FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH UNEXPECTED COLLEGE DEGREES
Alison Williams Is a Yale Grad
*Girls* star Allison Williams’ character Marnie made a series of poor choices on the show, from terrible relationships to abandoning her career aspirations for music, despite lacking the ability to sing well. While Marnie might have been a few fries short of a happy meal, Alison certainly isn’t. Good for her!
The actress wasn’t permitted to pursue acting professionally until she completed her college education—at Yale, no less. There, she studied English and archaeology, but as a freshman, she didn’t secure a role in Yale’s prominent musical. Instead, she joined the improv group and discovered her true calling—comedy.
Sacha Baron Cohen Graduated From Cambridge
Sacha Baron Cohen skyrocketed to fame in the ’90s with his breakthrough creation and portrayal of Ali G, an uneducated, jungle music-obsessed character. Since then, Cohen has become a Hollywood mainstay, often playing outlandish and seemingly clueless characters like Borat.
However, you might be surprised to learn that the London-born actor attended a private school before enrolling at one of England’s most prestigious institutions, Christ’s College, Cambridge. He graduated with an upper-second-class degree in History and was also an active member of the university’s dramatic society. It’s almost hard to picture him in a serious setting, isn’t it?
Will Ferrell Has A Bachelor’s In Sports Information
Will Ferrell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Information from the University of Southern California in 1990. In 2017, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the same university. Interestingly, the sports information program no longer exists.
Ferrell humorously remarked, “Yes, you heard me, sports information. A program so challenging, so rigorous, that they discontinued it eight years after I left. Those of us with sports information degrees are an elite group. We’re like the Navy SEALs of USC graduates—there are very few of us, and the dropout rate was high.
Mayim Bialik Is a Literal Neuroscientist
Mayim Bialik became a household name as the lead in the NBC sitcom *Blossom* from 1991 to 1995. While Blossom wasn’t unintelligent, she often seemed lost in her own world as she navigated life without a mother. She holds a Ph.D.
What many didn’t know for years is that Mayim possesses an intellect that surpasses most. in Neuroscience—an achievement that sets her apart from most actors. Although she returned to television as the brilliant Amy in *The Big Bang Theory,* she remains active in the medical field, having authored books on parenting and puberty.
Ashton Kutcher Has A Bachelor’s In Biochemical Engineering
No, this isn’t a prank. Ashton Kutcher may be one of the funniest figures in entertainment, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking in brains—despite often being mistaken for an airhead. His motivation?
The multi-talented actor attended the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in Biochemical Engineering, one of the more challenging fields of study. To find a cure for his brother’s heart disease. Now that’s a comedian with a noble cause.
David Duchovny Has a Master’s Degree From Yale
For many millennials, David Duchovny is more famously known as the hard-drinking writer and socially awkward Hank Moody from *Californication* than for his iconic role in *The X-Files.* If you’ve watched the show, it’s easy to assume that Duchovny might share some of his character’s flaws—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.D. behind to pursue acting full-time.
Duchovny graduated with a BA in English Literature from Princeton University and went on to earn a Master’s from Yale. Initially aspiring to be a screenwriter, he viewed acting as part of his research. “I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to write things that actors will perform, it’s probably helpful for me to understand what that’s like.” Little did he know that he would eventually leave his Ph.
Carrie Underwood Has A Degree In Mass Communications
Carrie Underwood is truly an achiever. While many know her as the winner of American Idol, what you might not know is that after her victory, she returned to Oklahoma to complete her education.
At Northeastern State University, she was just three credits short of finishing her degree when she left for American Idol. She went back to earn her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications with a focus on Journalism, graduating magna cum laude.
Bradley Cooper Has A Bachelor’s In English
Bradley Cooper, the stud, the myth, the legend, is also quite the aficionado of the English language. He attended Georgetown University and immersed himself deeply in his readings.
His enthusiasm was evident when GQ asked him about his first encounter with *Paradise Lost*. For his thesis, he chose Vladimir Nabokov’s *Lolita*. His passion for literature was so profound that he even shed tears while reading *Romeo and Juliet* in the campus library.
Rebel Wilson Has A Law Degree
Rebel Wilson, known for her standout role in *Pitch Perfect*, revealed to Seth Meyers that she graduated from law school in 2009.” Given that law is a challenging field, Wilson’s achievement is truly commendable.
She attended the University of New South Wales, a prestigious institution often likened to the Harvard of Australia. “A lot of people look at me and think I’m stupid,” she said, “But no, I graduated from a school that’s kind of like the Harvard of Australia.
JK Rowling Has A Degree In French
The brilliant mind behind *Harry Potter* is also multilingual. J.K. Rowling attended the University of Exeter, where she earned a degree in French, with additional studies in Greek and Roman history.
Although her parents had hoped she would pursue a vocational degree, Rowling took a different path. “A compromise was reached that in retrospect satisfied nobody, and I went to study Modern Languages,” she said. “Hardly had my parents’ car rounded the corner at the end of the road than I ditched German and scuttled off down the Classics corridor.
James Franco Is a Ph.D Student at Yale
James Franco may be a controversial figure these days, but he remains a significant star. While his roles in films like *Pineapple Express* and *The End* often depict him as the stereotypical clueless stoner, in reality, Franco is highly intelligent. He even pursued a Ph.D.
He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University and has been deeply committed to his education throughout much of his adult life. at Yale while continuing his acting career. “I go to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in,” he shared with *The Washington Post*.
Danai Gurira Has A Bachelor’s In Social Psychology
Danai Gurira, known for her roles in *The Walking Dead*, *Black Panther*, and *Avengers*, has been making waves on screen for years. She earned her degree in Social Psychology during her time there.
Long before she became a powerhouse in Wakanda, she was immersed in her studies at Macalester College in Minnesota, graduating in 2001. “I was really looking at race, population, gender, and how we psychologically function in ways that affect our societal outcomes around those issues,” she shared with *Rolling Stone*.
Brian May Has A Ph.D. In Astrophysics
Brian May of Queen earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics with honors in the ’70s. In 2007, he returned to academia to complete his Ph.D.
in Astrophysics at Imperial College London. His doctoral thesis focused on the motions of interplanetary dust—now that’s rock and roll!
Ken Jeong Is A Doctor Of Medicine
That’s right—Ken Jeong is indeed a real medical doctor. Yes, the same guy who famously jumped out of a trunk naked in *The Hangover*. He earned his M.D.
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1995. Although he no longer practices medicine, Jeong has fully immersed himself in acting, and honestly, it seems he made the right call.
Lionel Ritchie Has A Bachelor’s In Economics
Lionel Richie earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Tuskegee Institute in 1974.
During his time there, he connected with musicians who would later become members of his first band, the Commodores. Although he had to pause his studies to tour, he eventually returned to complete his degree.
Weird Al Yankovic Has A Bachelor’s In Architecture
Weird Al Yankovic earned his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University. Eventually, his music career soared, and the rest is history.
Shortly after graduating, he realized that architecture wasn’t his true calling. He took a job in the mail room at a radio company in Culver City while pursuing his music in his spare time.
David Spade Has A Bachelor’s In Business
You might not picture David Spade as a serious businessman, but he actually graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Business in 1986.
Even while in college, he was already performing stand-up comedy and making people laugh. Ultimately, he chose to pursue comedy as his full-time career.
Freddie Highmore Has A Bachelor’s In Spanish And Arabic
Despite achieving success as a young actor, Freddie Highmore valued higher education and pursued a college degree.
In 2014, he earned a Bachelor’s in Spanish and Arabic from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating with a double first, which is the British equivalent of first-class honors.
Julia Stiles Graduated From Columbia College
Julia Stiles was already well-known for her roles in films like *Save The Last Dance* and *10 Things I Hate About You* when she attended Columbia University.
In 2005, she graduated from the prestigious institution with a degree in English Literature. Reflecting on the experience of balancing acting with her studies, Stiles shared with *PEOPLE*, “there were some really funny, weird moments. Like a limo for the MTV Movie Awards pulling up in front of my dormitory with my name on it.
Gene Simmons Has A Bachelor’s In Education
Can you picture KISS frontman Gene Simmons as a middle school teacher? In fact, he taught sixth grade before diving into the world of rock and roll.
Before becoming “The Demon,” he earned an Associate Degree from Sullivan County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Richmond College. He formed KISS in 1970, shortly after completing his studies.
Rooney Mara Has A Bachelor’s In Psychology, International Social Policy, And Nonprofits
Rooney Mara graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University, where she crafted a unique educational path.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2010 with a broad array of subjects, including psychology, international social policy, and the formation of nonprofit organizations. With such an extensive course load, she gained more knowledge than most people can fit into their brains.
Lisa Kudrow Has A Bachelor’s In Biology
Lisa Kudrow’s father was a renowned physician and researcher specializing in headaches.
Before embarking on her acting career, Lisa Kudrow planned to follow in his footsteps. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Vassar College and even worked on her father’s research team.
Eva Longoria Has A Master’s In Chicano Studies
In 2013, Eva Longoria earned a Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge.
She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. Upon receiving her Master’s degree, Longoria enthusiastically shared, “You’re never too old or too busy to continue your education!
Gabrielle Union Has A Bachelor’s In Sociology
Gabrielle Union earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Initially, she planned to pursue a career in law after completing her undergraduate studies.
However, in her final year of college, she began working at a modeling agency, where the owner encouraged her to try modeling. She soon transitioned into acting after graduation. Given the glamour of acting, it seems she made a choice that suited her perfectly.
Wanda Sykes Has A Bachelor’s In Marketing
Comedian Wanda Sykes graduated with a degree in Marketing from Hampton University in 1986. She initially used her degree to work as a contract specialist at the NSA.
In 1987, she tried her hand at comedy for the first time, and her talent quickly became evident. She decided to leave the marketing world behind and pursue a full-time career in entertainment.
Chris Martin Has A Degree In Latin And Greek
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin met his bandmates while still a student at University College London.
He didn’t pause his studies to focus on music; instead, he balanced both pursuits. He graduated with first-class honors in Ancient Latin and Greek Studies.
Adult film performer Ron Jeremy has an unexpectedly impressive academic background. That’s what we might call a complete 180.
He holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Special Education from Queens College. Faced with financial challenges as a teacher, he made a dramatic career shift into adult films.
Rowan Atkinson Has A Master’s In Electrical Engineering
Mr. Bean may seem like a bit of a dim bulb, but Rowan Atkinson, the genius behind the character, is quite the opposite. While still at university, he was already performing.
He earned a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s College, Oxford. Ultimately, he chose to leave the world of electrical engineering behind and became a comedic legend.
John Cleese Has A Bachelor’s In Law
John Cleese might have pursued a career in law if not for Monty Python. He graduated from Downing College, Cambridge, with a Bachelor’s in Law.
During his time at Cambridge, he joined the renowned Cambridge Footlights theatre troupe, where he met his writing partner Graham Chapman. Cleese quickly took to comedy and made a remarkable career shift that no one could have expected!
Vinny Guadagnino Has A Bachelor’s In Political Science
Vinny Guadagnino from *Jersey Shore* earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Staten Island, graduating with an impressive 3.
9 GPA. He humorously claims to have a “Master’s in womenry,” though perhaps a Master’s in etiquette or gentlemanly behavior might have served him better.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Has A Bachelor’s In International Business And Economics
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s time as Governor of California might not be as surprising when you consider his background.
The man we know as the Terminator earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. His impressive intellect matches his impressive physique, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with both in business and politics.
Hugh Laurie Has A Bachelor’s In Anthropology And Archaeology
Hugh Laurie hails from a family with a strong academic tradition.
He followed in these footsteps by graduating from Selwyn College, Cambridge, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology and Anthropology, focusing on social anthropology. It’s intriguing to consider how his background in anthropology may have influenced his acting career and the depth he brings to his roles.
Aziz Ansari Has A Bachelor’s In Marketing
Master of None creator Aziz Ansari has made impressive strides in the entertainment industry, moving from a minor role in *Parks and Recreation* to creating and starring in his own show.
His degree in Marketing from New York University might have played a part in his success. Initially interested in entrepreneurship, Ansari found the NYU culture quite unusual but managed to coast through and earn his degree. His unique experiences and background have certainly contributed to his creative achievements.
J. Cole Has A Bachelor’s In Communications
Rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label might have signed a powerhouse in J. Cole (Jermaine Cole), who combines talent with smarts. While pursuing his music career, Cole attended St.
John’s University in New York, where he balanced performances and music with his role as president of the Black Student Union. He graduated summa cum laude in 2007, majoring in Communications and minoring in Business. However, he didn’t receive his degree until 2015 due to an outstanding library fine.
Kourtney Kardashian Has A Bachelor’s In Theatre Arts
Before the Kardashians became household names, Kourtney Kardashian was focused on her education. She started at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, then completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona.
Graduating in 2002 with a degree in Theater Arts and a minor in Spanish, Kourtney was well-prepared for a different path. Despite the fame that followed, her academic achievements reflect a time when she was focused on her future beyond the spotlight.
Ben McKenzie Has A Bachelor’s In Economics And Foreign Affairs
Who knew Ben McKenzie, known for *Gotham* and *The O.C.*, was so accomplished academically? He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2001 with degrees in Economics and Foreign Affairs.
Reflecting on his experience, McKenzie described it as a blessing: “The ability to study econ and foreign affairs during the day and perform onstage at night was a true blessing,” he shared with the school’s alumni magazine. “I’m not sure I would have had the opportunity to receive such a well-rounded education anywhere else.
John Legend Has A Bachelor’s In English
It turns out John Legend isn’t the only A-lister with a dedication to the English major. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English, concentrating on African American literature, from the University of Pennsylvania.
Starting his studies at just 16, Legend graduated in 1999. During his time at Penn, he was also a member of the a cappella group Counterparts. It seems Legend was destined to become a true legend, both academically and in the music world.
Dr. Oz Is An Accomplished Cardiothoracic Surgeon
It’s true that many television “doctors” often have questionable credentials, but Dr. Oz is an exception. Although he’s known for some questionable segments on his show, he is actually highly accomplished in his field. How many of us can say we’ve achieved that level of expertise?
The New York Times has recognized him as “one of the most accomplished cardiothoracic surgeons of his generation.” With over 5,000 open-heart surgeries and a successful lung transplant operation under his belt, Dr. Oz’s medical credentials are impressive, even if his television persona sometimes overshadows them.
Conan O’Brien Is a Harvard Grad
Conan O’Brien’s intelligence is as notable as his comedic talent. At Harvard University, he majored in History and Literature, showcasing his academic prowess early on. His 72-page thesis on William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor is a testament to his deep literary knowledge.
His humor was already apparent; his classmates called him the “pre-eminent jokester” of 1985, and he was president of the Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, Conan remains fond of his college days and the intellectual environment that shaped his career.
