Possessing superlative talents is perhaps the one concrete requisite that distinguishes entertainment professions from others. That’s why it’s not uncommon for actors and musicians not to attend higher education. Still, these celebrities with degrees are among those who prioritize education amid rising careers.
10 U.S. Celebrities with Degrees
Natalie Portman, John Legend, and Emma Watson are just a few of the celebrities with prestigious degrees under their belts. Citing Buzzfeed and Business Insider, here is the list of ten U.S. celebrities with degrees.
1. Natalie Portman
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman took on multiple supporting roles before her remarkable appearances in the Star Wars trilogy, which eventually solidified her career in the industry. Beyond the entertainment field, Portman attended Harvard University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2003.
2. Emma Watson
Best known for her memorable performance as one of Harry Potter’s leading roles, Hermione Granger, Emma Watson has left a lasting impression on movie aficionados as a sharp and quick-witted lady. Much like her character, Emma Watson possesses all the high qualities in terms of beauty, brains, and behavior. With a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Brown University, she continues to promote good causes.
3. John Legend
John Legend has made history as the first African-American musician to ever win four major North American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. His debut album, “Get Lifted”, was nominated for eight Grammy Awards and received accolades for Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2004. Long before his musical journey, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at the University of Pennsylvania.
4. Lupita Nyong’o
Recently gaining public attention for her grandeur appearance in the movie A Quiet Place: Day One, Lupita Nyong’o started off her acting career on the right foot, winning an Oscar for her debut film, 12 Years A Slave. Her awe-inspiring acting reflects the degrees she holds, a bachelor’s in film and studies from Hampshire College and a master’s in acting from the Yale School of Drama.
5. Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse, alongside his twin brother Dylan, was a successful child actor who starred in popular movies and TV shows like 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody', 'Grace Under Fire,' and 'Big Daddy'. In contrast to his acting journey, Cole Sprouse earned a bachelor’s degree in archaeology from New York University.
6. Mayim Balik
Widely recognized for her prominent role in the American sitcoms ‘Blossom, Mayim Balik is not a novice in both the academic field and the entertainment industry. Her unwavering commitment as a scholar is manifested through a series of degrees, including a bachelor's degree and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California.
7. Ken Jeong
Judging by his career as an actor and comedian, people probably wouldn’t know that Ken Jeong earned a medical degree from the University of North Carolina in 1995. Notably, Jeong won the Big Easy Laff-Off while completing his residency in internal medicine at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, according to Buzzfeed.
8. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep's outstanding portrayal of an autocratic fashion magazine editor in ‘The Devil Wears Prada may have been method acting, as the award-winning actress graduated from Vassar College with a bachelor’s degree in drama and costume design. Above all, Streep has won multiple accolades for her performances across various roles.
9. Lionel Richie
Soul-crashing ballad singer Lionel Richie holds an undergraduate degree that is far from his musical capability. In 1974, Richie graduated from Tuskegee University with a bachelor's degree in economics. Later that year, his campus band, the Commodores, was reportedly signed to the Motown Label.
10. Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster, an American actress and filmmaker, is a great living example of how to pursue education and your interests in the best possible way. Foster has received many awards for her roles in various movies and managed to graduate from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in literature.
