19 Stars Who Proved Their Smarts With Tough College Majors
Hollywood often gets a bad rap for being all looks and no brains, but plenty of celebrities have proven that beauty and brains can absolutely coexist.
From neuroscience to chemical engineering, these stars didn’t just coast through easy classes – they tackled some of the toughest academic programs around.
Get ready to be amazed by the impressive educational achievements of your favorite actors and entertainers!
1. Mayim Bialik – UCLA (Neuroscience, Ph.D.)
Before playing a neuroscientist on TV, this talented actress actually became one in real life.
Bialik earned her doctorate from UCLA, studying how hormones affect obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. Talk about method acting!
She balanced Hollywood auditions with late-night study sessions and lab work. Her dedication shows that pursuing your passion for science doesn’t mean abandoning your creative dreams.
2. Natalie Portman – Harvard University (Psychology)
While most teens would kill for her movie career, this Oscar winner chose textbooks over scripts during her college years.
Portman studied psychology at Harvard, even contributing to research papers published in scientific journals.
She once famously said she’d rather be smart than a movie star. Her academic achievements prove she managed to be both, graduating with honors while maintaining her acting career.
3. Jodie Foster – Yale University (Literature)
Already a famous child star, this actress stunned everyone by choosing one of America’s toughest universities.
Foster studied literature at Yale, immersing herself in classic texts while dealing with obsessive fans and paparazzi on campus.
Her classmates reportedly treated her like any other student. The experience gave her privacy and intellectual stimulation she craved after years in the spotlight.
4. Emma Watson – Brown University (English Literature)
Fresh off wrapping the Harry Potter franchise, Hermione herself headed to Brown for a real education.
Watson studied English literature while juggling filming commitments and becoming a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
She even spent time at Oxford as a visiting student. Her determination to finish her degree despite countless distractions shows the same dedication Hermione would have admired.
5. Gerard Butler – University of Glasgow (Law)
Before screaming ‘This is Sparta!’ this Scottish heartthrob was studying case law and legal precedents.
Butler completed his law degree at Glasgow and even worked as a trainee lawyer at a prestigious Edinburgh firm.
However, he got fired a week before qualifying as a full lawyer. That setback pushed him toward acting, proving sometimes losing one career opens the door to your true calling.
6. Donald Sutherland – University of Toronto (Engineering & Drama)
Few people know this legendary actor started as an engineering student before his creative side won out.
Sutherland initially pursued engineering at Toronto before switching to drama, though he maintained his analytical thinking skills throughout his career.
His technical background gave him a unique approach to character development. The precision required in engineering translated beautifully into his methodical acting technique.
7. Dolph Lundgren – University of Sydney / MIT (Chemical Engineering)
Action heroes aren’t supposed to have genius-level IQs, but this Swedish powerhouse breaks all stereotypes.
Lundgren earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering and received a Fulbright scholarship to MIT before Hollywood came calling.
He speaks five languages fluently too. While audiences know him for playing Ivan Drago, his real-life accomplishments make his movie characters look like underachievers.
8. Sterling K. Brown – Stanford University (Drama) & NYU Tisch (M.F.A.)
Excellence runs in this actor’s DNA, starting with his undergraduate years at Stanford.
Brown studied drama at one of the world’s most selective universities before earning his master’s at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School.
His rigorous training shows in every nuanced performance. From ‘This Is Us’ to ‘Black Panther,’ his academic foundation shines through in his incredibly detailed character work.
9. Rashida Jones – Harvard University (Philosophy)
Daughter of music legend Quincy Jones, she carved her own intellectual path at Harvard.
Jones studied philosophy, exploring questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics while also performing with the university’s improv comedy troupe.
Her philosophical training influences her writing and acting choices. The critical thinking skills she developed help her create characters with depth and authenticity.
10. Bradley Cooper – Georgetown University (English)
Long before becoming Hollywood’s leading man, this actor was analyzing Shakespeare and Hemingway at Georgetown.
Cooper graduated with honors in English, developing the language skills that later helped him learn French fluently.
He also rowed crew for the university. His Georgetown education gave him the intellectual depth that elevates his performances beyond typical leading-man roles.
11. Regina Hall – Fordham University (English) & NYU (Journalism)
Comedy gold doesn’t come without serious academic credentials, at least not for this hilarious actress.
Hall earned her English degree from Fordham before pursuing journalism at NYU, planning a career in communications.
She worked in journalism before acting opportunities emerged. Her education helps her understand story structure and character motivation, making her comedy performances intelligently crafted.
12. Nick Cannon – Howard University (Criminology)
Between hosting gigs and music projects, this multi-talented entertainer studied the criminal justice system.
Cannon pursued criminology at Howard University, one of America’s most respected historically Black colleges.
His studies gave him insight into social justice issues. That knowledge influences his philanthropic work and the conscious messages he incorporates into his various entertainment projects.
13. Anthony Anderson – Howard University (Fine Arts)
Laughter and fine arts education make a powerful combination, as this actor demonstrates perfectly.
Anderson studied fine arts at Howard, honing his craft at the same institution that produced countless Black excellence leaders.
His formal training grounds his comedic performances. Whether doing slapstick or dramatic work, his Howard education provided the technical foundation for his versatile career.
14. Bridgit Mendler – Harvard Law School (Law)
Disney Channel stars rarely end up at Harvard Law, but this former teen actress proved she’s full of surprises.
Mendler traded Hollywood for Cambridge, Massachusetts, tackling constitutional law and legal theory.
She’s also pursuing a Ph.D. at MIT. Her academic pursuits show that child stars can successfully transition into serious intellectual careers beyond entertainment.
15. Andrea Barber – Whittier College (English) & University of York (Women’s Studies)
Kimmy Gibbler from ‘Full House’ grew up to become a serious scholar with impressive academic credentials.
Barber earned her English degree from Whittier College before pursuing women’s studies at England’s University of York.
She took a break from acting to focus on education. Her international academic experience broadened her worldview and enriched her eventual return to television.
16. James Franco – UCLA (English)
When it comes to education obsession, this actor takes the cake with multiple degrees from various universities.
Franco earned his English degree from UCLA while simultaneously attending other institutions, becoming famous for his academic ambitions.
He’s pursued everything from filmmaking to poetry. Critics debate whether he’s a genius or just a perpetual student, but his dedication to learning is undeniable.
17. Emma Thompson – Cambridge University (English)
Wit and intelligence define this British treasure, starting with her time at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Thompson studied English at Cambridge, where she also joined the famous Footlights comedy troupe.
Her academic background shines in her screenwriting. She won an Oscar for adapting ‘Sense and Sensibility,’ proving her Cambridge education prepared her for literary excellence.
18. Shaquille O’Neal – Barry University (Education, Ed.D.)
Basketball dominance wasn’t enough for this seven-foot legend who promised his mother he’d finish his education.
O’Neal earned his doctorate in education from Barry University, writing his dissertation on humor in leadership.
He completed his Ed.D. while retired from basketball. His commitment to education, despite enormous wealth and fame, inspires fans to prioritize learning throughout their lives.
19. Jeff Cohen – UCLA School of Law (Law)
Remember Chunk from ‘The Goonies’? That adorable kid grew up to become an entertainment lawyer with serious credentials.
Cohen attended UCLA School of Law, trading truffle shuffles for legal briefs and courtroom arguments.
He now represents entertainment industry clients. His unique perspective as both former actor and lawyer gives him invaluable insight into the business side of Hollywood.
