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See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 60 Fotos
Johnny Depp
- It might come as a surprise to discover that this well-known actor actually left high school to pursue a career in music.
© Getty Images
1 / 60 Fotos
Jim Carrey
- At 15 years old, Carrey left high school due to his family's financial struggles. To assist with expenses, he and his family worked together as janitors.
© Getty Images
2 / 60 Fotos
Cameron Diaz
- Diaz departed from Long Beach Polytechnic High School after landing a modeling contract. Shortly thereafter, she made her first appearance in 'The Mask' (1994) alongside Jim Carrey.
© Getty Images
3 / 60 Fotos
Katy Perry
- The successful pop singer decided to leave Santa Barbara Don Pueblos High School at 15 years of age in order to pursue her singing career. It worked out pretty well!
© Getty Images
4 / 60 Fotos
Tom Cruise
- Cruise initially attended school with dreams of becoming a priest. That wasn't his fate, however. Once he developed an interest in showbiz, he left high school and relocated to New York in pursuit of his acting dreams.
© Getty Images
5 / 60 Fotos
Nicolas Cage
- Cage left Beverly Hills High School at 16 to pursue a career in acting.
© Getty Images
6 / 60 Fotos
Eminem
- The renowned rapper didn't pass the ninth grade after three attempts and subsequently left Lincoln High School at 17 years old.
© Getty Images
7 / 60 Fotos
Robert Downey Jr.
- The actor famous for playing Iron Man started his journey as a child star in movies and decided to leave high school when he turned 16. He relocated to New York City to pursue his passion for acting.
© Getty Images
8 / 60 Fotos
Jay-Z
- Raised in the Brooklyn projects, the rapper left high school early and turned to drug trafficking for a living, before finding success in music.
© Getty Images
9 / 60 Fotos
Michelle Williams
Keep Text As
- The star of 'Dawson's Creek' went to various high schools, but ultimately chose to do a GED instead so that she would have more time for auditions and acting.
© Getty Images
10 / 60 Fotos
Christina Applegate
- Applegate left high school to pursue her acting career, soon securing a role on the renowned show 'Married with Children.'
© Getty Images
11 / 60 Fotos
Matt Dillon
- During his time as a middle school student, Dillon was cast in the 1978 film 'Over the Edge.' Filming for the movie prevented him from attending school. Following this, he enrolled in Mamaroneck High School, but ultimately had to leave so as not to lose out on acting opportunities.
© Getty Images
12 / 60 Fotos
Christina Aguilera
- Aguilera left her high school in Pennsylvania during the ninth grade due to persistent bullying from her peers. As a result, she received homeschooling from her mother.
© Getty Images
13 / 60 Fotos
Charlie Sheen
- Sheen was expelled from his high school for chronic absenteeism and poor grades shortly before graduation.
© Getty Images
14 / 60 Fotos
Demi Moore
- At 16, Moore left high school to pursue a career as an actress.
© Getty Images
15 / 60 Fotos
Seth Rogen
- Rogen left high school early, ironically to portray a high school student on TV. He achieved fame with his notable role on the hit show 'Freaks and Geeks.'
© Getty Images
16 / 60 Fotos
Drake
- In a similar fashion, the Canadian artist left high school to participate in 'Degrassi: The Next Generation,' a TV series focused on high school students.
© Getty Images
17 / 60 Fotos
John Travolta
- Travolta left high school and relocated to Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming an actor.
© Getty Images
18 / 60 Fotos
Chris Rock
- During his teenage years, Rock endured relentless bullying at an all-white school. Consequently, he decided to withdraw from school during the 10th grade and obtain his GED.
© Getty Images
19 / 60 Fotos
Kristen Stewart
- The actress from 'Twilight' faced academic difficulties and failed multiple classes, leading her to drop out of school at 13. Consequently, she received homeschooling and earned her GED.
© Getty Images
20 / 60 Fotos
Lindsay Lohan
- Lohan's career flourished early with her performances in 'The Parent Trap' and 'Herbie Fully Loaded.' She left high school and later attained her diploma through homeschooling.
© Getty Images
21 / 60 Fotos
Whoopi Goldberg
- Goldberg has shared that she quit high school because of how much she struggled in class. It wasn't until a later stage in her life that she was diagnosed with dyslexia.
© Getty Images
22 / 60 Fotos
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
- The stunning actress being crowned homecoming queen twice in high school comes as no surprise; however, she also endured relentless bullying from other girls. Simpson left school after signing with Columbia Records and later obtained her GED.
© Getty Images
23 / 60 Fotos
Mark Wahlberg
- Wahlberg, entangled with drugs and alcohol from a young age, eventually decided to leave high school without graduating.
© Getty Images
24 / 60 Fotos
Al Pacino
- The renowned actor and filmmaker faced difficulties during his time in high school with subpar academic performance, leading to his decision to leave and pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
© Getty Images
25 / 60 Fotos
Cher
- The renowned singer and actress faced challenges maintaining acceptable grades in school as a result of her severe dyslexia. At the age of 16, she made the decision to withdraw from Fresno High School in California.
© Getty Images
26 / 60 Fotos
Robert De Niro
- Similar to numerous individuals in his profession, De Niro chose to leave school at a young age in order to fully dedicate himself to the pursuit of acting.
© Getty Images
27 / 60 Fotos
Pink
- Pink had difficult teenage years filled with minor theft and substance misuse. At 15, she experienced an overdose, left school, and eventually obtained her GED.
© Getty Images
28 / 60 Fotos
Steven Tyler
- Despite not graduating high school, Tyler went on to achieve great fame as one of the most legendary rock stars of his era.
© Getty Images
29 / 60 Fotos
Jessica Chastain
- The 'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012) actress missed too many days in high school and couldn't graduate. She often chose to read Shakespeare in her car instead of going to class.
© Getty Images
30 / 60 Fotos
Emma Stone
- Stone had to depart from high school when she was offered a chance to feature in her first major film, 'Superbad' (2007).
© Getty Images
31 / 60 Fotos
Michael J. Fox
- According to USA Today, the 'Back to the Future' star left high school despite his teacher's warnings that it would be a "big mistake."
© Getty Images
32 / 60 Fotos
Arnold Schwarzenegger
- The ex-California governor and actor dropped out of school to pursue bodybuilding.
© Getty Images
33 / 60 Fotos
David Bowie
- This musician dropped out of school to chase his glam rock music dreams.
© Getty Images
34 / 60 Fotos
Ryan Gosling
- The Canadian actor was previously suspended from school for throwing knives at other kids! As a result of being a victim of bullying during childhood, he received home education for a short period. Subsequently, he decided to leave school at the age of 17 to pursue a career in acting.
© Getty Images
35 / 60 Fotos
Avril Lavigne
- After signing a record deal in her teenage years, she departed from school to dedicate her time to her first album, 'Let Go.'
© Getty Images
36 / 60 Fotos
Charlize Theron
- The actress faced bullying in school from peers who mocked her, leading to her decision to drop out of high school.
© Getty Images
37 / 60 Fotos
Nicole Kidman
- Kidman pursued her acting aspirations from age 16, leaving school behind.
© Getty Images
38 / 60 Fotos
Jude Law
- The actor decided to quit school at 17 in order to appear in the soap opera 'Families.'
© Getty Images
39 / 60 Fotos
Gisele Bündchen
- The Brazilian supermodel began her career at the age of 14, leading her to leave school and prioritize modeling.
© Getty Images
40 / 60 Fotos
Ozzy Osbourne
- The musician had various learning disabilities, which made his school years challenging. Ultimately, at the age of 15, he left to take up various odd jobs.
© Getty Images
41 / 60 Fotos
Kelly Osbourne
- Following in her father's footsteps, Osbourne similarly quit school to pursue a career in entertainment.
© Getty Images
42 / 60 Fotos
Keanu Reeves
- The Canadian actor got kicked out of his high school when he was 16 because he and the principal didn't get along.
© Getty Images
43 / 60 Fotos
Simon Cowell
- The ex-'American Idol' judge left school at 16 and started working, taking whatever jobs he could find.
© Getty Images
44 / 60 Fotos
Catherine Zeta-Jones
- When she was 15, this actress decided to leave high school and go to London to pursue acting.
© Getty Images
45 / 60 Fotos
Russell Crowe
- Ironically, Crowe left high school at 16 and started his acting career to save money for his education. He aimed to attend the National Institute for Dramatic Art in Australia. However, his acting progress was so successful that he eventually chose not to pursue further education. A colleague's suggestion that it would be a wasted endeavor influenced his decision.
© Getty Images
46 / 60 Fotos
Colin Farrell
- Farrell left school and achieved great success in his career. He appeared in notable movies such as 'Minority Report' (2002), 'Phone Booth' (2002), 'The Recruit' (2003) and 'Daredevil' (2003).
© Getty Images
47 / 60 Fotos
Elton John
- The icon pursued his musical dreams after leaving school at 17 years old.
© Getty Images
48 / 60 Fotos
Harry Styles
- Styles prioritized his band, One Direction, over his education.
© Getty Images
49 / 60 Fotos
Naomi Watts
- The actress, who didn't graduate high school, had a series of odd jobs before finding success.
© Getty Images
50 / 60 Fotos
Pierce Brosnan
- At the age of just 16, Brosnan made the decision to drop out of high school. Nevertheless, he opted to pursue further education at Drama Centre London instead.
© Getty Images
51 / 60 Fotos
Daniel Radcliffe
- Following the debut of the first 'Harry Potter' movie, the actor encountered difficulties in balancing school and work. Consequently, he opted for on-set tutors to complete his education.
© Reuters
52 / 60 Fotos
Princess Diana
- Lady Diana left school at 16 years old due to failing her O-level exams twice.
© Reuters
53 / 60 Fotos
Rihanna
- During an interview with GQ, the singer revealed that her original plan was to complete high school and graduate, but her busy schedule hindered her.
© Getty Images
54 / 60 Fotos
Orlando Bloom
- At the age of 16, Bloom bid farewell to his classmates and pursued a career in acting.
© Getty Images
55 / 60 Fotos
Ringo Starr
- A former member of the Beatles had to leave school because of severe illnesses in his childhood that made it impossible for him to attend classes.
© Getty Images
56 / 60 Fotos
Boy George
- At the age of 15, he was expelled from school and began taking on various occupations, such as being a runner at a printing company and working on a fruit farm.
© Getty Images
57 / 60 Fotos
Kate Winslet
- Winslet dropped out of school at 16 and started working at a deli, trying to earn enough money for train fare to her auditions.
© Getty Images
58 / 60 Fotos
Richard Branson
- Struggling with dyslexia and poor grades, the business mogul dropped out of high school at 15. Today, the investor is a multi-billionaire. See also: Celebrities who went back to school after they became famous
© Getty Images
59 / 60 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 60 Fotos
Johnny Depp
- It might come as a surprise to discover that this well-known actor actually left high school to pursue a career in music.
© Getty Images
1 / 60 Fotos
Jim Carrey
- At 15 years old, Carrey left high school due to his family's financial struggles. To assist with expenses, he and his family worked together as janitors.
© Getty Images
2 / 60 Fotos
Cameron Diaz
- Diaz departed from Long Beach Polytechnic High School after landing a modeling contract. Shortly thereafter, she made her first appearance in 'The Mask' (1994) alongside Jim Carrey.
© Getty Images
3 / 60 Fotos
Katy Perry
- The successful pop singer decided to leave Santa Barbara Don Pueblos High School at 15 years of age in order to pursue her singing career. It worked out pretty well!
© Getty Images
4 / 60 Fotos
Tom Cruise
- Cruise initially attended school with dreams of becoming a priest. That wasn't his fate, however. Once he developed an interest in showbiz, he left high school and relocated to New York in pursuit of his acting dreams.
© Getty Images
5 / 60 Fotos
Nicolas Cage
- Cage left Beverly Hills High School at 16 to pursue a career in acting.
© Getty Images
6 / 60 Fotos
Eminem
- The renowned rapper didn't pass the ninth grade after three attempts and subsequently left Lincoln High School at 17 years old.
© Getty Images
7 / 60 Fotos
Robert Downey Jr.
- The actor famous for playing Iron Man started his journey as a child star in movies and decided to leave high school when he turned 16. He relocated to New York City to pursue his passion for acting.
© Getty Images
8 / 60 Fotos
Jay-Z
- Raised in the Brooklyn projects, the rapper left high school early and turned to drug trafficking for a living, before finding success in music.
© Getty Images
9 / 60 Fotos
Michelle Williams
Keep Text As
- The star of 'Dawson's Creek' went to various high schools, but ultimately chose to do a GED instead so that she would have more time for auditions and acting.
© Getty Images
10 / 60 Fotos
Christina Applegate
- Applegate left high school to pursue her acting career, soon securing a role on the renowned show 'Married with Children.'
© Getty Images
11 / 60 Fotos
Matt Dillon
- During his time as a middle school student, Dillon was cast in the 1978 film 'Over the Edge.' Filming for the movie prevented him from attending school. Following this, he enrolled in Mamaroneck High School, but ultimately had to leave so as not to lose out on acting opportunities.
© Getty Images
12 / 60 Fotos
Christina Aguilera
- Aguilera left her high school in Pennsylvania during the ninth grade due to persistent bullying from her peers. As a result, she received homeschooling from her mother.
© Getty Images
13 / 60 Fotos
Charlie Sheen
- Sheen was expelled from his high school for chronic absenteeism and poor grades shortly before graduation.
© Getty Images
14 / 60 Fotos
Demi Moore
- At 16, Moore left high school to pursue a career as an actress.
© Getty Images
15 / 60 Fotos
Seth Rogen
- Rogen left high school early, ironically to portray a high school student on TV. He achieved fame with his notable role on the hit show 'Freaks and Geeks.'
© Getty Images
16 / 60 Fotos
Drake
- In a similar fashion, the Canadian artist left high school to participate in 'Degrassi: The Next Generation,' a TV series focused on high school students.
© Getty Images
17 / 60 Fotos
John Travolta
- Travolta left high school and relocated to Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming an actor.
© Getty Images
18 / 60 Fotos
Chris Rock
- During his teenage years, Rock endured relentless bullying at an all-white school. Consequently, he decided to withdraw from school during the 10th grade and obtain his GED.
© Getty Images
19 / 60 Fotos
Kristen Stewart
- The actress from 'Twilight' faced academic difficulties and failed multiple classes, leading her to drop out of school at 13. Consequently, she received homeschooling and earned her GED.
© Getty Images
20 / 60 Fotos
Lindsay Lohan
- Lohan's career flourished early with her performances in 'The Parent Trap' and 'Herbie Fully Loaded.' She left high school and later attained her diploma through homeschooling.
© Getty Images
21 / 60 Fotos
Whoopi Goldberg
- Goldberg has shared that she quit high school because of how much she struggled in class. It wasn't until a later stage in her life that she was diagnosed with dyslexia.
© Getty Images
22 / 60 Fotos
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson
- The stunning actress being crowned homecoming queen twice in high school comes as no surprise; however, she also endured relentless bullying from other girls. Simpson left school after signing with Columbia Records and later obtained her GED.
© Getty Images
23 / 60 Fotos
Mark Wahlberg
- Wahlberg, entangled with drugs and alcohol from a young age, eventually decided to leave high school without graduating.
© Getty Images
24 / 60 Fotos
Al Pacino
- The renowned actor and filmmaker faced difficulties during his time in high school with subpar academic performance, leading to his decision to leave and pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
© Getty Images
25 / 60 Fotos
Cher
- The renowned singer and actress faced challenges maintaining acceptable grades in school as a result of her severe dyslexia. At the age of 16, she made the decision to withdraw from Fresno High School in California.
© Getty Images
26 / 60 Fotos
Robert De Niro
- Similar to numerous individuals in his profession, De Niro chose to leave school at a young age in order to fully dedicate himself to the pursuit of acting.
© Getty Images
27 / 60 Fotos
Pink
- Pink had difficult teenage years filled with minor theft and substance misuse. At 15, she experienced an overdose, left school, and eventually obtained her GED.
© Getty Images
28 / 60 Fotos
Steven Tyler
- Despite not graduating high school, Tyler went on to achieve great fame as one of the most legendary rock stars of his era.
© Getty Images
29 / 60 Fotos
Jessica Chastain
- The 'Zero Dark Thirty' (2012) actress missed too many days in high school and couldn't graduate. She often chose to read Shakespeare in her car instead of going to class.
© Getty Images
30 / 60 Fotos
Emma Stone
- Stone had to depart from high school when she was offered a chance to feature in her first major film, 'Superbad' (2007).
© Getty Images
31 / 60 Fotos
Michael J. Fox
- According to USA Today, the 'Back to the Future' star left high school despite his teacher's warnings that it would be a "big mistake."
© Getty Images
32 / 60 Fotos
Arnold Schwarzenegger
- The ex-California governor and actor dropped out of school to pursue bodybuilding.
© Getty Images
33 / 60 Fotos
David Bowie
- This musician dropped out of school to chase his glam rock music dreams.
© Getty Images
34 / 60 Fotos
Ryan Gosling
- The Canadian actor was previously suspended from school for throwing knives at other kids! As a result of being a victim of bullying during childhood, he received home education for a short period. Subsequently, he decided to leave school at the age of 17 to pursue a career in acting.
© Getty Images
35 / 60 Fotos
Avril Lavigne
- After signing a record deal in her teenage years, she departed from school to dedicate her time to her first album, 'Let Go.'
© Getty Images
36 / 60 Fotos
Charlize Theron
- The actress faced bullying in school from peers who mocked her, leading to her decision to drop out of high school.
© Getty Images
37 / 60 Fotos
Nicole Kidman
- Kidman pursued her acting aspirations from age 16, leaving school behind.
© Getty Images
38 / 60 Fotos
Jude Law
- The actor decided to quit school at 17 in order to appear in the soap opera 'Families.'
© Getty Images
39 / 60 Fotos
Gisele Bündchen
- The Brazilian supermodel began her career at the age of 14, leading her to leave school and prioritize modeling.
© Getty Images
40 / 60 Fotos
Ozzy Osbourne
- The musician had various learning disabilities, which made his school years challenging. Ultimately, at the age of 15, he left to take up various odd jobs.
© Getty Images
41 / 60 Fotos
Kelly Osbourne
- Following in her father's footsteps, Osbourne similarly quit school to pursue a career in entertainment.
© Getty Images
42 / 60 Fotos
Keanu Reeves
- The Canadian actor got kicked out of his high school when he was 16 because he and the principal didn't get along.
© Getty Images
43 / 60 Fotos
Simon Cowell
- The ex-'American Idol' judge left school at 16 and started working, taking whatever jobs he could find.
© Getty Images
44 / 60 Fotos
Catherine Zeta-Jones
- When she was 15, this actress decided to leave high school and go to London to pursue acting.
© Getty Images
45 / 60 Fotos
Russell Crowe
- Ironically, Crowe left high school at 16 and started his acting career to save money for his education. He aimed to attend the National Institute for Dramatic Art in Australia. However, his acting progress was so successful that he eventually chose not to pursue further education. A colleague's suggestion that it would be a wasted endeavor influenced his decision.
© Getty Images
46 / 60 Fotos
Colin Farrell
- Farrell left school and achieved great success in his career. He appeared in notable movies such as 'Minority Report' (2002), 'Phone Booth' (2002), 'The Recruit' (2003) and 'Daredevil' (2003).
© Getty Images
47 / 60 Fotos
Elton John
- The icon pursued his musical dreams after leaving school at 17 years old.
© Getty Images
48 / 60 Fotos
Harry Styles
- Styles prioritized his band, One Direction, over his education.
© Getty Images
49 / 60 Fotos
Naomi Watts
- The actress, who didn't graduate high school, had a series of odd jobs before finding success.
© Getty Images
50 / 60 Fotos
Pierce Brosnan
- At the age of just 16, Brosnan made the decision to drop out of high school. Nevertheless, he opted to pursue further education at Drama Centre London instead.
© Getty Images
51 / 60 Fotos
Daniel Radcliffe
- Following the debut of the first 'Harry Potter' movie, the actor encountered difficulties in balancing school and work. Consequently, he opted for on-set tutors to complete his education.
© Reuters
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Princess Diana
- Lady Diana left school at 16 years old due to failing her O-level exams twice.
© Reuters
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Rihanna
- During an interview with GQ, the singer revealed that her original plan was to complete high school and graduate, but her busy schedule hindered her.
© Getty Images
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Orlando Bloom
- At the age of 16, Bloom bid farewell to his classmates and pursued a career in acting.
© Getty Images
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Ringo Starr
- A former member of the Beatles had to leave school because of severe illnesses in his childhood that made it impossible for him to attend classes.
© Getty Images
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Boy George
- At the age of 15, he was expelled from school and began taking on various occupations, such as being a runner at a printing company and working on a fruit farm.
© Getty Images
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Kate Winslet
- Winslet dropped out of school at 16 and started working at a deli, trying to earn enough money for train fare to her auditions.
© Getty Images
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Richard Branson
- Struggling with dyslexia and poor grades, the business mogul dropped out of high school at 15. Today, the investor is a multi-billionaire. See also: Celebrities who went back to school after they became famous
© Getty Images
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Major stars who dropped out of high school
These celebrities achieved success without finishing their formal education
© Getty Images
Whether due to academic struggles, bullying, or the pursuit of their dreams, many beloved Hollywood stars did not complete their high school education. While formal schooling is still important, these celebrities demonstrate that a diploma does not necessarily determine your potential for success.
To discover which renowned stars didn't graduate high school, click through the following gallery.
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