishing her degree demonstrates a desire for a well-rounded life.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi was accepted into every college she applied to, including Harvard University. She famously had a letter of recommendation written by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Shahidi majored in Social Studies and African American Studies at Harvard. She managed to film ‘Grown-ish’ while completing her rigorous coursework. Her education is directly tied to her extensive work in social justice activism.

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler has one of the most impressive academic resumes of any former Disney star. She earned a degree in Anthropology from the University of Southern California. She then became a Director’s Fellow at the MIT Media Lab and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at MIT. Additionally, she enrolled at Harvard Law School to support her research interests. Mendler focuses on technologies that support social connection and governance.

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara attended the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. She studied psychology and international social policy during her time there. Mara focused on non-profits and has done extensive charity work in Kenya. She graduated in 2010 just as her acting career was gaining major momentum. Her interest in psychology likely aids her in portraying intense and internal characters.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and majored in communications. Banks later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She has used her education to become a successful producer and director in Hollywood. Her combination of business sense and creative training has served her well.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington attended George Washington University on a drama scholarship. She designed her own major through the university’s liberal arts program, focusing on anthropology and sociology. Washington was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and graduated in 1998. She studied at the Michael Howard Studios in New York City to refine her acting. Her understanding of sociology informs her activism and her character work.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch studied drama at the University of Manchester. He then continued his training with a Master of Arts in Classical Acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Before university, he spent a gap year teaching English in a Tibetan monastery in India. This diverse educational background contributed to his versatility as a performer. He is well-regarded for his intellectual approach to roles like Sherlock Holmes and Alan Turing.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton studied social anthropology at Downing College, Cambridge. She achieved a 2:1 Honours degree despite balancing her studies with feature film roles. Newton has spoken about how her academic work helped her understand human behavior and cultural structures. She often applies an analytical lens to the scripts she chooses. Her education provided a strong foundation for her advocacy against exploitation in the film industry.

Allison Williams

Allison Williams graduated from Yale University in 2010. She majored in English and was a member of the improvisational comedy troupe Just Add Water. Williams was cast in the HBO series ‘Girls’ shortly after her graduation. She utilized her skills in analysis and comedy to craft her breakout character. She continues to be involved with the university as an active alumna.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani moved from Pakistan to the United States to attend Grinnell College in Iowa. He graduated with a double major in computer science and philosophy. Nanjiani worked as a playful IT specialist while developing his stand-up comedy act. His background in technology was perfectly utilized in his role on HBO’s ‘Silicon Valley’. He often weaves his immigrant experience and intellectual interests into his comedy writing.

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