17 Stars Whose Education Went Far Beyond Hollywood Glamour

During our youth, we often think about many different careers we could pursue. In some cases, we even start college, only to realize later that we’d like to follow a different path. Many celebrities go through something similar — they enter university, sometimes even earning a degree, only to later step into the spotlight. Others choose to balance their lives as actors or singers with their studies.

1. Lisa Kudrow studied biology

Lisa Kudrow may have become a huge success in Friends thanks to her iconic role as Phoebe, but before stepping into the world of acting, she was on a completely different path. Lisa earned a degree in Biology from Vassar College in the United States and even worked for about eight years in her father’s medical research.

2. Arnold Schwarzenegger studied International Marketing and Business Administration

Arnold Schwarzenegger has an extensive list of films in his career. However, the action movie and bodybuilding star might surprise many people — the screen veteran earned a degree in International Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin—Superior in 1979.

3. Steve Carell studied History

Steve Carell made his film debut in Curly Sue in 1991 and has since gained even more recognition, starring in hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Little Miss Sunshine. However, something many fans might not know is that he earned a degree in History from Denison University in Ohio, graduating in 1984.

4. Rowan Atkinson has a master’s in electrical engineering

Mr. Bean wasn’t all that goofy before. Rowan Atkinson was a staunch academic and a brilliant electrical engineer before later pursuing a career in acting and comedy. He didn’t stop after earning his bachelor’s at Newcastle University. He continued until he earned his master’s at The Queen’s College in Oxford and had a brief stint with a doctorate.

5. Natalie Portman studied psychology

Natalie Portman might be doing a great job being a prolific, award-winning actress, but she had other plans. She juggled starring in the blockbuster Star Wars prequel films and studying psychology at Harvard University.

6. Cindy Crawford wanted to become a engineer

You may know Cindy Crawford from her iconic Pepsi commercial, but the supermodel had other plans at first. After graduating valedictorian in high school, she got a scholarship from Northwestern University to study chemical engineering.

7. Ashton Kutcher was set to become a biochemical engineer

You haven’t been Punk’d. Ashton Kutcher really studied at the University of Iowa to become a biochemical engineer. Although he didn’t graduate with a degree, his reason for taking it was actually sweet. He wanted to find a cure for his twin brother’s heart ailment.

8. Dwayne Johnson initially wanted to become a criminologist

Before he became one of the most sought-out professional wrestlers today, Dwayne Johnson made it big as a college football player while taking up his bachelor’s in general studies, specializing in criminology and physiology. Even though his major league career was cut short, his pro wrestling one was stellar before becoming an actor.

9. Meghan Markle graduated in both theater and international studies

Before starring in the Suits and eventually becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle double-majored in theater and international studies at Northwestern University. She even interned at an embassy in Argentina and attended a study abroad program in Spain before graduating.

10. Adam Sandler studied acting at NYU

There’s a reason why Adam Sandler is one of the most versatile and well-loved actors, switching between comedies, dramas, and even thrillers. He completed his bachelor’s degree in acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1988, and the rest was history!

11. John Legend was a straight-A English major

You might think of John Legend as an easy-going crooner, but he also boasts academic credentials as stellar as his music career. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English, majoring in African-American literature, at the University of Pennsylvania. Before entering Penn, he was offered admission and scholarships to Harvard, Georgetown, and Morehouse College.

12. Sigourney Weaver finished her English and fine arts degrees

Being a multi-award-winning actress isn’t the only feather Sigourney Weaver can add to her cap. She was fully immersed in her studies, too. After graduating with a degree in English at Stanford University, she then went on to finish her MFA at Yale University.

13. Jamie Foxx got a scholarship for musical and performing arts composition

His portrayal of blues singer Ray Charles in Ray really stood out, likely because of the musical know-how he developed back in college. Jamie Foxx was a scholar at the United States International University, where he studied musical and performing arts composition.

14. Rebel Wilson is an attorney at law

Apart from being a comedian in Hollywood, Rebel Wilson thought it would be an excellent idea if she had a backup degree aside from theater and performance studies. Her backup? A Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New South Wales!

15. Emma Watson graduated with a degree in English literature

The real-life Hermione Granger is as bright as her character from the Harry Potter films and books. Emma Watson earned her degree in English literature from Brown University and took a few courses at Worcester College in Oxford.

16. Kourtney Kardashian majored in theater and dabbled in Spanish.

The firstborn of the Kardashian girls is best known for her influential lifestyle and reality TV fame. However, she was also a dedicated student. Kourtney Kardashian attended Southern Methodist University for 2 years and graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in theater arts and a minor in Spanish.

17. Cole Sprouse studied to become an archaeologist

The former child star did not fully relinquish his hard-earned fame with his twin brother since they became academics and graduated from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Cole Sprouse even worked briefly in archaeology, which was one of his majors, participating in dig sites in Europe and Asia.

Many of these celebrities worked hard to achieve success. Along the way, many of them had the support of their families — especially their mothers. This article brings together more than 20 celebrities alongside their matriarchs.