Cover Gerard Butler has a law degree from the University of Glasgow (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Gerard Butler has a law degree from the University of Glasgow (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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While many celebrities forgo higher education in pursuit of stardom, there are those who’ve managed to balance the spotlight with intellectual growth. These stars prove that you don’t always have to choose between fame and education
Jennifer Coolidge once quipped on screen, “People go to school to get smarter, so that they can get a job. You already have a job, so it's like skipping a step.” A bit tongue-in-cheek, sure, but it may be why so many celebrities leave academia behind. Sometimes it’s a personal need, sometimes to chase fame, oftentimes to seize career momentum, or maybe simply to step into a lucrative spotlight. For many people in the entertainment industry, the allure of stardom outshines the classroom.
Also read: 6 celebrities you didn’t know were child stars
Yet, those who manage to balance the demands of their profession with the rigours of higher education stand out all the more. To celebrate their intellectual pursuits, here’s a look at the stars who didn’t just make time for the spotlight—they made time for the books.
1. Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik deferred her acceptance to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) when she was busy on teen sitcom Blossom. When the roles eased, she returned to her studies, earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in neuroscience, with minors in Hebrew and Jewish studies. After failing to qualify for Medicine, she undertook a PhD in neuroscience.
Bialik was name-checked in The Big Bang Theory before joining the cast. Raj suggested they ask “the girl from Blossom” to join their Physics Bowl team. Bialik also consulted on the show, especially regarding her character, Amy Farrah Fowler, also a neuroscientist.
2. Brian May
English musician Brian May is often on “smartest celebrity” lists. He studied Mathematics and Physics at Imperial College London and earned a BSc in physics in 1968 with honours. He started working on his PhD in 1971 and completed it in 2007.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal studied business at Louisiana State University (LSU)—at one point taking a break to focus on basketball. By 2000, he had completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in General Studies with a minor in Political Science. In 2005, he earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix online. A few years later, he began to work towards an educational doctorate from Barry University, getting his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development.
O’Neal has stated that he plans to attend law school, but since then, he’s been back to school for sportscaster training (Syracuse University) and took courses in directing and cinematography (New York Film Academy).
4. Jerry Springer
The late broadcaster, TV show host, author and politician received a BA in Political Science from Tulane University in 1965. He then earned a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 1968. He even had a program called Judge Jerry.
5. John Cleese
John Cleese’s Monty Python costar Graham Chapman was a doctor, but Cleese himself no slouch in the academic department. His college education got interrupted due to the end of National Service but managed to take his place at Downing College, Cambridge, to read law two years later.
6. Sterling Morrison
Above Sterling Morrison performing with the Moe Tucker band, photographed in 1992 (photo by Ralf Zeigermann via CC BY 2.O)
Sterling Morrison performing with the Moe Tucker band, photographed in 1992 (photo by Ralf Zeigermann via CC BY 2.O)
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After a few interruptions due to band commitments, the late The Velvet Underground guitarist and co-founded received his English degree from the City College of New York in 1970. A year later, he began graduate school at the University of Texas, Austin, where he would later complete a Medieval Literature PhD.
7. Robert A. Leonard
Robert A. Leonard was one of the founding members of Sha Na Na, which began when he was taking his BA at Columbia College. The Phi Beta Kappa alum finished cum laude with a degree in Sociology in 1970. He left the band after receiving a fellowship from Columbia University’s Graduate School. He received his MA and MPhil in Linguistics in 1873 and his PhD in 1982.
Leonard was also a Fulbright Fellow and studying at Kenya’s University of Nairobi. He has assisted in several high-profile cases. He also founded the Hofstra University Foreign Linguistics graduate program, which he currently serves as Director.
8. Ria Lina
The Filipino-German comedian studied Pathology at the University of St. Andrews. She furthered her education with an MSc in Forensic Science from London South Bank University and a PhD in Virology from University College London.
9. Rebel Wilson
The boarding school graduate attended the University of New South Wales with degrees in Theatre and Performance Studies and Law. She still uses her legal knowledge to study her work contracts.
10. Michael Bishop
Michael Bishop of the heavy-metal band Gwar completed his PhD in Music from the University of Virginia. He still occasionally rocks out but is more often found teaching. He teaches American music history at UVA.
11. Dexter Holland
Co-founder and lead vocalist of punk rock band The Offspring, Dexter Holland attended the University of Southern California. He studied Biology, furthering his expertise with an MSc in Molecular Biology. After the band took off, he stopped his studies but picked them up again and earned a PhD in 2017.
12. Miuccia Prada
The co-CEO and head designer of Prada has a Political Science degree from the University of Milan and promptly obtained a PhD in the same subject from the same university. She also studied acting at the Piccolo Teatro.
13. Bill Bruford
The former Yes and Genesis drummer initially wanted to study Economics but wound up with his first love. The University of Surrey wanted to give him an honourary doctorate, but Bill Bruford decided to put in the work. His thesis, “Making It Work: Creative Music Performance and the Western Kit Drummer,” is available online.
14. Ellen Cleghorne
The Saturday Night Live alumna earned her undergraduate degree from Hunter College in New York City. She later pursued a PhD in Performance Studies at New York University.
15. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned tenor, is not only celebrated for his breathtaking voice but also for his academic pursuits. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pisa, where he also earned a Law degree. Though he briefly practised law, his passion for singing ultimately took centre stage.
16. Ben Stein
Above Ben Stein (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
Ben Stein (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
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Ben Stein’s dry wit and deadpan tone cloak his remarkable academic accomplishments. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Columbia University before attending Yale Law School, where he graduated as valedictorian.
17. Gerard Butler
Before his career-making stint in Phantom of the Opera, Gerard Butler was en route to becoming a lawyer. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Glasgow, where he also graduated with a law degree. Although he briefly worked as a trainee solicitor, his calling to the arts proved irresistible. He resigned one week before officially becoming an attorney.
