Famous People With Unexpected College Degrees

Many celebrities aren’t typically recognized for their intellect—unless, of course, their fame stems from being brainy, like Neil deGrasse Tyson or Bill Nye. However, the truth is that many well-known individuals possess far more knowledge than they’re often credited for. In fact, some have earned college degrees that might just catch you off guard. Continue reading to discover which Monty Python icon nearly pursued a career in law and what academic degree the legendary Gene Simmons holds!

Natalie Portman Has A Bachelor’s In Psychology

“I felt like there had been some mistake,” she later reflected. “I worried that I wasn’t intelligent enough to belong in that environment and that every time I spoke, I’d have to prove I wasn’t just a dumb actress.” This internal struggle was something she faced head-on by earning a degree from Harvard. Already a star after the release of *Star Wars,* she enrolled and returned with a diploma in hand, proving she was far more than just an actress.

Natalie Portman Has A Bachelor’s In Psychology

Alison Williams Is a Yale Grad

While Marnie might have been a few fries short of a happy meal, Alison certainly isn’t. Good for her!

Alison Williams Is A Yale Grad

*Girls* star Allison Williams’ character Marnie made a series of poor choices on the show, from terrible relationships to abandoning her career aspirations for music, despite lacking the ability to sing well.

The actress wasn’t permitted to pursue acting professionally until she completed her college education—at Yale, no less. There, she studied English and archaeology, but as a freshman, she didn’t secure a role in Yale’s prominent musical. Instead, she joined the improv group and discovered her true calling—comedy.

Sacha Baron Cohen Graduated From Cambridge

Since then, Cohen has become a Hollywood mainstay, often playing outlandish and seemingly clueless characters like Borat.

Sacha Baron Cohen Graduated From Cambridge

Sacha Baron Cohen skyrocketed to fame in the ’90s with his breakthrough creation and portrayal of Ali G, an uneducated, jungle music-obsessed character.

However, you might be surprised to learn that the London-born actor attended a private school before enrolling at one of England’s most prestigious institutions, Christ’s College, Cambridge. He graduated with an upper-second-class degree in History and was also an active member of the university’s dramatic society. It’s almost hard to picture him in a serious setting, isn’t it?

Will Ferrell Has A Bachelor’s In Sports Information

Will Ferrell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Information from the University of Southern California in 1990.

Will Ferrell Has A Bachelor’s In Sports Information

In 2017, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the same university. Interestingly, the sports information program no longer exists.

Ferrell humorously remarked, “Yes, you heard me, sports information. A program so challenging, so rigorous, that they discontinued it eight years after I left. Those of us with sports information degrees are an elite group. We’re like the Navy SEALs of USC graduates—there are very few of us, and the dropout rate was high.

Mayim Bialik Is a Literal Neuroscientist

Mayim Bialik became a household name as the lead in the NBC sitcom *Blossom* from 1991 to 1995. She holds a Ph.D.

Mayim Bialik Is A Literal Neuroscientist

While Blossom wasn’t unintelligent, she often seemed lost in her own world as she navigated life without a mother.

What many didn’t know for years is that Mayim possesses an intellect that surpasses most. in Neuroscience—an achievement that sets her apart from most actors. Although she returned to television as the brilliant Amy in *The Big Bang Theory,* she remains active in the medical field, having authored books on parenting and puberty.

Ashton Kutcher Has A Bachelor’s In Biochemical Engineering

No, this isn’t a prank. His motivation?

Ashton Kutcher Has A Bachelor’s In Biochemical Engineering

Ashton Kutcher may be one of the funniest figures in entertainment, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking in brains—despite often being mistaken for an airhead.

The multi-talented actor attended the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1996 with a degree in Biochemical Engineering, one of the more challenging fields of study. To find a cure for his brother’s heart disease. Now that’s a comedian with a noble cause.

David Duchovny Has a Master’s Degree From Yale

For many millennials, David Duchovny is more famously known as the hard-drinking writer and socially awkward Hank Moody from *Californication* than for his iconic role in *The X-Files.

David Duchovny Has A Master’s Degree From Yale

* If you’ve watched the show, it’s easy to assume that Duchovny might share some of his character’s flaws—but that couldn’t be further from the truth.D. behind to pursue acting full-time.

Duchovny graduated with a BA in English Literature from Princeton University and went on to earn a Master’s from Yale. Initially aspiring to be a screenwriter, he viewed acting as part of his research. “I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to write things that actors will perform, it’s probably helpful for me to understand what that’s like.” Little did he know that he would eventually leave his Ph.

Carrie Underwood Has A Degree In Mass Communications

Carrie Underwood is truly an achiever.

Carrie Underwood Has A Degree In Mass Communications

While many know her as the winner of American Idol, what you might not know is that after her victory, she returned to Oklahoma to complete her education.

At Northeastern State University, she was just three credits short of finishing her degree when she left for American Idol. She went back to earn her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications with a focus on Journalism, graduating magna cum laude.

Bradley Cooper Has A Bachelor’s In English

He attended Georgetown University and immersed himself deeply in his readings.

Bradley Cooper Has A Bachelor’s In English

Bradley Cooper, the stud, the myth, the legend, is also quite the aficionado of the English language.

His enthusiasm was evident when GQ asked him about his first encounter with *Paradise Lost*. For his thesis, he chose Vladimir Nabokov’s *Lolita*. His passion for literature was so profound that he even shed tears while reading *Romeo and Juliet* in the campus library.

Rebel Wilson Has A Law Degree

” Given that law is a challenging field, Wilson’s achievement is truly commendable.

Rebel Wilson Has A Law Degree

Rebel Wilson, known for her standout role in *Pitch Perfect*, revealed to Seth Meyers that she graduated from law school in 2009.

She attended the University of New South Wales, a prestigious institution often likened to the Harvard of Australia. “A lot of people look at me and think I’m stupid,” she said, “But no, I graduated from a school that’s kind of like the Harvard of Australia.

JK Rowling Has A Degree In French

The brilliant mind behind *Harry Potter* is also multilingual. J.K.

JK Rowling Has A Degree In French

Rowling attended the University of Exeter, where she earned a degree in French, with additional studies in Greek and Roman history.

Although her parents had hoped she would pursue a vocational degree, Rowling took a different path. “A compromise was reached that in retrospect satisfied nobody, and I went to study Modern Languages,” she said. “Hardly had my parents’ car rounded the corner at the end of the road than I ditched German and scuttled off down the Classics corridor.

James Franco Is a Ph.D Student at Yale

James Franco may be a controversial figure these days, but he remains a significant star. He even pursued a Ph.D.

James Franco Is A Ph.D Student At Yale

While his roles in films like *Pineapple Express* and *The End* often depict him as the stereotypical clueless stoner, in reality, Franco is highly intelligent.

He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University and has been deeply committed to his education throughout much of his adult life. at Yale while continuing his acting career. “I go to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in,” he shared with *The Washington Post*.

Danai Gurira Has A Bachelor’s In Social Psychology

She earned her degree in Social Psychology during her time there.

Danai Gurira Has A Bachelor’s In Social Psychology

Danai Gurira, known for her roles in *The Walking Dead*, *Black Panther*, and *Avengers*, has been making waves on screen for years.

Long before she became a powerhouse in Wakanda, she was immersed in her studies at Macalester College in Minnesota, graduating in 2001. “I was really looking at race, population, gender, and how we psychologically function in ways that affect our societal outcomes around those issues,” she shared with *Rolling Stone*.

Brian May Has A Ph.D. In Astrophysics

Brian May of Queen earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics with honors in the ’70s. In 2007, he returned to academia to complete his Ph.D.

Brian May Has A Ph.D. In Astrophysics

in Astrophysics at Imperial College London. His doctoral thesis focused on the motions of interplanetary dust—now that’s rock and roll!

Ken Jeong Is A Doctor Of Medicine

That’s right—Ken Jeong is indeed a real medical doctor. He earned his M.D.

Ken Jeong Is A Doctor Of Medicine

Yes, the same guy who famously jumped out of a trunk naked in *The Hangover*.

from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1995. Although he no longer practices medicine, Jeong has fully immersed himself in acting, and honestly, it seems he made the right call.

Lionel Ritchie Has A Bachelor’s In Economics

Lionel Richie earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Tuskegee Institute in 1974.

Lionel Ritchie Has A Bachelor’s In Economics

During his time there, he connected with musicians who would later become members of his first band, the Commodores. Although he had to pause his studies to tour, he eventually returned to complete his degree.

Weird Al Yankovic Has A Bachelor’s In Architecture

Weird Al Yankovic earned his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University. Eventually, his music career soared, and the rest is history.

Weird Al Yankovic Has A Bachelor’s In Architecture

Shortly after graduating, he realized that architecture wasn’t his true calling. He took a job in the mail room at a radio company in Culver City while pursuing his music in his spare time.

David Spade Has A Bachelor’s In Business

You might not picture David Spade as a serious businessman, but he actually graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Business in 1986.

David Spade Has A Bachelor’s In Business

Even while in college, he was already performing stand-up comedy and making people laugh. Ultimately, he chose to pursue comedy as his full-time career.

Freddie Highmore Has A Bachelor’s In Spanish And Arabic

Despite achieving success as a young actor, Freddie Highmore valued higher education and pursued a college degree.

Freddie Highmore Has A Bachelor’s In Spanish And Arabic

In 2014, he earned a Bachelor’s in Spanish and Arabic from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating with a double first, which is the British equivalent of first-class honors.

Julia Stiles Graduated From Columbia College

Julia Stiles was already well-known for her roles in films like *Save The Last Dance* and *10 Things I Hate About You* when she attended Columbia University.

Julia Stiles Graduated From Columbia College

In 2005, she graduated from the prestigious institution with a degree in English Literature. Reflecting on the experience of balancing acting with her studies, Stiles shared with *PEOPLE*, “there were some really funny, weird moments. Like a limo for the MTV Movie Awards pulling up in front of my dormitory with my name on it.

Gene Simmons Has A Bachelor’s In Education

Can you picture KISS frontman Gene Simmons as a middle school teacher? In fact, he taught sixth grade before diving into the world of rock and roll.

Gene Simmons Has A Bachelor’s In Education

Before becoming “The Demon,” he earned an Associate Degree from Sullivan County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Richmond College. He formed KISS in 1970, shortly after completing his studies.

Rooney Mara Has A Bachelor’s In Psychology, International Social Policy, And Nonprofits

Rooney Mara graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University, where she crafted a unique educational path.

Rooney Mara Has A Bachelor’s In Psychology, International Social Policy, And Nonprofits

She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2010 with a broad array of subjects, including psychology, international social policy, and the formation of nonprofit organizations. With such an extensive course load, she gained more knowledge than most people can fit into their brains.

Lisa Kudrow Has A Bachelor’s In Biology

Lisa Kudrow’s father was a renowned physician and researcher specializing in headaches.

Lisa Kudrow Has A Bachelor’s In Biology

Before embarking on her acting career, Lisa Kudrow planned to follow in his footsteps. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Vassar College and even worked on her father’s research team.

Eva Longoria Has A Master’s In Chicano Studies

In 2013, Eva Longoria earned a Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge.

Eva Longoria Has A Master’s In Chicano Studies

She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. Upon receiving her Master’s degree, Longoria enthusiastically shared, “You’re never too old or too busy to continue your education!

Gabrielle Union Has A Bachelor’s In Sociology

Initially, she planned to pursue a career in law after completing her undergraduate studies.

Gabrielle Union Has A Bachelor’s In Sociology

Gabrielle Union earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

However, in her final year of college, she began working at a modeling agency, where the owner encouraged her to try modeling. She soon transitioned into acting after graduation. Given the glamour of acting, it seems she made a choice that suited her perfectly.

Wanda Sykes Has A Bachelor’s In Marketing

She initially used her degree to work as a contract specialist at the NSA.

Wanda Sykes Has A Bachelor’s In Marketing

Comedian Wanda Sykes graduated with a degree in Marketing from Hampton University in 1986.

In 1987, she tried her hand at comedy for the first time, and her talent quickly became evident. She decided to leave the marketing world behind and pursue a full-time career in entertainment.

Chris Martin Has A Degree In Latin And Greek

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin met his bandmates while still a student at University College London.

Chris Martin Has A Degree In Latin And Greek

He didn’t pause his studies to focus on music; instead, he balanced both pursuits. He graduated with first-class honors in Ancient Latin and Greek Studies.

Ron Jeremy Has A Master’s In Special Education

Adult film performer Ron Jeremy has an unexpectedly impressive academic background. That’s what we might call a complete 180.

Ron Jeremy Has A Master’s In Special Education

He holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Special Education from Queens College. Faced with financial challenges as a teacher, he made a dramatic career shift into adult films.

Rowan Atkinson Has A Master’s In Electrical Engineering

Mr. While still at university, he was already performing.

Rowan Atkinson Has A Master’s In Electrical Engineering

Bean may seem like a bit of a dim bulb, but Rowan Atkinson, the genius behind the character, is quite the opposite.

He earned a Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s College, Oxford. Ultimately, he chose to leave the world of electrical engineering behind and became a comedic legend.

John Cleese Has A Bachelor’s In Law

John Cleese might have pursued a career in law if not for Monty Python. He graduated from Downing College, Cambridge, with a Bachelor’s in Law.

John Cleese Has A Bachelor’s In Law

During his time at Cambridge, he joined the renowned Cambridge Footlights theatre troupe, where he met his writing partner Graham Chapman. Cleese quickly took to comedy and made a remarkable career shift that no one could have expected!

Vinny Guadagnino Has A Bachelor’s In Political Science

Vinny Guadagnino from *Jersey Shore* earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Staten Island, graduating with an impressive 3.

Vinny Guadagnino Has A Bachelor’s In Political Science

9 GPA. He humorously claims to have a “Master’s in womenry,” though perhaps a Master’s in etiquette or gentlemanly behavior might have served him better.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Has A Bachelor’s In International Business And Economics

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s time as Governor of California might not be as surprising when you consider his background.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Has A Bachelor’s In International Business And Economics

Arnold Schwarzenegger Has A Bachelor’s In International