Celebrities Who Went to College: Finding Success on Campus and Beyond

Most people don’t think beyond the spotlight when dealing with celebrities. The popularization of TV shows and blockbuster movies as the greatest achievements of Hollywood has rendered education almost irrelevant to viewers. In the last two decades, emphasis has slowly shifted from classwork to acting abilities. Actors such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Halle Berry, and Anne Hathaway, to mention just a few, have gained millions of followers and earned millions of dollars for their skills but conspicuously lacked a college education.

Newspapers, magazines, and blogs have written and shared their stories across platforms, hailing their success against all odds. In fact, simplistic arguments such as “you don’t need a college degree to succeed” have been used to describe them. But there’s a more positive side to the story. Hollywood has many celebrities who went to college. While some of them became famous after college, others braced the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to pursue higher education. Read on to know celebrities with college degrees and how they’re fairing.

Famous Celebrities Who Went to College and How Education Has Shaped Their Lives

The importance of education to celebrities cannot be overemphasized. Being a celebrity can be a blessing and a curse. Many successful individuals have failed for a lack of knowledge, skills, and inexperience. In fact, there’s an entire section online that tracks failed celebs and what caused their downfall. Most sources cite lack of education as the primary cause of downfall. Pursuing higher education improves your decision-making, especially about your career, finances, and personal life. It’s easier for a celeb to be swallowed into the world of drugs, overspending to look the part and unnecessary endorsements. Good decision-making, which a college education instills, can help you avoid the trap and lead a more responsible and calculated life.

The burden of fame can also be difficult to handle, especially for those who lack guidance. Becoming popular at a younger age complicates it further. Attending a community college can help you develop a solid foundation to navigate the complex and competitive entertainment industry with confidence. It will give you room to practice your dual identity, being a student and a celeb, setting you on the right track for a prosperous future. Dealing with college chronicles and what other students write about you in campus circulars prepares you for national and regional coverage, which often comes with more pressure.

Unlike high school, universities have learners who will serve you hard life lessons. They’ll throw punches below the belt, developing your resilience and response to negative writing and coverage. You’d better deal with jealous mates than deranged journalists with failing careers, the kind fighting for readership in a crowded field.

From Hollywood to the Halls of Ivy: 7 Top Celebs Who Went to College

So, now that we’ve explored the importance of education to celebs, it’s time to discuss celebs who went to college. While the list is quite long, we’ll only highlight a few individuals who’ve made significant progress in their careers. Lights, camera, books, and go!

Natalie Portman

There are few famous actors who can own their roles like Portman. Her on-screen presence is captivating and heartwarming. If you’re in doubt, watch films like “Black Swan,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” and “V for Vendetta,” just to mention a few. Apart from shining on the global film stage, she has made a name in academia. In 2003, she graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She’s got not only the looks but the brains, too.

Emma Watson

Emma is another beauty with brains. The British-born actor has won many awards for her stunning roles in blockbusters and independent films. Her most popular acts are in the “Harry Potter” series. She attended Brown University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Emma Watson is also widely celebrated for her remarkable work in championing women’s rights.

Conan O’Brien

Unlike Emma, Portman, and other celebrities who went to college, O’Brien’s path to a degree was a bit straightforward. He didn’t face the burden of popularity while studying. Instead, he attended university before joining the entertainment industry. Popular for his role as a screenwriter for the Simpsons and hosting talk shows, O’Brien has a Harvard University degree in History and literature. He’s one of the few people whose educational backgrounds have undoubtedly aided their careers. No doubt the celebrity cares much about his kids’, son and daughter’s  education too..

Lupita Nyong’o

Hollywood celebrates many black actors, and Lupita is amongst the best. She’s one of those celebrities to write an essay about. Nyong’o came into the limelight in 2013 after delivering a stunning performance in “12 Years a Slave.” She has since gone on to win several awards, including an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award.  She has also secured several nominations in New York, including Golden Globe and Tony Awards. The sparkling beauty attended Hampshire College and later Yale University’s School of Drama.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy is another black female actor with universal recognition. An alum of Dartmouth College, where she attained a playwriting degree, her biggest contributions to film are in “The Office” and “The Mindy Project.” She also did amazing voiceovers in Despicable Me (2010), and Inside Out (2015). Over the last few years, she has shifted from movie roles to writing and producing her own shows. And her career is thriving. Mindy’s college education prepared her for her sunset role.

She’s doing what she loves and is pretty good at it. Unlike her, many people struggle with writing. They’d struggle to develop movie scripts and essays. That is where the online essay writing service CustomWritings comes in. As a reputable organization that helps students with all types of texts, they can work together with you in developing winning scripts. Don’t hesitate to contact them for invaluable guidance.

John Legend

John Legend is one of the most famous singer-songwriters in the world today. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English, majoring in African-American literature in 1999. John Legend is one of the nice guys out there. Apart from his music career, he devotes a lot of his time to social justice advocacy. There’s more to his person than just the nice voice.

Rashida Jones

As they say, better late than never. Rashida’s acting skills have earned her a place on this list. A successful actor and an accomplished screenwriter, she earned her bachelor’s in philosophy and religion from Harvard University in 1997. While famous for her acting, her greatest impact was in co-writing the screenplay for “Toy Story 4” – an amazing feat if you’ve watched the animation.

Thinking Beyond the Spotlight for Personal and Professional Success

Being a celebrity isn’t equivalent to being mentally incapacitated. Some of the popular individuals gracing our TV screens have stellar records in the classrooms. And as you can see above, they have all sorts of diplomas in different fields. In fact, the probability that celebrities went to college is higher than not. And it’s a good thing. College-educated celebrities seem to do better in their careers and personal lives.