Julie Bowen – Brown University

Julie Bowen rose to prominence after delivering flawless, thrilling performances in the popular comedy series Modern Family. What many of her fans don't know, though, is that the veteran actress is not only humorous; she is a graduate of Brown University, where she majored in Italian Renaissance studies.

While still in university, the star started her career, landing leading roles in low-budget films before she graduated. So, it isn't strange to see Bowen making it big in Hollywood, with numerous acting credits under her belt, most notably on television shows like Boston Legal and Lost.

James Franco – Yale University

While many celebrities are known for dropping out of school and making it in Hollywood, James Franco is different. The famed actor hails from an academic and artistic family, and it's not surprising that he massively thrived in both.

Franco has a Ph.D. in English from Yale University, having earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious Columbia University. This makes sense why most if not all of his performances in the productions he stars in are as perfect as they could be; the man went to school for it!

Natalie Portman – Harvard University

You might know Natalie Portman from her role in Star Wars or Marvel's Thor films, but did you know she attended Harvard University at the same time as social media mogul Mark Zuckerberg? The actress was pursuing a degree in Psychology at the time while also studying Hebrew literature.

Portman is undoubtedly among the most learned celebrities in the industry, having taken up after her dad. The star is also multitalented, for apart from her acting endeavors, she is also a professional modern and ballet dancer, having studied for the same at American Theater Dance Workshop.

Bill Maher – Cornell University

Before becoming the comedian and political commentator we all know, Bill Maher would have pursued a career in either history or English. This is after he graduated with a double major degree in the said subjects from Cornell University.
Still, we think his education has helped him soar to the heights of becoming among the world's notable television personalities. Maher has enjoyed a successful career so far, full of countless accolades, and he currently hosts the Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. While we don't think he plans on going back to school, his academic credentials are nothing short of admirable.

Meryl Streep – Yale University

We all have that one person who seems to be very good at everything. Meryl Streep is that friend, with anything the actor gets involved with becoming a massive success. From winning numerous Golden Globe and Academy Awards, the star is undoubtedly among the greatest performers of all time.

Her achievements don't end there, though; she has been winning since her younger days, earning her Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. Plus, we doubt there is anything Streep cannot do, considering she can seamlessly switch between different accents -something we find astonishing.

Matt Damon – Harvard University

Academy Award winner Matt Damon has starred in many blockbusters like The Martian, Bourne series, and The Departed. Damon’s inclusion in a movie is a certificate for success and he continues to grace the screens even after being in the field for 30 years.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Damon grew up in the vicinity of some great universities, including Harvard and MIT. It was only natural for him to aspire to go to those institutions. Damon got admitted to Harvard in 1992 but left before completing his degree when he got offered a major role in Geronimo: An American Legend.

Emma Watson - Brown University

Emma Watson became a fan-favorite with her performance as Hermione in the Harry Potter movies. As a child star, she went on to complete her studies even after she had risen to fame. Originally from England, Watson moved to the United States and attended Brown University between 2011 and 2014.

She got a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature while juggling between her acting duties and academics. The beauty managed to handle both quite well, as is evident with her successful performances in The Bling Ring, This Is The End and Noah during her time as a student.

Claire Danes - Yale University

Claire Danes announced herself to the world in My So-Called Life and won many awards in her debut role. She then suddenly vanished leaving people in wonder; turned out she got admitted to Yale University to study Psychology.

She had completed 2 years of study at Yale when she got some offers that were too good to turn down, as a result of which she decided to drop out of college and focus on her acting career. Since then she has done top roles in Homeland, Temple Grandin, and The Hours and still continues to be a leading name in Hollywood.

Mindy Kaling – Dartmouth College

Mindy Kaling is a popular name in American films and TV as a comedian, producer, writer, and actress who rose to fame via her acting and production of The Mindy Project. She has appeared in many acclaimed films and worked as a voice-over artist in notable films such as Despicable Me.

Kaling attended Dartmouth College, one of the most ancient institutions in America that provides top-quality education, and graduated in Playwriting in 2001. Next, she stepped into the field of acting and writing, and we are sure her time at Dartmouth helped shape her into the artist she is today.

Conan O’Brien – Harvard University

Conan O’ Brien is one of the most critically acclaimed names in hosting and comedy. He is predominantly recognized for his talk show that has become the longest-running late-night show in America, after being active for 27 years as of June 2021.

Conan O’ Brien has a unique, spontaneous, and elitist hosting style that makes him distinctive from other hosts, and the reason behind this could be his alma mater. He attended Harvard University, the most esteemed and oldest institution in the US, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts while focusing on literature.

Anna Paquin - Columbia University

Anna Paquin rose to fame as a child star when she starred as Flora McGrath in her debut movie The Piano and won an Academy Award at the age of eleven. Paquin continued to act on many projects during her teenage years but took a year's break after graduating from high school. During this time, she attended the prestigious Columbia University. Yet, the call to her craft was too great, and she dropped out after a year to continue her acting career.

Not many people can say that they attended Columbia, and even fewer people can say that they dropped out to pursue their passion. Good for her!

John Legend - University of Pennsylvania

John Legend is one of the most popular musicians alive. His heartfelt tunes have the ability to drive a crowd insane. With smash hits like All Of Me and A Good Night, Legend has become a superstar over the years. So, it's no surprise that the singer went to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude holding a bachelor's in English with a focus on African literature.

While at UPenn, he was president of a co-ed jazz and acapella group. He even recorded a song as the lead vocalist and received critical acclaim. It seems like he was always destined for greatness!

Paul Giamatti - Yale University

Many people have seen underdog Paul Giamatti appearing as a supporting character in some of the most popular movies. After ten years of staying on the sidelines, Paul starred in HBO's John Adams as the lead role and won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Even though he's finally gotten the recognition he deserves, there's one thing that we think that everyone should know about Giamatti: the fact that he went to Yale. He has a bachelor's in English from the university and a Master's of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama, where he was very active in the theater scene.

John Krasinski - Brown University

The lovable John Krasinski is loved by comedy fans everywhere. When he isn't playing the smart-mouthed Jim in The Office (US), he's busy making fun of haters for marrying the beautiful Emily Blunt. Well, given his academic credentials, we're not surprised why Emily fell for him. Krasinski attended Brown University, where he studied English and graduated with honors as a playwright.

During his time at Brown, he was part of a comedy sketch group and even attended the National Theater Institute as well as the Royal Shakespeare Company. People often underestimate John, but he's a very accomplished actor and screenwriter with many awards under his belt.

Elizabeth Banks - University of Pennsylvania

The gorgeous Elizabeth Banks is an American film and theater actress, director, and writer best known for starring in The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect film series. She's a very successful actress, and when you learn about her background, you'll realize why. Banks attended the highly competitive University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude in communications with a minor in theater arts.

Studying at UPenn, she became a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and was elected to the Friars Senior Society. After graduating, she pursued theater at the Amer American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California, where she earned an MFA degree.

David Duchovny – Princeton University

X-Files solidified David Duchovny as a bankable Hollywood star. Aside from acting, the star has four published books, namely Holy Cow: A Modern Day Dairy Tale and Miss Subway. David loves writing so much he got English literature degrees at both Princeton and Yale, even putting his career on hold to focus on his passion.

Yet, he didn't completely shun himself from acting, appearing in the 2020 film The Craft: Legacy. Nowadays, the actor is focusing on his health after experiencing the pandemic firsthand. We hope for nothing but his continued health and safety.

Edward Norton – Yale University

Everyone will probably agree that Edward Norton is one of the most well-renowned actors today. Norton has been part of various films over the years like Keeping the Faith, Down in the Valley, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Before becoming an actor, Edward graduated from Yale and worked for a few months in Japan before going to New York to pursue his acting career. Norton is still active nowadays, appearing in Collateral Beauty and Moonrise Kingdom. Suppose you're wondering where to watch him next. You can catch him at The French Dispatch when it shows in theaters soon.

Laura Linney – Brown University

If you watch Ozark, it's impossible not to know Laura Linney. Laura's such a talented actor that she has two Golden Globe Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards under her belt. She was also nominated for three Academy Awards and five Tony Awards so far in her career.

With such achievements, we're sure that her alma mater Brown couldn't be prouder. During her stay at the Ivy League, Linney served as a board member in the university student's theater group. During her senior year, the star also performed in her father's play, Childe Byron. Well, new opportunities come for people who continuously hone their skills.

B.J. Novak – Harvard University

Harvard alumni B.J. Novak has been making waves in the Hollywood industry today. He graduated from the prestigious school in 2001, majoring in English and Spanish Literature. Of course, aside from studying, Novak joined the schools' humor publication and student's social club.

What a talented man this actor turned out to be! Since graduating, Novak has been in numerous high-profile films and series: Saving Mr. Banks,The Amazing Spiderman 2, The Newsroom and The Mindy Project. Novak also worked behind the scenes, writing, and producing the American version of The Office.

Jake Gyllenhaal – Columbia University

Jake Gyllenhaal has been making one blockbuster hit after another since the late ‘90s. The actor has been in highly acclaimed films like The Day After Tomorrow, Brokeback Mountain and Donnie Darko, making him a worldwide success.

Before pursuing an acting career, Gyllenhaal was an Eastern religion and philosophy student at Columbia University dropping out to focus on his acting career. Even though the actor intended to finish his degree, it didn't appear like Jake continued his studies. Nevertheless, the The Spiderman: Far From Home actor is still incredibly smart even without a diploma.

Rashida Jones - Harvard University

Being born in a well-off family gave Rashida Jones the privilege to go to an Ivy League School. Before Jones pursued acting, she finished a degree in philosophy and religion from Harvard University in 1997.

According to The Office actress, the prestigious institution changed her mind about starting a career in the entertainment industry by engaging her in various activities, including a drama club and an acapella group, which helped mold her into the multi-talented performer that she is today. Let’s hope she passes on her gifts to Isaiah, her son with singer Ezra Koenig.

Art Garfunkel - Columbia University

Many of us know Art Garfunkel as the brilliant singer/songwriter who gave us Bridge Over Troubled Water. Still, let's not forget that he is also a well-educated man who studied Art History and gained a Master's degree in Mathematics at Columbia University.

Despite the demands of the Ivy League school, Garfunkel continued his career in music with a passion that ignited when he was still a young boy. The musician then recorded more projects with his long-time friend Paul Simon, and they eventually snatched five Grammy awards. This performer's journey proves that you can be an artist and still not miss out on education

John Lithgow - Harvard University

John Lithgow can thank his parents’ theater background and Harvard University’s drama club for his acting prowess. John’s mother was an actress while his father produced local Shakespeare festivals and eventually worked at Princeton, New Jersey. Yet, it was at Harvard that the actor chose to study graphic arts after gaining a scholarship.

Not long after, the young John wowed the audience when he went on stage for King Lear and Edward II with his distinct dramatic voice. The iconic actor later conquered Broadway and Hollywood, claiming three Emmys and two Tony Awards under his name. John mentions these in his memoir, Drama: An Actor’s Education.

Liev Schreiber - Yale University

Liev Schreiber has a real "rags to riches" story! The actor had a rough childhood, but that did not stop him from pursuing an education. Before starring in the Scream trilogy, Liev received a Master's degree in Drama from one of the world's most prestigious institutions, Yale.

The award-winning performer originally wanted to be a playwright, but his teacher encouraged him to act instead. True enough, Liev received much recognition for his performances in Broadway as well as in Hollywood. So see, this is why we should listen to our teachers.

Tommy Lee Jones - Harvard University

Many prominent people came out of the Harvard University gates, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and actor Tommy Lee Jones, who were actually roommates. Jones received a degree in English from the notable college, and ten days after graduating, he landed a role in a Broadway production of A Patriot for Me.

Since then, the veteran actor has appeared many times in theater and films, mostly portraying a sarcastic law enforcer or military man. Jones' performance as a deputy in The Fugitive even gave him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. The famous personality remains friends with Al Gore to this day.

Jane Lynch - Cornell University

Television and film actress Jane Lynch is an expert in throwing a punchline, a skill she must have mastered at Cornell University. Soon after getting her post-graduate degree in acting, Lynch moved to Chicago and started her career in theater.

Fast forward to the present time, the multi-faceted performer's list of notable appearances has grown to include The Fugitive, Two and a Half Men, and Frasier. Being a former choir singer, Lynch can also carry a tune, which she showcased in several musicals. Additionally, her role as an overly aggressive cheerleading coach in the musical TV series Glee earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Anderson Cooper - Yale University

Being born in a prominent family as an heiress' son, Anderson Cooper was able to get a degree in Political Science from the prestigious Yale University. After graduating, he landed a job in Channel One News and has been in the broadcast business since.

Known for having silver hair and a thirst for stories of survival, Cooper expertly covered international conflicts, presidential elections, and other tales of loss. The CNN news personality became more well-known after his emotional accounts of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Nevertheless, the journalist still knows how to have fun, especially when hosting New Year's Live in New York City.

Ashley Judd - Harvard University

Ashley Judd went to around fifteen schools in her lifetime, and on the list is Harvard University, where the actress gained a Master's in Public Administration degree. Known as a humanitarian advocate, Judd specialized in gender equality and women's studies.

Outside the academe, this stunning celebrity starred in over 20 films and was named among The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People* magazine. Judd made the headlines in 2021 after she nearly lost her leg in an accident in Congo while working on research. Generally, this amazing woman has it all: beauty, brains, and a heart.

Brooke Shields - Princeton University

Brooke Shields started a career at such a young age that it's hard to believe she ever had the time to get a degree from Princeton University! Fortunately, her college yearbook would prove that she studied French Literature at the acclaimed institution in 1987.

Having a mother determined to make her a star, Brooke appeared on a commercial before her first birthday and had a movie at 12 years old. The young actress then signed a modeling contract and posted for Vogue and Calvin Klein. This beautiful woman's most notable works include Blue Lagoon and her book about battling postpartum depression.

Aisha Tyler - Dartmouth University

Aisha Tyler is known for having a compelling figure, and a knack for comedy, but let's not set aside her diploma from Dartmouth College. The actress earned her degree in Political Science from the Ivy League School after studying performing arts as a teen.

Determined to pursue a career in entertainment, Tyler quit her nine-to-five job in an environmental firm and worked full-time as a stage comic. She made huge strides in an industry that was elusive to women, and the comedian soon landed on the popular show Talk Soup as host. Aisha still loves making the audience laugh, and the fans adore her for it.

Maggie Gyllenhaal -Columbia University

Almost all the members of the Gyllenhaal family are actually very well educated. While her younger brother was busy with his acting career, Maggie Gyllenhaal was studying literature and Eastern religions at Columbia University.

Her brother, Jake, was also studying the same course at the same university, although he dropped out in order to focus more on acting. Maggie was the only one of the two to complete and graduate from the university. Although she hasn't made as much of a splash as her brother in the world of acting, she has collected some notable credits as a TV actress.

Jennifer Connelly - Yale University

Jennifer Connelly is much more than a pretty face (and a bucket of talent!). She's actually pretty brainy too! She once described herself as a nerd who would spend most of her time in the law-school library when she attended Yale University!

She arrived at Yale in 1988, where she studied English Literature. After some time at the institute, Jennifer took a liking to the art of acting and decided to transfer to Stanford University to study drama! That's right! She attended both of these top schools. How can one person be so beautiful, talented, and intelligent?

Ivanka Trump - University of Pennsylvania

Ivanka Trump has been making waves as a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. Did you ever wonder what she was doing prior to started her self-named clothing line?

Before she followed her father's footsteps in the business world, Ivanka attended the Georgetown University. Not long after that, she would attend the prestigious private University of Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in economics. She must really have her father's mind for money because the lady went on to graduate cum laude from the Ivy League university. No wonder Ivanka became such a successful young woman!

Henry Winkler - Yale University

Did you know that Fonzie from Happy Days is a Master of Fine Arts? Yes! Henry Winkler actually attended the highly prestigious University of Yale, where he would receive the postgraduate degree award from the Yale School of Drama. After graduating, he was consistently between auditions before he landed the beloved role of Arthur Fonzarelli.

Years later, Henry Winkler is easily among the most decorated actors alive, receiving multiple Emmys and Golden Globes for both comedic and serious roles. We can't wait to catch him on the next project for endless belly laughs!

Jodie Foster - Yale University

Jodie Foster is renowned as one of the greatest actresses of her generation as well as one of the greatest actresses of all time! Foster got her first breakthrough when she was only 12 years old, performing as a child-in-need in the movie Taxi Driver. Did you know that in between that and her career as an adult actress, she attended Yale University?

The multi-award-winning actor and director would go on to study African-American Literature in the prestigious university and graduate magna cum laude! After all her success, she would go back to Yale as a speaker, receiving an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts title.