23 Celebrities with an English Major That May Surprise You
Contrary to the common misconception that English majors struggle to find employment after graduation, the reality is quite the opposite. Numerous career opportunities await individuals with English degrees, and many prominent figures in various fields began their journeys as English majors. In this article, we’ll explore celebrities who hold English degrees and the diverse career paths available to English graduates today.
Key Takeaways
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From writers and musicians to actors and politicians, many celebrities began their academic journeys as English majors.
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English majors often pursue careers in journalism, marketing, law, literature, and more.
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An English degree provides a strong foundation for success in various postgraduate programs.
23 Celebrities with English Degrees
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Sting
Listen to the lyrics of “Desert Rose,” and it’s clear that Sting embodies the essence of an English major. He studied at the Northern Counties College of Education.
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Tommy Lee Jones
Not just an actor, Tommy Lee Jones studied English at Harvard University.
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Mitt Romney
You don’t need a political science degree to navigate a presidential election! Romney earned his English degree from Brigham Young University.
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Jon Hamm
Famous for his role in “Mad Men,” this English major turned actor graduated from the University of Missouri.
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Joan Cusack
The talented Joan Cusack studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Conan O’Brien
It’s no surprise that Conan O’Brien, a leading talk show host and writer, graduated from Harvard University.
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Joan Rivers
One of the most iconic figures of the red carpet, Joan Rivers studied English at Barnard College.
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Renée Zellweger
America’s Sweetheart, Renée Zellweger, earned her English degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Stephen King
A master storyteller, Stephen King is undoubtedly a proud English major.
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Barbara Walters
Before becoming a television icon, Barbara Walters studied English at Sarah Lawrence College.
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Sigourney Weaver
Known for her beauty and talent, Sigourney Weaver graduated with an English degree from Stanford University.
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James Franco
Multi-talented James Franco is a professor, artist, actor, and writer, having studied at UCLA.
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Paul Newman
Acclaimed actor Paul Newman graduated with an English degree from Kenyon College.
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Fred Savage
After his success on “The Wonder Years,” Fred Savage pursued an English degree at Stanford University.
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Steven Spielberg
As one of the greatest cinematic storytellers, it’s fitting that Steven Spielberg studied English at California State University, Long Beach.
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Christopher Nolan
The visionary behind films like “The Dark Knight” and “Inception,” Christopher Nolan continues to inspire English majors worldwide.
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Alan Alda
Best known for his role in “M.A.S.H.,” Alan Alda studied English at Fordham University.
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Chevy Chase
No surprise here—Chevy Chase began his career writing and performing sketches. He earned his English degree from Bard College.
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Diane Sawyer
A natural storyteller and lead anchor, Diane Sawyer studied English at Wellesley College.
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David Duchovny
The truth is out there, and it begins with David Duchovny, who studied English at Yale University.
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Jodie Foster
Another Yale alum, Jodie Foster once aspired to be a writer before becoming an acclaimed actress.
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Martin Scorsese
As a true New Yorker, it’s no surprise that Martin Scorsese studied at New York University.
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Paul Simon
This singer-songwriter is a poet at heart, having studied English at Queens College.
Career Opportunities for English Majors
If you’re exploring options for what to do with an English degree, consider these exciting career paths:
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Film/TV Production Assistant
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Freelance Writer
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Social Media Manager
In addition to these roles, an English degree provides a solid foundation for further education, whether you’re considering a law degree, an MBA, or pursuing other advanced studies.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
