Famous Faces Pursuing Education: Celebrities Who Went Back to College

The path to stardom is not always a straightforward journey, with many celebrities deciding to further their education even after achieving fame. This article highlights some notable figures who went back to college to pursue their academic dreams, often as a means to gain further stability and explore new interests.

Michael Phelps

While Michael Phelps is predominantly known for his Olympic gold medals in swimming, he has also completed his degree from Northwestern University in 2014, pursuing a degree in social entrepreneurship. This choice has been praised for helping Phelps find a new purpose beyond his athletic career.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, the iconic actress, pursued a Bachelors in Psychology from Harvard University in 1999, even as she was already a rising star with films like Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. This decision has been viewed as both intuitive and necessary for her personal growth.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, the Queen of Television, took a similar path. By 1984, she was a few credits away from graduating from Tennessee State University when she decided to trade in her educational ambitions for a job opportunity - becoming an anchor on a Chicago local station. Oprah returned to complete her degree at her alma mater, reaffirming her commitment to education. In 1987, Oprah was back on the campus to speak at her graduation ceremony, proudly receiving her degree and inspiring thousands.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion, a prominent figure in the music industry, has also achieved significant success. However, she took a break from her busy schedule to finish her Business Degree from Eastern Vermont College, showing how music and education are not mutually exclusive.

Sir Brian May - Queen

For Sir Brian May, lead guitarist of the iconic band Queen, education is more than just about gaining a degree. He took a temporary hiatus from his studies to dive into the music business with Queen but eventually completed his PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College in 2007. This demonstrates the blend of science and artistry within the world of rock.

The Pursuit of Knowledge Despite Fame

Despite the enormous pressures linked to fame, many celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, Bridgit Mendler, Brooke Shields, Dylan Cole Sprouse, Elisabeth Shue, Emma Watson, Eva Longoria, Haley Joel Osment, Jennifer Stone, Jodie Foster, Leah Remini, Mary-Kate Ashley Olsen, Mayim Bialik, Miranda Cosgrove, Natalie Portman, Nick Cannon, and Yara Shahidi, among others, have chosen to go back to college. These figures are excellent examples of how continuing education can serve as a personal journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Conclusion

This journey of pursuing degrees and higher education is not limited to these figures. It is a realm where celebrities, like many others, find purpose and a new perspective. Whether it is for personal satisfaction, career improvement, or simply to satiate a thirst for knowledge, returning to the classroom can be a meaningful part of the life of a celebrity.