Rooney Mara, the award-winning actress who rose to fame in the film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, did not think she would end up in the world of acting. She first studied at George Washington University for a year and then moved to New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Studies. Mara graduated in three notable degrees—psychology, international policy, and nonprofits. You can say she is armed with a whole lot of knowledge.
Her family has a history of philanthropic endeavors, so it’s no wonder that she put her education to use when she created Faces of Kibera, which is a charity that gives housing, food, and medical care to orphans in Nairobi, Kenya.
Lionel Ritchie Has a Bachelor's in Economics
Known for being a versatile musician, Lionel Richie also has a degree in economics, with a minor in accounting, gained at the Tuskegee Institute. But it was also during this time when he took a major interest in music and eventually formed the band, The Commodores. The famous American singer, songwriter, and producer placed his studies on hold after being picked up by an agent and going on tour with his band. But he went back to school and earned his diploma in 1974.
It was also in 1974 when The Commodores got signed with the prestigious Motown label. It was quite a wonderful year for the young lad and his band.
Gene Simmons Has a Bachelor's in Education
Who would ever think that The Demon would have been a schoolteacher? If Gene Simmons didn’t pursue his dreams of becoming a rock star, he would have landed in academia. The bassist and co-lead singer of the popular rock band, Kiss, spent two years at Sullivan County Community College to earn an associate degree in education. He went back to New York City and graduated with another degree: a bachelor of arts in education from Richmond College.
After getting his degree, Simmons met Paul Stanley and formed a band called Wicked Lester. Together with his other friend, Steve Coronel, the three began performing on the nightclub circuit. But they weren’t earning much. Simmons briefly taught sixth graders in Spanish Harlem to support their dreams. He also held other jobs, including being a deli cashier and an assistant at Glamour, before forming Kiss and becoming massively successful.
Weird Al Yankovic Has a Bachelor's in Architecture
Weird Al Yankovic, whose real name is Alfred Matthew Yankovic, is known for his hilarious songs and parodies of hit music. But the degree he took in university is anything but hilarious. Yankovic graduated as valedictorian at Lynwood High School and went to California Polytechnic State University, where he studied architecture.
It was at Cal Poly that he earned the moniker “Weird Al” on his radio show. He also created his first parody, My Bologna, which was from The Knack’s song, My Sharona. Once he graduated in 1980, Yankovic recorded another parody, this time inspired by Queen’s hit, Another One Bites The Dust and followed it with a few other releases until he found soaring success.
Eva Longoria Has a Master's in Chicano Studies
Eva Longoria is packed with a lot of beauty and brains, with not just a bachelor, but also a master’s degree. The Desperate Housewives star graduated with a bachelor of kinesiology from Texas A&M University.
When Desperate Housewives ended in 2012, Longoria kept a low profile and earned her master’s degree in Chicano studies from California State University after three years. Her thesis was entitled “Success STEMS From Diversity: The Value of Latinas in STEM Careers.” Wow, it’s one thing to receive a bachelor’s degree, but it’s another thing to have a master’s degree too. Longoria tweeted back then: “You’re never too old or too busy to continue your education!” And we can all agree on that.