Natalie Portman’s Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University

One of Hollywood's most talented actresses, Natalie Portman, took up acting at a very young age. She made her film debut with Leon: The Professional when she was 12. Since then, her career has only taken an upward trajectory. Well-known for her work in films like V for Vendetta and Annihilation, she was awarded an Oscar for her breathtaking performance in Black Swan.

It may come as a surprise to many of her fans that she did not let her acting career compromise her academic pursuits. She took a break from her career to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Harvard University. Beauty with brains and talent!

Alison Williams: A Yale Alumna

Deemed a "scream queen" by the media, Alison Williams was first recognized for her performance in the HBO comedy-drama series,Girls. Unknown to most, Williams boasts an education from Yale, where she earned a degree in English. Her literary pursuits undoubtedly have added to her work as an actress!

Her work in the thriller, Get Out, earned her a number of nominations and awards, and rightly so. To be able to do justice to her complex role in this film, she put in a lot of hard work. Williams even isolated herself from the crew and cast throughout the production to probe her character's psychopathic tendencies.

Sacha Baron Cohen Holds a History Degree

Loved for his valuable contributions to comedy and acting, Cohen was a fine performer from an early age. But his academic pursuits were seemingly far removed from these realms- he graduated from Christ University with a degree in History. His riveting performance in The 11 O'clock Show contributed to the show's momentous success.

His characters, such as Ali G, Borat, and Brüno, made him a favorite with his audiences. His work often revolved around satire and socio-political commentary. His nuanced portrayal of these characters bespoke his understanding of historical events, and he continues to be an asset for period pieces.

Will Ferrell Southern California Sports Information Major

A scholar and an athlete in his school days, the beloved actor Will Ferrell had chosen an unconventional career path. An alumnus of the University of Southern California, he majored in Sports Information. This is probably the reason behind his naturalistic flair in roles that have to do with sports!

He later went on to join a comedy/improvisation group in Los Angeles. However, he did find his calling as a performer a lot earlier. In his school days, Ferrell made morning announcements in disguised voices over the public address system. Well, thanks to this, otherwise, we never would've gotten to see his work in films like Elf and Semi-Pro!

The Neuroscientist Mayim Bialik

For all The Big Bang Theory fans- this one's for you! The character Amy Farrah Fowler, who is 'Sheldon's friend who is not his girlfriend,' was one of the actor's most well-loved works. However, the blitz of the acting industry wasn't all that new to her- she bagged her first role in Pumpkinhead when she was just 12 years old.

Despite a promising career in acting, she was passionate about her love for science. Yes, she's as brilliant in real life as her character Amy in TBBT! She holds a Ph.D. degree in neuroscience from the University of California. No wonder she managed to make science look cool.

Could Have Been Biomechanical Engineer Ashton Kutcher

The heartthrob of Hollywood, Ashton Kutcher's journey to Hollywood was not planned. Kutcher was a student at the University of Iowa, studying Biochemical engineering when he was discovered by a local talent scout. He probably hadn't imagined himself becoming an actor. The hit show That 70's Show, was his first project as an actor. He's given some great performances in box-office hits like Dude, Where's My Car?

Although he did not complete his degree after his success as a model, he did not limit himself to acting. His work in tech investments establishes his intellectual prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. He has also contributed to society through his social work.

A Princeton and Yale Scholar: David Duchovny

David Duchovny had it all figured out with a passion for literature; he wanted to become a professor of English. He's a proud holder of an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Princeton University and continued his studies at Yale University. His exceptional talents as a poet made him a favorite with the teachers. However, he left his doctoral studies at Yale to pursue acting full-time.

Although he'd worked in a number of films, it wasn't until much later that he got his ticket to stardom. His role as Fox Mulder in the hugely successful show X-files earned him recognition with international audiences. He’s a pop culture legend for a reason!

Carrie Underwood is an All-Rounder with a Mass Communications degree

Her mesmerizing voice might have opened the doors to fame for her, but she's emerged as a multi-media star since. With an education in Mass Communications at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, Carrie Underwood as well-prepared to take the media world by storm. The focus of her education was journalism and broadcasting.

Needless to say, her education has played a huge role in shaping her successful career. However, we're wondering if her infectious charm and self-assured disposition were self-taught! American Idol did propel her to fame, but her hard work is the reason she's also made a reputation as a formidable businesswoman.

Bradley Cooper is an Honors English Graduate

If there's a list of actors who are as talented as they're good-looking, Bradley Cooper definitely tops the list. But his path to success was a long-winded one. Cooper's educational background is a testament to his commitment to hardwork and intellect. He graduated from the Honors English program at Georgetown University with flying colors.

He also pursued Theater and fine arts to develop his acting skills and deliver the incredible performances we see today. He rose to fame with The Hangover and went on to give spectacular performances in different movie genres. Some of his most compelling performances include Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper.

Double Bachelors Holder: Rebel Wilson

After establishing herself in the Australian stage and television industry, Rebel Wilson took on the challenge of navigating Hollywood. Her impeccable comic timing shines through in her roles. She's most well-known for her roles in movies like Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. But did you know that her formal education was not at all related to her acting career?

She graduated with a Law degree from the University of New South Wales in 2009. Her sarcasm and sharp wit are not the only skills she acquired from the degree. On occasion, she admits to the advantage of having a background in law when you're negotiating acting contracts!

JK Rowling is a French Linguistic Scholar

A literary sensation, JK Rowling was pursuing a degree in French at the University of Exeter before she conceived the Hogwarts world. The critically acclaimed Harry Potter series, which has won her several awards, were eventually made into films. The tremendous success of the films worldwide prompted her to take up more writing projects, both for adults and children.

Her background in French was more of a practical necessity than a passion. According to Rowling, she had always wanted to be a writer. Her parents suggested bilingualism would increase her job prospects. In the end, we guess, great stories don't require degrees!

James Franco: MFA Degrees and Ph.D Scholar

One word that defines James Franco is versatility. However, his masterful performances are not just about talent; they are also the result of an impressive educational background. Franco pursued a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in English from UCLA. He also went on to earn two MFA degrees from the prestigious Columbia University and Brooklyn University. A third MFA in film from New York University was another feather in his cap.

It is this training that is reflected in his work as a director, writer, and actor. His stellar performances in movies like Milk and Spider-Man earned him a lot of recognition. His passion for work is commendable!

Danai Gurira is a Pro At Social Psychology

The unforgettable performances of Danai Gurira in Black Panther and The Walking Dead have won her critical acclaim. However, her academic journey was wound up for a different destination. She graduated with a BFA degree in Social Psychology from Macalester College. The effect of her education on her acting is subtle yet noticeable. Her portrayal of complex characters both on screen and on stage is deeply nuanced.

Her interest in Theater also prompted her to pursue an MFA degree in Theater from the Tisch School of Arts. According to Gurira, she wanted to pursue roles that were not limited or similar to her own experiences.

Call Him Doctor Brian May

You probably know him as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the legendary rock band, Queen, but Brian May is a lot more than that. An animal rights activist, a songwriter, and an astrophysicist, this versatile musician has done it all. Decades after his musical career, he earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Imperial College London.

He has co-authored several works on astronomy and collaborated extensively, including with NASA. Yes, that's right. He worked with NASA on the New Horizons Pluto Mission and wrote a song to mark the historic occasion. His enthusiasm for science and learning is commendable!

The Funny Medicine Doctor Ken Jeong

Before he took to carving a special place for himself in Hollywood with his hilarious performances, Ken was studying medicine. He studied and got his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina. He discovered and developed his interest in stand-up comedy while still studying.

He's best known for his performances as Ben Chang on the NBC/Yahoo! Sitcom, Community and Leslie Chow on The Hangover. His eccentric, humorous characters are often the life of the movies. There's no doubt about his hardworking nature. From working as an M.D. during the day and taking improv classes during the night, he's come a long way!

Meet Economist Lionel Richie

Captivating America's audiences with his soulful love ballads during the 70s, Lionel Richie comes from a family connected to music. His grandmother, a classical pianist, and his uncle, a big band jazz musician and arranger were a huge influence on him. He fostered a love for music alongside his interest in the world of finances and share markets.

He completed his undergraduate education in Economics from Tuskegee University. He also headed the campus band and worked with them until 1982, after which he began his solo career. Still, Can't Slow Down, and Hello remain timeless classics. You can't help but fall in love with these songs!

Architecture and Music Enthusiast Weird Al Yankovic

A man of unmatched wit, Weird Al Yankovic is known for creating some of the best parodies in the music industry. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University. While he did not put his creativity into practice in architecture, the influence of his education reflects in his work.

He has recorded more than 150 parodies and original songs and has won several awards, including Grammy awards. His music videos and parodies put a unique and humorous spin on songs. Some of his best hits include Hit It and Amish Paradise. He experimented with a number of other things like writing and voice acting roles.

David Spade is All About Business in Showbiz

Giving in to his natural flair for comedy and mischief, David Spade took to the stage as a stand-up comic. However, his sharp wit is complemented by his exceptional academic aptitude. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Arizona State University.

He began his acting career with a pure stroke of luck. While performing his routine at The Improv in L.A., he was spotted by a casting agent. This was how he landed his role in the film Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol. Eventually, he earned his place as a regular actor and writer on Saturday Night Live, which proved to be his gateway to success.

Freddie Highmore is a Multilingual Prodigy

Best known for his performance in the drama thriller series, Bates Motel, Freddie Highmore has many accolades to his name. However, he rose to fame a lot earlier with his work in movies like Finding Neverland and A Good Year. He also played the character Charlie Bucket in the film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Alongside a promising acting career, Highmore pursued an unconventional course of education. A Bachelor's degree in Spanish and Arabic demonstrates his profound appreciation for cultural awareness. His love for linguistic complexity is not limited to this- Freddie is also fluent in French and Portuguese. We can't wait to see this skill in his art!

Cool Columbia College Alumna Julia Stiles

Pop culture legend across generations: Julia Stiles is best known for her role in 10 Things I Hate About You. Fun fact: she's as smart and talented as her character in real life! She graduated from Columbia College with a degree in English, and her love of literature has tremendously influenced her work.

With an understanding and appreciation for storytelling and character development, she has been able to portray roles with surprising depth. Some of her other amazing performances include her roles in The Bourne Series and Between Us. She was introduced to Theater at a young age and has become a renowned name in the world of Theater.

Rooney Mara is a Genius With a Triple Bachelor

Versatility, dedication, and talent shine through in Rooney Mara's performances. Whether it is a hauntingly memorable performance, In the Ghost Story, or her sensitive and nuanced portrayal of the titular character in 'Carol.' She's truly a master of her craft! However, her academic choices reveal a different side of her. Mara chose to complete her Bachelor's in Psychology from New York University, followed by a second major in International Social Policy.

Born in a family that deeply believed in philanthropy, Rooney was always inclined toward social work. She has done notable work for social causes, unlike celebrities who are involved in charity for performative reasons.

Lisa Kudrow Specializes in Science

Lisa Kudrow is well-known for her role as the endearing folk singer Phoebe in the hit T.V. show Friends. She has gained significant recognition with nominations at the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and American Comedy Awards. Her initial career plans, however, had nothing to do with the entertainment biz. Passionate about research and science, she was a student at Vassar College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psycho-biology.

She developed an interest in acting after watching one of her brother's friends, comedian Jon Lovitz, perform at a club. She joined the improv group The Groundlings in L.A., where she polished her comedic skills.

Eva Longoria’s Love for Hispanic Culture

As intellectual as she is charming, Eva Longoria's educational background reflects her core values. She earned a Master's degree in Chicano from California State University, Northridge. Her pursuit of this degree has profoundly affected her understanding of Hispanic cultural issues, which is also reflected in her work as a director and producer.

Her acting career began when she was discovered by a theatrical agent in a talent show. Although she'd made a great career for herself with performances in The Young and the Restless, she earned international recognition much later. This was her performance as Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives, which was widely appreciated.

Gabrielle Union Got a Sociology Degree

With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of California, Gabrielle Union is a woman of many talents. Growing up in a strict household, she always understood the value of discipline, a virtue necessary for an actor. Her remarkable performances in Bring It On and Being Mary Jane reflect a natural ease with the camera.

Her journey to Hollywood also started with an internship at a modeling agency, which culminated in an acting job. She had actually taken this job to pay her education loans. Committed to her goal of creating a meaningful impact on the world, she has worked passionately for social causes.

Wanda Sykes has Professional Marketing Skills

Wanda Sykes' sharp wit and keen sense of humor have propelled her to international fame. Famous for her performances in shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, she has been ranked in 'Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America'. However, before her career took an unprecedented turn to a career in comedy, she was prepared to rock the corporate world.

She holds a Bachelor's in Marketing from the prestigious Hampton University. She also worked as a procurement officer at the NSA (National Security Agency) before entering the entertainment industry. Her analytical mindset proved to be an arsenal for navigating the entertainment industry successfully!

Chris Martin Fancied Ancient World Studies

We all know him- his soothing voice and musical genius have made him one of the most widely loved musicians of the century. Chris Martin was destined for a musical career- as a child, he drew inspiration from artists like Peter Gabriel and The Smiths. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Ancient World Studies from the prestigious University College, London.

The otherworldly quality of his songwriting might not have been the result of his education, but it was undoubtedly affected by it. Since Coldplay's enduring success, he has leveraged his fame for championing social causes. He is an avid supporter of the human rights organization Amnesty International.

Mr.Bean aka Engineer Rowan Atkinson

We all know him as the legendary and memorable character Mr. Bean. His work as a writer, producer, and actor is proof of his comedic genius. However, comedy isn't the only knack Atkinson has mastered. Believe it or not, Atkinson is a proud holder of a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen's College, Oxford.

However, he did not get a chance to pursue this line of work- he met screenwriter Richard Curtis shortly after. The duo wrote and performed many comedy revues. His groundbreaking success was spawned with the release of Not the Nine O'Clock Show. Surely, the world had to recognize his talents sooner or later!

John Cleese Knows Both Humor and Law

A talented student, John Cleese showed exceptional potential in both sports and academics. However, his love for comedy overpowered everything else for him. He went on to study Law at Cambridge. Here, he actively participated in the University's esteemed Footlights Group, writing and performing comedy reviews now and then.

His work in the realm of comedy, especially the world-renowned classic Monty Python, has remained hugely influential. Apart from being a writer in this genre, he is also admired as an actor. His character, Basil Fawlty, is particularly well-loved. Who knew that such academic decisions could lead to such a dynamic career path?

Vinny Guadagnino is a Political Science Expert

Few people can claim to be as charming as Vinny Guadagnino. His work in the MTV series, Jersey Shore was his claim to fame. He also appeared in small but significant roles in many other T.V. shows and series. Later, he even started his talk show, The Show with Vinny, produced by MTV.

However, there's a lot more to his personality that might not be so obvious at first. For instance, he was a student at the College of Staten Island, New York and holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He's also done notable work for a number of social causes, including animal rights and mental health awareness.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Business-Economics Major

A man of indomitable will, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has achieved so much in a lifetime that it is almost unbelievable. An actor, bodybuilder, filmmaker, politician, and businessman, he was successful in everything he did. However, his academic choices showcased his intellectual brilliance. He is a proud holder of a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Economics.

This educational background is a major reason behind his success. Despite his successful acting and bodybuilding career, he did not allow himself to get too comfortable. His passion and excellence continue to inspire thousands-despite his modest roots, he worked hard to rise to the top!

Anthropology and Archaeology Nerd Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie is a celebrated actor known for his groundbreaking Hollywood performances and iconic comedic roles in the British entertainment industry. His educational background, however, reveals a different side of the talented actor. It wasn't until after earning a Bachelor's in Anthropology and Archaeology from the University of Cambridge that he pursued acting.

His appearance in the famous Brit comedy series Blackadder Goes Forth was one of his most memorable comedic performances. He received appreciation from critics as well as audiences for his performance as the cynical character Dr. House on the show House M.D.' He is surely a man as interesting as his characters!

Aziz Ansari Can Do Marketing Professionally

Throughout his career shift from marketing to the entertainment industry, Aziz Ansari's strategic approach has played a huge role in his success. Yep, you read it right. Best known for his work in Parks and Recreation, Aziz Ansari completed his Bachelor's in Marketing from NYU's Stern School of Business.

Since his college days, Ansari often performed comedy in various avenues around the city. He honed his skills as a comedian and an entertainer, eventually landing roles in a number of feature films as well. His bit parts in movies like Get Him to Greek and Funny People also cemented his special place in showbiz!

J. Cole is a Communications Bachelor

Inspired by famous comic rappers like Canibus, Tupac, and Eminem, J. Cole was fascinated by this side of the music industry. Early on, he explored the fascinating art of storytelling through lyrics. Often called the 'conscious rapper,' Cole earned his Bachelor's in Communications from St. John's University, New York.

He's come a long way- from being the first signing by Jay-Z's Roc Nation to owning his label, Dreamville. J. Cole is also actively involved in social activism and has often used his art to voice his political opinions. His songs like No Role Modelz and Middle Child have been recognized for their unique lyricism and music.

Ben Mckenzie, the Master of Foreign Affairs

The multi-talented actor Ben Mckenzie is well-known for his roles in hits like Gotham and The O.C. His acting endeavors go back to his University days. The actor graduated from the University of Virginia with his Bachelor's degree in both Economics and Foreign affairs.

He is a beloved name in the realm of Theater and has delivered excellent performances on stage. After the overnight success of The O.C., he received a lot of recognition for his role as Ryan Atwood. He was also appreciated for his spectacular solo performance in the Indie feature film Johnny Got His Gun. Who knew he's as intellectual as he is talented!

John Legend Holds a Pennsylvania English Degree

Winning hearts all over with his mesmerizing voice, John Legend has many accolades to his name. He is the recipient of all four major North American Entertainment Awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. The singer-songwriter is also an accomplished pianist. In addition to his sparkling musical career, Legend graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English Literature.

Being from a musically gifted family, Legend mastered piano at a young age. The influence his educational background had on his songwriting career is evident. He has also won appreciation for his philanthropic efforts, particularly for the education of children from underprivileged backgrounds.]]>