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Celebrities have lives that are as complex as that of any human being, making them more than just what they are famous for. Other than their fame, several stars earned prestigious degrees, excelled in demanding academic fields, or built impressive résumés outside the entertainment industry.
Their fame tends to overshadow their academic backgrounds, yet these celebrities prove that intelligence and star power can go hand in hand. Here are just a few famous faces whose educational credentials and accomplishments show they have plenty of brains to match their talent.
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Mayim Bialik
Long before playing neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles, with research focusing on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents.
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Brian May
While famous as Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May also earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Imperial College London. He completed the degree decades after pausing his studies to pursue one of rock’s greatest careers.
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Ken Jeong
Before becoming a comedian and actor, Ken Jeong earned his M.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine and practiced as a licensed physician before acting full-time.
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Dolph Lundgren
Action star Dolph Lundgren holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and received a Fulbright Scholarship to study chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before choosing acting.
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Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology while continuing her acting career. She has also co-authored scientific research and spoken openly about prioritizing education alongside Hollywood success.
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Rowan Atkinson
Best known as Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from The Queen’s College, Oxford. His technical background contrasts sharply with the delightfully clueless characters that made him internationally famous.
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Lisa Kudrow
Before finding fame on Friends, Lisa Kudrow earned a biology degree from Vassar College. She even worked with her father, a physician and headache specialist, on medical research before pursuing acting.
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Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford was valedictorian of her high school class and earned an academic scholarship to Northwestern University to study chemical engineering. She left to pursue modeling but has often spoken about the importance of education.
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James Franco
James Franco became known almost as much for attending university as for acting. He earned degrees from UCLA, Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and Yale while studying subjects ranging from creative writing to filmmaking.
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David Duchovny
David Duchovny graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature before earning a master’s from Yale University. He was pursuing a Ph.D. when acting opportunities led him away from academia.
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Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a degree in literature. Fluent in French, she has also served as a translator and frequently conducts interviews in multiple languages.
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Geena Davis
Geena Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in drama from Boston University, but her achievements extend further. She later founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which researches representation in entertainment using data-driven analysis.
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Shaquille O’Neal
Although primarily known for basketball, Shaquille O’Neal has steadily pursued higher education. He earned a doctoral degree in education from Barry University, demonstrating a long-term commitment to learning after his NBA career began.
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John Legend
John Legend graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and an emphasis on African American literature. He completed his studies before launching his award-winning music career.
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Emma Watson
Emma Watson balanced a demanding film career with higher education, graduating from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She completed her studies while filming major projects and later became a prominent advocate for education and gender equality.
The post 15 Celebs With Some Real Big-Time Brains appeared first on Den of Geek.
