Harvard is a prestigious institution of higher learning known for its distinguished faculty and excellent academic program. As a result, the university has produced a significant share of notable public figures and successful individuals globally. It’s one of the most influential institutions and a preferred destination for people who want to venture into academia. However, Harvard also boasts a fair share of luminaries in other fields, including political leaders and space scientists. Its Alumni control the business world with notable figures such as Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon. Besides corporate leadership, Harvard graduates also dominate the boards of directors of major institutions. The university also boasts alums in Hollywood and the global film industry. Here’s a list of some of the most unlikely celebs who went to Harvard.
Most Unlikely Celebs Who Went to Harvard
1. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is one of the most famous and successful actors who went to Harvard. Portman graduated from Harvard University with a bachelors of arts degree in psychology. She is a passionate educationist with other honors and has co-authored journal articles. Portman is also a successful actor who broke into the limelight at the early age of 12 in the film “Léon: The Professional.” Since then, she has become a common figure in famous movies, including “Black Swan” and “Star Wars.” She is a celebrated figure in the film industry, having won the Best Actress award for her role in “Black Swan” at the academy awards.
2. Matt Damon
Matt Damon is one of the many celebrity figures who dropped out of college. Damon initially pursued a degree in English at Harvard University before dropping out to start an acting career. While his education stalled after his role in “Mystic Pizza,” Damon remains a respected Harvard University member, having received several honors at the institution, such as the Harvard Arts Medal in 2013. His most famous role as an actor is as the lead character in the “Bourne” series. However, his acting career spans decades of success in major films, including “Good Will Hunting” and “The Martian.”
3. Tommy Lee Jones
Tommy Lee Jones’ education history is filled with prestigious names and institutions. Besides sharing a room with vice president Al Gore during their time at Havard, Jones attended St. Mark’s School of Texas. After graduating with a Bachelor of arts degree in English, Jones joined the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as he transitioned into an acting career. His acting career spans decades of success and features notable films such as “The Fugitive” and “Men in Black.”
4. John Lithgow
John Arthur Lithgow graduated magna cum laude from Harvard before joining the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His educational background played a significant role in his acting career, propelling him through various roles in the American film industry. However, his most famous role is Dick Solomon from the NBC sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun,” magnificently owning the role of an alien villain. Lithgow also performed excellently in “Dexter” as the Trinity Killer and “The Crown” as Winston Churchill.
5. Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones is not only one of the most famous people who went to Harvard but also one of the most talented actors and writers. Jones may be renowned for her acting roles in “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” but her talent extends beyond the stage. She has worked as a producer and a screenwriter, most famously for her role in “Angie Tribeca.” She co-wrote the screenplay “Celeste and Jesse Forever.” As if content writing is not challenging enough, Jones is one of the few writers to engage in educational writing, publishing articles on Glamour and Teen Vogue.
Those who have engaged in the academic writing process understand the complexities of publishing an article, especially the daunting assignments and research papers. While some professional essay writing services, such as CustomWritings, can help ease the tasks, writing in itself can be challenging. Researching the content is perhaps the most complex step, but developing a flowing, audience-engaging paper is an uphill task. Despite these challenges, Rashida Jones has succeeded as one of the few actors that juggle between writing and acting.
6. Hill Harper
Hill Harper is one of the few celebrities that have attended Harvard law school. After graduating magna cum laude from Brown University, Harper joined Harvard for a Juris Doctor degree. His legal education corroborates his success in law-related acting roles, especially in CSI: “New York,” “Homeland,” and “Covert Affairs.” Despite playing other roles in famous films, Harper’s acting career has been remarkable. He has demonstrated his prowess in legal affairs and communicating the excellence derived from Harvard.
Award-Winning Famous Actors Who Went to Harvard
1. Mira Sorvino
Mira Katherine Sorvino is an award-winning actor and one of the most famous actors who went to Harvard. She won the academy award and golden globe for her role as the supporting actress in “Mighty Aphrodite.” She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in East Asian studies before featuring in numerous films and television shows.
2. Yara Shahidi
Shahidi is a celebrated American actress and one of the most famous black actors to have attended the prestigious Harvard University. She is known for her roles in “Black-ish” and “Brown-ish,” although she has played in other notable films, including “Smallfoot.” Shahid boasts a collection of awards in her young acting career, including a BET YoungStars Award, NAACP Image Award, and two Glamour Awards. She earned her Harvard degree in African American Studies in 2022.
3. Conan O’Brien
Conan O’Brien is a celebrated figure in the film industry. He has won numerous awards in acting and production, including Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Writers Guild of America Award, People’s Choice Award, Shorty Award, and Shorty Special Award. However, O’Brian is celebrated for his role as a TV talk show host for more than two decades. He is also celebrated as a comedian and screenwriter. He is one of the most notable figures to have gone to Harvard.
4. Dean Norris
Dean Norris is one of the celebrities with a Harvard degree. He is known for his roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Although he holds a diploma from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, his acting career is associated with the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in social studies. He is also a notable figure to write about due Guild Award victory in 2014.
Final Thoughts
While Harvard University is known for its contributions to major academic fields, including sciences, arts, and law, the institution has been instrumental in the film industry. The university boasts several notable names in Hollywood, with some of its alums choosing an acting career after graduation. Some luminaries associated with the institutions have also dominated award-winning ceremonies in the sector, scooping major awards for decades. However, the most notable actor to have attended Harvard is perhaps Barack Obama, former United States president and actor.
