Famous for their acting, directing, singing and sporting abilities, you would never guess that many celebrities also have invested time and money in their education, even after their career successes. These celebrities chose to study online to fit in with their busy schedules. You’ll be surprised at the courses they chose to take, many proving to be both beauty and brains!
Venus Williams
Online bachelor of science (in business administration)
Famous for her fiery attitude and centre court tantrums, professional tennis player Venus Williams made it to world number 1 in 2002. She is considered to be one of the greatest female tennis players in history. However Venus’ achievements don’t stop at tennis. She wanted to grow her clothing and merchandise business so she studied online and obtained a bachelor of science in business administration. Venus attended the graduation ceremony in August 2015, marking her first visit to the physical campus. She disclosed “it was like family, like it was my school, and I was so excited. It’s been an incredible journey.”
Shaquille O’Neal
Online bachelor degree, MBA and PhD (in leadership and education)
Commonly known as ‘Shaq’, this NBA champion basketball player was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. While playing basketball, he studied online obtaining a bachelor degree, followed by an MBA and PhD! Shaq had this to say after achieving his MBA: “Sports for me has always been, you know, fairy tale life. And this right here is real life. This right here means more. It’s just something to have on my resume when I go back to reality. Someday I may have to put down the basketball and get a regular job like everyone else.”
James Franco
Bachelor degree, MBA and PhD all online (in English and creative writing)
This Hollywood actor has appeared in many movies, notably Pineapple Express, Spider-Man and The Interview. After dropping out of high school in year 10 to peruse his acting career, James enrolled in online education and achieved a bachelor degree. He then attended grad school online majoring in writing and also achieved a PhD in English, literature and creative writing. The actor believes he gained so much from online study that he decided to start teaching online courses in filmmaking at UCLA, USC and Cal Arts.
Hilary Duff
Courses through Harvard University’s online extension school (environmental science, government, and sociology).
Best known for her lead role in the Disney television series, Lizzie McGuire, Hilary also stared in many children’s movies and released two albums. Her and her sister took online courses at Harvard University’s extension school, tweeting “the on-line classes are really cool!”
Steven Spielberg
Online bachelor degree (film production and electronic arts)
Famous for directing movies such as Jurassic Park, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan, ET, Catch Me If You Can and many more blockbuster hits, Steven Spielberg enrolled in courses to obtain an online bachelor degree in film production and electronic arts in 2002. Even after successfully directing an enviable portfolio of million dollar movies, the award-winning director demonstrated the value he places on education, proving there is always more to learn, even when you reach the top!
Marcia Cross
Online masters in psychology
Most commonly known for her role as Bree Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives, Marcia also starred in Melrose Place, Seinfeld, Spin City and CSI. During her busy filming schedule, Marcia took online courses to reach her goal of obtaining a Masters in Psychology.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bachelor degree (business and international economics)
Former governor of California and Terminator movie star, Arnold studied hard and acquired a bachelor degree in business and international economics through the University of Wisconsin’s distance learning program.
