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When we think of celebrities, the image that often comes to mind is one of glamour, red carpets, and glitzy award shows. However, many stars also shine in the academic arena, boasting impressive college degrees that highlight their intellectual prowess. Here’s a list of 20 celebrities who have achieved remarkable academic success.
1. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in “Black Swan” and “V for Vendetta,” graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Psychology. Her dedication to academics is evident as she continued to study even while her acting career was taking off.
2. Emma Watson
Emma Watson, famous for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series, earned a degree in English Literature from Brown University. Balancing her studies with her acting career, Watson is a true testament to hard work and determination.
3. Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Farrah Fowler on “The Big Bang Theory,” holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA. Her academic background often informs her portrayal of her character, a neuroscientist, on the show.
4. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep, often considered one of the greatest actresses of all time, earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Yale School of Drama. Her academic training has undoubtedly contributed to her critically acclaimed performances.
5. Ken Jeong
Before becoming a comedy star in “The Hangover” series and “Community,” Ken Jeong earned his M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He practiced medicine as a licensed physician before fully committing to his acting career.
6. James Franco
James Franco, known for his roles in “127 Hours” and “Spider-Man,” is also an academic overachiever. He holds an MFA from Columbia University, an MA from New York University, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in English from Yale University.
7. Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on “Friends,” graduated from Vassar College with a degree in Biology. Before her acting career took off, she conducted research on headaches.
8. Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones, star of “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office,” graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Comparative Religion. Her academic background has undoubtedly influenced her multifaceted career in entertainment and writing.
9. John Legend
John Legend, the Grammy-winning musician, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English, specializing in African-American literature. His intellectual background often shines through in his thoughtful lyrics.
10. Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling, known for her work on “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Playwriting. Her college experiences heavily influenced her comedic writing and acting career.
11. Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, the man behind the beloved character Mr. Bean, holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering from The Queen’s College, Oxford. His technical background is a stark contrast to his comedic persona.
12. David Duchovny
David Duchovny, famous for his roles in “The X-Files” and “Californication,” earned an MA in English Literature from Yale University. His academic pursuits included a thesis on magic and technology in contemporary fiction and poetry.
13. Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields, who began her career as a child actress and model, graduated from Princeton University with a degree in French Literature. Her thesis was titled “The Initiation: From Innocence to Experience: The Pre-Adolescent/Adolescent Journey in the Films of Louis Malle, Peter Brook, and Victor Fleming.”
14. Conan O’Brien
Late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in History and Literature. His senior thesis focused on the use of children as symbols in the works of William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor.
15. Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria, best known for her role on “Desperate Housewives,” holds a Master’s degree in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge. Her thesis focused on the cultural implications of Latinas in Hollywood.
16. Dolph Lundgren
Action star Dolph Lundgren, famous for his role as Ivan Drago in “Rocky IV,” holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sydney.
17. Chris Martin
Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, graduated from University College London (UCL) with a degree in Ancient World Studies. His academic background often influences the depth and meaning of his music.
18. Shaquille O’Neal
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal earned a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Barry University, focusing on organizational learning and leadership. His dedication to education extends beyond the basketball court.
19. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett, acclaimed for her performances in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Black Panther,” graduated from Yale University with a BA in African American Studies and an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
20. Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler, known for his roles in “300” and “P.S. I Love You,” holds a law degree from the University of Glasgow. Before pursuing acting, he worked as a trainee lawyer.
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