When it comes to the educational backgrounds of some of the most famous people, you’d be surprised by what they studied before entering their well-known professions. These famous figures show how versatile and multidimensional their lives are, often balancing unexpected academic pursuits with their public careers. Their educational backgrounds remind us that curiosity and learning can lead to surprising paths. Whether continuing in their field or applying it to creative work, each has shown the value of diverse knowledge. Here’s a list of 20 celebrities who earned unexpected college degrees that show their versatility and varied interests. From architects to scientists, these famous names took paths that might surprise their fans!
Mayim Bialik
Degree: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, UCLA
Career: Actress on The Big Bang Theory and Blossom
Details: Known for her role as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, Bialik is also a real neuroscientist. She pursued her Ph.D. studying obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome.
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Natalie Portman
Degree: Bachelor’s in Psychology, Harvard University
Career: Academy Award-winning Actress
Details: Portman balanced her acting career with academics, even studying while filming Star Wars. Her thesis focused on the neural underpinnings of object permanence in infants.
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Ken Jeong
Degree: M.D., University of North Carolina
Career: Comedian and Actor (The Hangover, Community)
Details: Before he became a comedian and actor, Jeong was a practicing physician. His medical background even helped him land his role on Dr. Ken, which drew from his experiences as a doctor.
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Eva Longoria
Degree: Master’s in Chicano Studies, California State University
Career: Actress (Desperate Housewives)
Details: Longoria pursued her Master’s with a focus on social justice, culminating in a thesis titled “Success STEMS from Diversity: The Value of Latinas in STEM Careers.”
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Shaquille O’Neal
Degree: Doctorate in Education, Barry University
Career: NBA Player and Media Personality
Details: After his NBA career, Shaq earned a doctorate in education. His dissertation explored the duality of humor and seriousness in leadership.
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Carrie Underwood
Degree: Bachelor’s in Mass Communication, Northeastern State University
Career: Country Music Star
Details: Before her rise to fame, Underwood planned to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Her degree in mass communication included an emphasis on journalism.
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Rebel Wilson
Degree: Bachelor’s in Law and Arts, University of New South Wales
Career: Comedian and Actress (Pitch Perfect)
Details: Wilson’s background in law influenced her approach to contracts and negotiations in Hollywood, where she has made a name as a savvy and successful actress.
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Brian May
Degree: Ph.D. in Astrophysics, Imperial College London
Career: Lead Guitarist for Queen
Details: May completed his Ph.D. in astrophysics over 30 years after starting it, focusing on zodiacal dust clouds in the solar system. He remains passionate about science.
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Ashton Kutcher
Degree: Studied Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa
Career: Actor (That ’70s Show), Investor
Details: Kutcher’s background in biochemical engineering informed his early interest in technology. He later became a prominent tech investor, supporting startups like Uber and Airbnb.
Sandee LaMotte, CNN
Art Garfunke
Degree: Master’s in Mathematics, Columbia University
Career: Musician (Simon & Garfunkel)
Details: Known for his folk-rock career, Garfunkel also pursued mathematics and considered a career in teaching before Simon & Garfunkel’s success.
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Rowan Atkinson
Degree: Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Oxford University
Career: Comedian (Mr. Bean)
Details: Atkinson’s technical background helped shape his analytical approach to comedy. His thesis focused on self-tuning control systems.
Alex Grimm
Chris Martin
Degree: Bachelor’s in Ancient World Studies, University College London
Career: Lead Vocalist of Coldplay
Details: Martin’s interest in the ancient world brought a unique perspective to his songwriting and creative work in Coldplay.
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Sigourney Weaver
Degree: Master of Fine Arts, Yale School of Drama
Career: Actress (Alien, Avatar)
Details: Although Weaver is best known for her sci-fi roles, she’s highly trained in classic acting methods from Yale, a prestigious conservatory for actors.
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John Legend
Degree: Bachelor’s in English with a focus in African-American Literature, University of Pennsylvania
Career: Singer, Songwriter
Details: Legend’s studies influenced his songwriting and activism. He was also a management consultant before pursuing music full-time.
Dana Trippe
Lisa Kudrow
Degree: Bachelor’s in Biology, Vassar College
Career: Actress (Friends)
Details: Kudrow originally planned to become a medical researcher like her father. Her degree helped develop her analytical skills, which she later applied to her comedy.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Degree: Bachelor’s in Criminology and Physiology, University of Miami
Career: Wrestler, Actor
Details: Johnson initially aimed for a career in law enforcement before turning to football and then professional wrestling. His studies gave him insight into character roles in law enforcement and action films.
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Will Ferrell
Degree: Bachelor’s in Sports Information, University of Southern California
Career: Comedian and Actor (Anchorman)
Details: Ferrell’s degree in sports information reflects his early interest in sports broadcasting, which he later parodied in his comedic roles.
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Kourtney Kardashian
Degree: Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts and Spanish, University of Arizona
Career: TV Personality (Keeping Up with the Kardashians)
Details: Before her reality TV fame, Kardashian studied theatre arts and Spanish. Her degree prepared her for performing on screen.
Jeff Kravitz
Dexter Holland
Degree: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, University of Southern California
Career: Lead Singer of The Offspring
Details: Holland, a punk rock icon, also holds a Ph.D. and has conducted research on HIV. His dedication to academics is as impressive as his music career.
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Ashley Judd
Degree: Master’s in Public Administration, Harvard Kennedy School
Career: Actress, Activist
Details: Judd’s work in public administration reflects her commitment to social issues. Her studies focused on poverty and social justice.
Victor Demarchelie
