The common belief that success can only be achieved through attending school has been ingrained since childhood. But at present, this notion is being challenged, particularly with numerous celebrities leaving formal education in search of fame, art, and fortune. Some went on to secure considerable wealth through multiple record deals, acting roles, modeling, business chains, and other avenues. Do not be surprised to see the names of those who prioritized stardom over education.
Ryan Gosling
In his formative years, Ryan Gosling faced a challenging decision between completing his high school education and pursuing his acting career, ultimately choosing the latter for his titular role in Young Hercules. It was all uphill for him from there. After dropping from Lester B. Pearson High School in Ontario around the age of 17, Gosling dedicated all his time to hone his acting skills. Subsequently, he achieved remarkable success, starring in major roles like The Notebook, La La Land, and the latest Barbie. Additionally, his credentials boast standout performances in films like Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Gray Man, and The Fall Guy.
Rihanna
The Diamonds singer’s accomplishments speak for themselves, as she managed to achieve unparalleled success without any traditional high school diploma. At the tender age of 16, RiRi decided to drop out of school to sign a record deal with Def Jam. Since then, her illustrious career in music has seen her break numerous records, win multiple Grammys, and amass over a billion dollars. Some of her iconic hits include Umbrella, Rude Boy, Love the Way You Lie, and Pon de Replay. In addition to her music career, she also showcased her acting talent in Ocean’s 8 and launched her multi-million dollar cosmetics line.
Emma Stone
Getting parents to agree on something is quite a challenge, especially when it involves a request to drop out of school. Emma Stone’s interesting backstory can teach readers a thing or two about this whole situation. In ninth grade, she convinced her parents to let her drop out of school and pursue an acting career in L.A. She even managed to create a PowerPoint presentation titled “Project Hollywood” to pitch the plan. Her bold move paid off, leading to roles in movies like Superbad and eventually winning her first Oscar for the performance in La La Land. Today, the Hollywood star is one of the highest-earning actors. Despite her success, Stone encourages everyone to pursue education.
Julie Andrews
The Sound of Music star, Andrews, bid farewell to her school days after prioritizing voice and acting lessons. She made her debut on Broadway at the age of 19 in The Boy Friend and returned two years later in My Fair Lady. Since then, she has captivated audiences with her performances in various musicals and films. Notably, Julie Andrews won an Academy Award for her iconic role in Mary Poppins.
Jennifer Jason Leigh
The celebrated Hollywood actress has garnered numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, but her success came at the cost of her education. Leigh worked in her debut film at the young age of nine, with a non-speaking role in the film Death of a Stranger. By the age of 14, she even attended summer acting workshops offered by Lee Strasberg and landed a role in the Disney TV movie The Young Runaways. While the star diligently pursued her education during this time, she eventually had to forgo completing her studies at Pacific Palisades High School, leaving just six weeks before her graduation to take on the role in Eyes of a Stranger. Nonetheless, her determination paid off as she achieved a breakthrough a year later with her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Johnny Depp
The actor who played Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise chased many things throughout the movie, but in reality, obtaining a high school diploma was none of them. In fact, at the age of 15, the actor dropped out of school to follow his passion of becoming a rock musician. Although he attempted to return to school two weeks later, the principal advised against it. Depp later reflected that this advice was one of the most valuable things he had ever heard, and it played a crucial role in shaping his acting career. With iconic roles in films like Donnie Brasco, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Alice in Wonderland, it’s clear that the principal’s advice had a significant impact on Depp’s journey in the world of acting.
Quentin Tarantino
The renowned American filmmaker made the bold decision to leave Narbonne High School in Harbor City, Calif at the age of 16 without obtaining his high school certificate. This choice was driven by his immense ambition and desire to pursue a career in the film industry. Subsequently, Tarantino embarked on a remarkable journey, ultimately achieving great success as a director, with iconic films such as Pulp Fiction, the Kill Bill franchise, and Reservoir Dogs under his belt. His hard work and talent have been duly recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Writing for Django Unchained, and Best Screenplay for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Robert Downey Jr.
Best known for portraying Marvel’s Tony Stark in multiple movies, he grew up in a creatively inclined environment in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Eventually, Downey made a choice to drop out of high school in California and move back to New York City to chase his dream of becoming an actor. He navigated this phase of his life successfully, landing notable roles in hit films like Sherlock Holmes, The Judge, and Oppenheimer.
