Forget the Ivy League hype—most of today’s big actors, musicians, and athletes have gone to schools that you wouldn’t expect. Harvard and Yale indeed sound impressive, but a good number of celebrities used to be at community colleges, state universities, or in programs that they didn’t even complete. And frankly, that makes their paths a lot more relatable. So, why don’t we list ten celebrities whose educational background could be an astonishment for you (in reverse order, of course—because what is a list without a bit of suspense?).
10. Amy Tan – San Jose City College (plus a few more)
Before The Joy Luck Club transformed her into a literary queen, Amy Tan’s academic career was far from linear. She was first at San Jose City College and subsequently passed through several other colleges before she received her degree in English and linguistics. Although that unconventional path may not have been typical, it certainly paved the way for one of the most unique voices in contemporary literature.
9. Mayim Bialik – UCLA
On The Big Bang Theory, she was a scientist. In real life? No different. Mayim Bialik rejected an Ivy League acceptance to study at UCLA, where she ultimately received a PhD in neuroscience. That ain’t acting, she’s the genuine article.
8. Morgan Freeman – Los Angeles City College
Freeman’s iconic voice was partly formed at Los Angeles City College, where he took classes after serving in the Air Force. He credits LACC with enabling him to drop his voice an octave, a sound that would become a hallmark of his career.
7. George Lucas – Modesto Junior College
The creator of Star Wars began life as a Modesto Junior College student who lived and breathed cars and auto racing. A crash changed his direction, and after he transferred to the film school at USC, he created a galaxy far, far away.
6. Jessica Chastain – Sacramento City College
Before Juilliard and the Oscars, Jessica Chastain was developing her skills at Sacramento City College. She enrolled in the drama program and debate team, then won a scholarship that sent her to Juilliard testimony that top-of-the-line talent can emerge from anywhere.
5. Billy Crystal – Nassau Community College
Billy Crystal did not enter straight into the limelight straight away—first, he learned directing and filmmaking at Nassau Community College in New York. After that, he went to NYU, where his instructor was none other than Martin Scorsese.
4. Queen Latifah – Borough of Manhattan Community College
Before becoming a multi-hyphenate superstar, Queen Latifah was balancing BMCC classes with her music career. Juggling rap and school was the precursor to the career behemoth she would become.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Santa Monica College
Just off the plane from Austria, Arnold set foot in higher education at Santa Monica College for business and ESL courses. There, a counselor urged him to pursue more than language studies, imparting skills he would utilize as an actor, businessman, and even governor.
2. Jackie Robinson – Pasadena City College
Long before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier, he was dominating as a multi-sport star at Pasadena City College. He headed to UCLA and lettered in four sports, becoming the first person to do so, a legend in the making from day one.
1. Oprah Winfrey – Tennessee State University
Oprah’s ascent started with a scholarship to Tennessee State University after she won an oratory competition and a pageant. That was the foundation for her transformation from student to queen of daytime television and beyond.
It turns out you don’t have to have a glossy Ivy League degree to become a superstar. From state colleges to surprise state schools, these celebrities show that drive, enthusiasm, and chance are so much more important than where you begin. Success, it appears, can arise from just about anywhere.