While we often focus on the glamorous lives of celebrities—the red carpets, awards, and media attention—it’s easy to forget that many of them started out as students just like everyone else. For some, education played a significant role in their development, while for others, formal schooling took a backseat as their careers took off early. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into where some of the world’s most popular celebrities studied, from elite Ivy League schools to less conventional educational paths.
1. Natalie Portman: Harvard University
Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman has not only earned accolades for her performances on screen but also for her academic achievements. Born in Jerusalem and raised in the U.S., Portman was always academically inclined. Despite achieving global fame as Queen Amidala in Star Wars at a young age, Portman chose to prioritize her education. In 1999, she enrolled at Harvard University, where she studied psychology. Balancing her academic pursuits with her acting career, Portman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. She has often spoken about the importance of education, famously saying, “I’d rather be smart than a movie star.”
2. Emma Watson: Brown University
Emma Watson, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, was also as studious off-screen as her on-screen counterpart. After achieving global fame as a child actor, Watson took a brief break from acting to focus on her education. In 2009, she enrolled at Brown University, an Ivy League institution in Rhode Island, where she majored in English literature. Despite the pressures of fame, Watson was able to blend into university life, and she graduated in 2014. Her dedication to education has inspired countless young fans, and she continues to advocate for gender equality and education for girls around the world.
3. John Legend: University of Pennsylvania
Before becoming a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and activist, John Legend was a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Legend, whose real name is John Stephens, attended the Ivy League school on a scholarship, majoring in English with a concentration in African-American literature. While at Penn, Legend was heavily involved in music, directing the co-ed a cappella group Counterparts. His academic experience influenced his approach to music, and he graduated magna cum laude in 1999. Legend’s time at Penn helped shape his intellectual curiosity and activism, qualities that are evident in his music and public life today.
4. Conan O’Brien: Harvard University
Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian and late-night talk show host, is another Harvard graduate. O’Brien attended Harvard University, where he majored in history and literature. While at Harvard, he was a writer for the famous satirical publication, The Harvard Lampoon, which set the stage for his future career in comedy. Graduating magna cum laude in 1985, O’Brien took his wit and writing skills into the entertainment industry, eventually becoming a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons before landing his own talk show. His time at Harvard was crucial in developing his comedic voice and understanding of pop culture.
5. Oprah Winfrey: Tennessee State University
Oprah Winfrey, often regarded as one of the most influential women in the world, began her academic journey at Tennessee State University, a historically black university (HBCU). Winfrey attended TSU on a scholarship and majored in communications. Though she left school early to pursue a job in media, she later returned to finish her degree. Oprah’s college years helped her hone the communication skills that would make her one of the most successful media moguls in history. Today, Winfrey remains a strong advocate for education and has donated millions to educational causes, including the creation of her own school for girls in South Africa.
6. Matt Damon: Harvard University (Did Not Graduate)
Though Matt Damon is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he almost took a very different path. Damon enrolled at Harvard University in 1988, where he studied English. However, his passion for acting ultimately led him to leave school just 12 credits shy of graduating. It was during his time at Harvard that Damon wrote the early screenplay for Good Will Hunting, which would later earn him and Ben Affleck an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Though he didn’t complete his degree, Damon’s Harvard experience played a significant role in shaping his career, particularly his screenwriting talents.
7. Meryl Streep: Yale School of Drama
Meryl Streep, often referred to as one of the greatest actors of all time, has an academic background as impressive as her acting career. Streep attended Vassar College, where she earned her undergraduate degree in drama and design. However, it was at the prestigious Yale School of Drama that she honed her craft, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in 1975. Streep’s rigorous training at Yale laid the foundation for her unparalleled success in the acting world, where she has earned numerous Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and other accolades for her work.
8. Lupita Nyong’o: Yale School of Drama
Before her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o was a dedicated student at the Yale School of Drama. Nyong’o, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, pursued her MFA at Yale, graduating in 2012. Her time at the school gave her the training and confidence to excel in her craft, leading to her breakout role shortly after graduation. Nyong’o has credited her experience at Yale with helping her develop a deep understanding of acting, and it continues to influence her career choices today.
9. Mark Zuckerberg: Harvard University (Did Not Graduate)
Though not a traditional celebrity in the entertainment sense, Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, has achieved a level of fame that rivals many Hollywood stars. Zuckerberg attended Harvard University, where he studied computer science and psychology. While at Harvard, Zuckerberg and a group of friends created “The Facebook,” a social networking site that quickly grew beyond the campus and became a global phenomenon. Zuckerberg famously dropped out of Harvard in his sophomore year to focus on growing the company, which has since revolutionized social media and communication. Today, Zuckerberg remains one of the most influential figures in technology.
10. Rebel Wilson: University of New South Wales
Australian actress and comedian Rebel Wilson is known for her sharp wit and memorable performances in movies like Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. However, before taking Hollywood by storm, Wilson pursued a more academic route. She graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in law and arts (theater and performance studies). Wilson has spoken about how her legal education has helped her navigate the business side of Hollywood, particularly when negotiating contracts. Her academic background, combined with her natural comedic talent, has made her one of the most versatile actors in the industry.
11. Eva Longoria: Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Eva Longoria, best known for her role in Desperate Housewives, has always been passionate about education. Longoria earned her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville before pursuing acting. Not content with just one degree, Longoria later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge. Her academic achievements reflect her deep commitment to her heritage and advocacy for Latino communities. Longoria is a prime example of a celebrity who has balanced her entertainment career with intellectual pursuits.
12. Kourtney Kardashian: University of Arizona
Though the Kardashian family is often associated with reality TV and pop culture, Kourtney Kardashian’s academic background might come as a surprise to some. Before becoming a household name through Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney attended the University of Arizona, where she graduated with a degree in theater arts and a minor in Spanish. Kourtney’s education has often been overshadowed by the family’s media empire, but it played a significant role in her early life before fame.
While many celebrities are celebrated for their talents on the screen, stage, or in music, their academic backgrounds show that education has played a pivotal role in shaping who they are. Whether they graduated from Ivy League schools like Harvard or pursued less traditional educational paths, many of the world’s most famous stars have valued learning and personal growth alongside their rise to fame. For some, their studies have informed their careers, giving them skills that go beyond their celebrity persona, while for others, formal education was a stepping stone on their path to stardom. Regardless of where they studied, these celebrities prove that a strong foundation in education can complement even the brightest careers in entertainment.
