10 most educated Hollywood stars: From Bradley Cooper to Emma Watson

10 most educated Hollywood stars:  From Bradley Cooper to Emma Watson
Emma Watson, Bradley Cooper and Mayim Bialik are among Hollywood celebs with impressive academic credentials (Getty Images)

From Mayim Bialik to Lupita Nyong’o: 10 Hollywood stars with impressive education

Lupita Nyong'o and Meryl Streep (Getty Images)
Lupita Nyong'o and Meryl Streep have scholarly achievements that match the level of their acting careers (Getty Images)

The world of acting and the realm of academia seem to be as different as chalk and cheese. However, numerous A-list movie stars have managed to earn advanced degrees, including PhDs, while also thriving in their acting careers. Here are ten Hollywood celebs with impressive academic achievements.

1. Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating
Bradley Cooper has an MFA degree in acting (Getty Images)

Bradley Cooper has a Master of Fine Arts in acting. Following his high school graduation in 1993, the 'Maestro' actor spent a year at Villanova University before transferring to Georgetown University. In 1999, he completed his studies at the university, focusing on English as his major and French as his minor. The 'American Sniper' actor obtained his Master of Fine Arts in acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at The New School in New York City in 2000.

2. Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong'o attends the World Premiere of
Lupita Nyong'o is an alumnus of the prestigious Yale University (Emma McIntyre/WireImage)

Lupita Nyong’o has garnered extensive knowledge in Films and African Studies throughout her academic career. After graduating from Hampshire College in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Film and African studies, the 'Black Panther' star completed her master's degree in Fine Arts in Drama from Yale University in 2012. 

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch attends
Benedict Cumberbatch studied drama at the Victoria University (Getty Images)

'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch has an impressive academic resume. The British actor completed his schooling at the prestigious Harrow School, following which the Marvel star studied drama at the Victoria University of Manchester. He later completed his MA in classical acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

4. Meryl Streep

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Meryl Streep speaks onstage during the 49th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Tribute celebrating Nicole Kidman at Dolby Theatre on April 27, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Meryl Streep attended Yale University where she studied acting (Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Meryl Streep completed her graduation from Vassar College in 1971. She furthered her education at the prestigious Yale University and earned her master's degree in acting in 1975. 

5. Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson arrives at the
Rowan Atkinson is an alumnus of Oxford University (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Rowan Atkinson has a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering that he received from Oxford University. Rowan started performing in sketches while attending Oxford and made his first appearances at venues at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

6. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman attends
Natalie Portman studied psychology at Harvard (Getty Images)

Natalie Portman attended Harvard University from 1999 to 2003 as she pursued her bachelor's degree in psychology. During her time at Harvard, she also studied Hebrew literature and neurobiology. Later she also studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to prepare for an acting role. 

7. Ken Jeong

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20:  Ken Jeong attends the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hal
Ken Jeong worked as a physician before working in the movies (Getty Images)

Ken Jeong is a certified doctor and worked as a physician before venturing into acting. After obtaining his bachelor’s in pre-med studies at Duke University in 1990, he obtained his degree in medicine from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1995. So, he wasn't acting entirely as he starred in 'Dr Ken!'

8. Mayim Bialik

SANTA MONICA, CA - JANUARY 13:  Mayim Bialik speaks onstage during the 24th annual Critics' Choice A
Mayim Bialik is an alumnus of UCLA (Getty Images)

Mayim Bialik, known for her role in the 'Big Bang Theory,' not only portrayed a neuroscientist on the sitcom but also pursued the field in real life. She earned her PhD in neuroscience and a bachelor's degree in Hebrew studies from UCLA. 

9. Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria attends HBO Max Original Series
Eva Longoria has an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (Getty Images)

Eva Longoria is more than just a skilled actress, she's also a scholar possessing deep expertise in kinesiology. She finished her undergraduate studies in kinesiology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Additionally, she earned her master's degree in Chicano Studies in May 2013 following her three-year period at California State University, Northridge.

10. Emma Watson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Emma Watson attends as the Kering Foundation hosts first-ever Car
Emma Watson is studying creative writing at Oxford University (Getty Images)

Emma Watson embodies Hermione Granger in every way. Growing up as a child star, Watson's early years were dedicated to the 'Harry Potter' film series. However, she managed to excel academically, completing her GCSEs in ten different subjects, and earning eight A+ grades and two A grades. She went on to finish her Bachelor's degree in English Literature at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 2014. Presently, she is advancing her education with a master's degree in creative writing at Oxford University.

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