30 Celebrities Who Went to Ivy League School, Including Shonda Rhimes, Julie Bowen & More

Mar. 15, 2025

Angela Bassett attends the 2024 Disney Upfront at Javits Center on May 14, 2024, in New York City; Brooke Shields at the 77th annual Tony Awards at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on June 16, 2024, in New York City; John Krasinski at the ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ New York premiere held at AMC Lincoln Square on June 26, 2024, in New York City.Photo:Taylor Hill/WireImage; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty; Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

Taylor Hill/WireImage; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty; Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

Some of Hollywood’s most gifted stars happen to be Ivy League scholars.John Legendearned his academic credentials at the University of Pennsylvania while also pursuing his music career.Natalie Portmantook a break from acting to attend Harvard after rising to fame in theStar Warsfranchise. WhenEmma Watsonwasn’t casting spells as Hermione Granger, she still kept her head in her books, eventually graduating from Brown University.Does your favorite celebrity have a prestigious academic background? Read on to see who else has pursued higher education at some of our nation’s top schools.

Some of Hollywood’s most gifted stars happen to be Ivy League scholars.

John Legendearned his academic credentials at the University of Pennsylvania while also pursuing his music career.Natalie Portmantook a break from acting to attend Harvard after rising to fame in theStar Warsfranchise. WhenEmma Watsonwasn’t casting spells as Hermione Granger, she still kept her head in her books, eventually graduating from Brown University.

Does your favorite celebrity have a prestigious academic background? Read on to see who else has pursued higher education at some of our nation’s top schools.

01of 30Yara ShahidiYara Shahidi attends the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards at L.A. Live on Sept. 19, 2021, in Los Angeles.Rich Fury/GettyHow serious wasgrown-ishstarYara Shahidiabout her Harvard studies? For the 2021Emmysin Los Angeles, shetoldEntertainment Tonightthat she requested to present a trophy early in the night so she could catch a flight back to Boston in time for her Monday classes.The actress — who graduated from Harvard University in 2022 — studied within the university’s social studies and African American studies departments andtoldVogueher concentration was “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.”

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Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi attends the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards at L.A. Live on Sept. 19, 2021, in Los Angeles.Rich Fury/Getty

How serious wasgrown-ishstarYara Shahidiabout her Harvard studies? For the 2021Emmysin Los Angeles, shetoldEntertainment Tonightthat she requested to present a trophy early in the night so she could catch a flight back to Boston in time for her Monday classes.

The actress — who graduated from Harvard University in 2022 — studied within the university’s social studies and African American studies departments andtoldVogueher concentration was “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.”

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Aoki Lee Simmons

Model Aoki Lee Simmons, daughter ofKimora Lee SimmonsandRussell Simmons, scored a Harvard admission at just 16 years old — and somehowstill found the time to model amid her studies.

In November 2021, shegave a glimpse of her “girly, fun” Harvard dorm room, decked out with the help of Pottery Barn Teen. After years of hard work, she graduated in June 2023 with a bachelor of arts degree, concentrating in classics,according to AfroTech.

“I feel grateful, proud and relieved— in that order! It’s a surreal feeling to be done with something that was such a huge part of my life. Now, like every other graduate, I’m on to the next chapter,” Aoki Lee told PEOPLE after graduation.

03of 30Bridgit MendlerBridgit Mendler at an event.Getty ImagesWizards of Waverly PlacealumnaBridgit Mendlerwas also a wizard in the classroom. Her academic journey started at the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2016. She then became an Ivy League scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, concentrating on technology and social engagement. In May 2024, Mendlergraduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

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Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler at an event.Getty Images

Wizards of Waverly PlacealumnaBridgit Mendlerwas also a wizard in the classroom. Her academic journey started at the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2016. She then became an Ivy League scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, concentrating on technology and social engagement. In May 2024, Mendlergraduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

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Brooke Shields

“The paparazzi tried to sneak onto campus, dressed like what they thought college students looked like, and follow me around,” Shields wrote in her 2014 memoir,There Was a Little Girl. “One photographer hid in a vent to photograph me walk to a class; another attempted to bribe a Mathey College freshman to take a camera into the showers and snap me in the nude. They would have been in for a surprise if they tried, because I had taken to showering in a one-piece bathing suit!”

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Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster attends the 56th New York Film Festival ‘Falling Leaves’/‘Be Natural’ at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, Walter Reade Theater, on Oct. 7, 2018, in New York City.John Lamparski/Getty

Another star whofamously took a break from actingto pursue higher education,NyadactressJodie Fostergraduated from Yale in 1985. At Yale, Foster studied African American and African studies, “African oral narrative in particular,” shetold LitHubin 2018.

06of 30Tracee Ellis RossTracee Ellis Ross arrives at the 61st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2019.Matt Baron/REX/ShutterstockBlack-ishstarTracee Ellis Rossgraduated from Brown University in 1994 with a degree in theater. In 2015, Ross returned to her alma mater, where shereceived an honorary doctorate of fine arts. The honor was to recognize the actress’s contributions to the arts and television, especially for her memorable role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the hit ABC series.

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Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross arrives at the 61st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2019.Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

Black-ishstarTracee Ellis Rossgraduated from Brown University in 1994 with a degree in theater. In 2015, Ross returned to her alma mater, where shereceived an honorary doctorate of fine arts. The honor was to recognize the actress’s contributions to the arts and television, especially for her memorable role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the hit ABC series.

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John Legend

John Legend attends the 28th annual Producers Guild Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 28, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif.CHRIS DELMAS/AFP/Getty Images

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Maggie Gyllenhaal

The Lost Daughterdirector and longtime actressMaggie Gyllenhaalgraduated from Columbia University, where her younger brother, actorJake Gyllenhaal, also went — though he left after two years to pursue his acting career. She graduated from the university with a bachelor of arts degree in English literature, which helped develop the skills that have made her the critically acclaimed filmmaker and performer she is today.

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Rashida Jones

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

SunnystarRashida Jonesgraduated from Harvard in 1997 with a degree in philosophy and a concentration in religion. She also wrote forThe Harvard Lampoonand participated in student activities. In 2016, shereturned to her alma materto address the graduating class to share insights from her broad career in writing, producing and acting.

10of 30Julie BowenJulie Bowen attends the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 20, 2015, in Los Angeles.Jason Merritt/GettyReturning to her alma mater, Brown University, in 2012,Modern FamilyalumnaJulie Bowencommended her professorsand humorously reflected on her college experience, joking that she “did everything all students have ever done.” Bowen, who majored in Renaissance studies, graduated from the university in 1991.

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Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen attends the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 20, 2015, in Los Angeles.Jason Merritt/Getty

Returning to her alma mater, Brown University, in 2012,Modern FamilyalumnaJulie Bowencommended her professorsand humorously reflected on her college experience, joking that she “did everything all students have ever done.” Bowen, who majored in Renaissance studies, graduated from the university in 1991.

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Angela Bassett

George Pimentel/Getty Images

HonoraryOscarrecipientAngela Bassettearned both her bachelor of arts degree in African American studies and her master of fine arts degree from Yale University in the early ‘80s — despite her aunt cautioning her not to “waste” her education on theater, shetoldO, The Oprah Magazinein 2008. Bassett later returned to the university in 2018 toaccept an honorary doctorate degree.

12of 30Mira SorvinoMira Sorvino visits Build Studio to discuss her television show ‘Condor’ on June 5, 2018, in New York City.Monica Schipper/GettyIna 2002 interview withThe Harvard Crimson,Romy and Michele’s High School ReunionactressMira Sorvinotalked about her decision to stay in school rather than leave to pursue an acting career.“I’m so glad that I went back and finished my education because I had the best time at Harvard,” she said. “It was the best four years of my life; it was just fantastic. When I came back, I rowed crew, I directed a play and I kept singing with the Veritones.”

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Mira Sorvino

Mira Sorvino visits Build Studio to discuss her television show ‘Condor’ on June 5, 2018, in New York City.Monica Schipper/Getty

Ina 2002 interview withThe Harvard Crimson,Romy and Michele’s High School ReunionactressMira Sorvinotalked about her decision to stay in school rather than leave to pursue an acting career.

“I’m so glad that I went back and finished my education because I had the best time at Harvard,” she said. “It was the best four years of my life; it was just fantastic. When I came back, I rowed crew, I directed a play and I kept singing with the Veritones.”

13of 30Natalie PortmanNatalie Portman attends the ‘Christian Dior, Couturier du Rêve’ exhibition launch celebrating 70 years of creation at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on July 3, 2017, in Paris.Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImageThe same yearStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menacewas released and theMay Decemberactress shot to fame, she enrolled at Harvard, despite critics saying it would be a career setback. “I’d rather be smart than a movie star,” PortmantoldVanity Fairin 2016. Of course, her time at Harvard, which concluded in 2003, didn’t ruin her career — quite the opposite! The Oscar winnerreturned to her alma materin 2015 to deliver an inspiring commencement speech to the graduating class.

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Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman attends the ‘Christian Dior, Couturier du Rêve’ exhibition launch celebrating 70 years of creation at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on July 3, 2017, in Paris.Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage

The same yearStar Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menacewas released and theMay Decemberactress shot to fame, she enrolled at Harvard, despite critics saying it would be a career setback. “I’d rather be smart than a movie star,” PortmantoldVanity Fairin 2016. Of course, her time at Harvard, which concluded in 2003, didn’t ruin her career — quite the opposite! The Oscar winnerreturned to her alma materin 2015 to deliver an inspiring commencement speech to the graduating class.

14of 30John KrasinskiJohn Krasinski attends the 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Expo Hall on Jan. 29, 2017, in Los Angeles.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicIFwriter-director-actorJohn Krasinskienrolled at Brown University after taking a gap year in Costa Rica, where he taught English as a second language and studied theater. He also was a member of the sketch comedy group Out of Bounds. The multihyphenate — who called his time at Brown “the cornerstone of my life and career” —returned to the universitytoaddress the graduating classduring its Commencement and Reunion Weekend in 2019.

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John Krasinski

John Krasinski attends the 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Expo Hall on Jan. 29, 2017, in Los Angeles.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

IFwriter-director-actorJohn Krasinskienrolled at Brown University after taking a gap year in Costa Rica, where he taught English as a second language and studied theater. He also was a member of the sketch comedy group Out of Bounds. The multihyphenate — who called his time at Brown “the cornerstone of my life and career” —returned to the universitytoaddress the graduating classduring its Commencement and Reunion Weekend in 2019.

15of 30Mindy KalingMindy Kaling speaks during the Amazon Prime Video Visionary Voices segment of the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, on Feb. 13, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif.Frederick M. Brown/GettyTheOfficecast sure knew how to pick them! In 2018, 2001 Dartmouth graduateMindy Kalingreturned to campus togive a hilarious commencement address.“I know that going into the real world sounds scary, but it’s exciting too. Finally, you’ll be in control of your own lives. No longer will there be an irrational Board of Trustees telling you you can’t have hard liquor on campus for the ridiculous reason that they don’t want you to die,”Kaling joked. “Come tomorrow, no one can stop you from filling your apartment with $4.99 handles of Uncle Satan’s Unfiltered Potato Vodka. Go crazy.”

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Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling speaks during the Amazon Prime Video Visionary Voices segment of the 2019 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, on Feb. 13, 2019, in Pasadena, Calif.Frederick M. Brown/Getty

TheOfficecast sure knew how to pick them! In 2018, 2001 Dartmouth graduateMindy Kalingreturned to campus togive a hilarious commencement address.

“I know that going into the real world sounds scary, but it’s exciting too. Finally, you’ll be in control of your own lives. No longer will there be an irrational Board of Trustees telling you you can’t have hard liquor on campus for the ridiculous reason that they don’t want you to die,”Kaling joked. “Come tomorrow, no one can stop you from filling your apartment with $4.99 handles of Uncle Satan’s Unfiltered Potato Vodka. Go crazy.”

16of 30Julia StilesJulia Stiles attends ‘The Hollywood Reporter’’s 35 Most Powerful People in Media 2017 at The Pool on April 13, 2017, in New York City.Jamie McCarthy/GettyDespite her teenage popularity,10 Things I Hate About YoustarJulia Stilesopted to study English at Columbia University. “College will help me as an actress because it makes me more interesting,” shetoldRolling Stonein 2001. Four years later, she graduated with a degree in English literature.

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Julia Stiles

Julia Stiles attends ‘The Hollywood Reporter’’s 35 Most Powerful People in Media 2017 at The Pool on April 13, 2017, in New York City.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Despite her teenage popularity,10 Things I Hate About YoustarJulia Stilesopted to study English at Columbia University. “College will help me as an actress because it makes me more interesting,” shetoldRolling Stonein 2001. Four years later, she graduated with a degree in English literature.

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Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes attends the Smithsonian Associates' ‘Scandal-ous!’ discussion with the cast and executive producers of ABC’s ‘Scandal’ at the University of the District of Columbia Theater of the Arts on April 28, 2016, in Washington, D.C.Teresa Kroeger/FilmMagic

18of 30Emma WatsonEmma Watson attends the New York premiere of ‘Noah’ at Clearview Ziegfeld Theatre on March 26, 2014, in New York City.Jemal Countess/Getty ImagesTheLittle Womenstar and activist, who attended Brown University, didn’t have a typical college experience. Watson first had to delay the start of her college career to filmHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.She also did a yearlong “study abroad” (although for her, it was really more like “study at home”) at Worcester College at Oxford University. She took five years to finish because she took two semesters off for acting jobs. In 2014, she graduated from Brown with a degree in English.

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Emma Watson

Emma Watson attends the New York premiere of ‘Noah’ at Clearview Ziegfeld Theatre on March 26, 2014, in New York City.Jemal Countess/Getty Images

TheLittle Womenstar and activist, who attended Brown University, didn’t have a typical college experience. Watson first had to delay the start of her college career to filmHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.She also did a yearlong “study abroad” (although for her, it was really more like “study at home”) at Worcester College at Oxford University. She took five years to finish because she took two semesters off for acting jobs. In 2014, she graduated from Brown with a degree in English.

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Connie Britton

Before she charmed audiences onFriday Night Lights,NashvilleandWhite Lotus,actressConnie Brittonattended Dartmouth College, where she majored in Asian studies with a concentration in Chinese. This academic focus led her to pursue a study abroad opportunity in Beijing, where she was roommates with none other than U.S. SenatorKirsten Gillibrand.

20of 30Allison WilliamsAllison Williams attends the 2017 Sun Valley Film Festival ‘Rising Star Reception’ on March 16, 2017, in Sun Valley, Idaho.Mark Davis/GettyBefore she was inGet OutandM3GAN,Allison Williams— the daughter of MSNBC anchorBrian Williams— attended Yale University, where she was a member of the improv comedy group Just Add Water. She graduated in 2010 — and months later, she landed the role ofMarnie onGirls.Not exactly your average entry-level job!

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Allison Williams

Allison Williams attends the 2017 Sun Valley Film Festival ‘Rising Star Reception’ on March 16, 2017, in Sun Valley, Idaho.Mark Davis/Getty

Before she was inGet OutandM3GAN,Allison Williams— the daughter of MSNBC anchorBrian Williams— attended Yale University, where she was a member of the improv comedy group Just Add Water. She graduated in 2010 — and months later, she landed the role ofMarnie onGirls.Not exactly your average entry-level job!

21of 30Conan O’BrienConan O’Brien arrives at the Children’s Defense Fund-California’s 26th annual Beat the Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Dec. 1, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Amanda Edwards/WireImageNo wonderConan O’Brienhas such a quick wit: He’s a Harvard grad! The late-night host earned a history and literature degree —magna cum laude— in 1985. While at the university, he wrote for the comedic magazineThe Harvard Lampoon. This student gig was perfect preparation for one of his first jobs out of college as a writer forSaturday Night Live.Fifteen years after walking the stage to receive his degree, O’Brien returned to the university todeliver a heartfelt and hilarious commencement speechto the graduating class of 2000.

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Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien arrives at the Children’s Defense Fund-California’s 26th annual Beat the Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Dec. 1, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Amanda Edwards/WireImage

No wonderConan O’Brienhas such a quick wit: He’s a Harvard grad! The late-night host earned a history and literature degree —magna cum laude— in 1985. While at the university, he wrote for the comedic magazineThe Harvard Lampoon. This student gig was perfect preparation for one of his first jobs out of college as a writer forSaturday Night Live.Fifteen years after walking the stage to receive his degree, O’Brien returned to the university todeliver a heartfelt and hilarious commencement speechto the graduating class of 2000.

22of 30Elizabeth BanksElizabeth Banks attends the ‘Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between’ Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017, in New York City.John Shearer/GettyBefore she was a bankable Hollywood star (get it?),Elizabeth Bankswas a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in communications and minored in theater. She was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

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Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks attends the ‘Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between’ Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017, in New York City.John Shearer/Getty

Before she was a bankable Hollywood star (get it?),Elizabeth Bankswas a student at the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in communications and minored in theater. She was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

23of 30Ellie KemperEllie Kemper attends the 2016 American Museum of Natural History Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on Nov. 17, 2016, in New York City.Mike Pont/WireImageUnbreakable Kimmy SchmidtstarEllie Kempergraduated from Princeton in 2002 with a degree in English. She started off her Ivy League career playing field hockey, though she didn’t get much time actuallyonthe field.“I sat on the bench for roughly 97 percent of my field hockey career at Princeton,” shetold thePrinceton Alumni Weeklyin 2009. Kemper eventually left the team to commit more time to comedy and improv. She returned to her alma mater tospeak at Princeton’s 2019 Class Day event.

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Ellie Kemper

Ellie Kemper attends the 2016 American Museum of Natural History Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on Nov. 17, 2016, in New York City.Mike Pont/WireImage

Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtstarEllie Kempergraduated from Princeton in 2002 with a degree in English. She started off her Ivy League career playing field hockey, though she didn’t get much time actuallyonthe field.

“I sat on the bench for roughly 97 percent of my field hockey career at Princeton,” shetold thePrinceton Alumni Weeklyin 2009. Kemper eventually left the team to commit more time to comedy and improv. She returned to her alma mater tospeak at Princeton’s 2019 Class Day event.

24of 30Jenny SlateJenny Slate attends the 95th annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif.Arturo Holmes/GettyActress-comedianJenny Slateattended Columbia University, where graduated in 2004 with a bachelor of arts degree in literature. TheIt Ends With Usstar was also an active member of the university’s improv comedy group, Fruit Paunch.“Being at Columbia was about finding a community of creative people that I really connected with and understanding that I didn’t have to compromise and I could still be a person,” Slatesaid of her college experienceduring the 2023 Spartan Speaker Series. “Reading books, into literature, would all feed into making me a better performer.”

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Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate attends the 95th annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif.Arturo Holmes/Getty

Arturo Holmes/Getty

Actress-comedianJenny Slateattended Columbia University, where graduated in 2004 with a bachelor of arts degree in literature. TheIt Ends With Usstar was also an active member of the university’s improv comedy group, Fruit Paunch.

“Being at Columbia was about finding a community of creative people that I really connected with and understanding that I didn’t have to compromise and I could still be a person,” Slatesaid of her college experienceduring the 2023 Spartan Speaker Series. “Reading books, into literature, would all feed into making me a better performer.”

25of 30Tatyana AliTatyana Ali attends the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2024, in New Orleans, La.Cindy Ord/GettyWhile herFresh Prince of Bel-Aircharacter, Ashley Banks, might have chosen to attend the fictional University of Los Angeles, actressTatyana Aliopted for Harvard University. She graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in government and African American studies.“This is something that people don’t know about Harvard. There’s actually a pretty substantial population of students of color,” Alitold BET.comin 2011 of her experience as a Black student at the prestigious university. “There are signature Black events at Harvard like Apollo Night, for example, and it’s time for performance and it’s really integrated. It’s Apollo Night, Black students are throwing it, but everybody comes and everybody performs.”

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Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali attends the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2024, in New Orleans, La.Cindy Ord/Getty

Cindy Ord/Getty

While herFresh Prince of Bel-Aircharacter, Ashley Banks, might have chosen to attend the fictional University of Los Angeles, actressTatyana Aliopted for Harvard University. She graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in government and African American studies.

“This is something that people don’t know about Harvard. There’s actually a pretty substantial population of students of color,” Alitold BET.comin 2011 of her experience as a Black student at the prestigious university. “There are signature Black events at Harvard like Apollo Night, for example, and it’s time for performance and it’s really integrated. It’s Apollo Night, Black students are throwing it, but everybody comes and everybody performs.”

26of 30Colin JostColin Jost during the ‘Weekend Update: Summer Edition’ on Aug. 24, 2017 in New York City.Rosalind O’Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesColin Jostgraduated from Harvard in 2004 with a degree in history and literature (Russian and British). While there, the future comedianhoned his skills as president ofThe Harvard Lampoon, the university’s humor magazine, which undoubtedly helped pave the way for him to become a staff writer onSaturday Night Live. (Fun fact: Hewas dormmateswith U.S. Transportation SecretaryPete Buttigieg!)

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Colin Jost

Colin Jost during the ‘Weekend Update: Summer Edition’ on Aug. 24, 2017 in New York City.Rosalind O’Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Rosalind O’Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Colin Jostgraduated from Harvard in 2004 with a degree in history and literature (Russian and British). While there, the future comedianhoned his skills as president ofThe Harvard Lampoon, the university’s humor magazine, which undoubtedly helped pave the way for him to become a staff writer onSaturday Night Live. (Fun fact: Hewas dormmateswith U.S. Transportation SecretaryPete Buttigieg!)

27of 30Anderson CooperAnderson Cooper attends the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2024 on May 15, 2024, in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/GettyCNN broadcast journalistAnderson Cooperattended Yale University, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science. The political commentator returned to his alma mater todeliver the Class Day addressin May 2016.

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Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper attends the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2024 on May 15, 2024, in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

CNN broadcast journalistAnderson Cooperattended Yale University, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science. The political commentator returned to his alma mater todeliver the Class Day addressin May 2016.

28of 30Lupita Nyong’oLupita Nyong’o attends the Hollywood Confidential event honoring her in support of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on June 14, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Arnold Turner/GettyA Quiet Place: Day OnestarLupita Nyong’ograduated from the Yale School of Drama in 2012 with a master of fine arts in acting. Just a year later, she landed a breakthrough role in12 Years a Slave, which earned her theOscarfor Best Supporting Actress.

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Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o attends the Hollywood Confidential event honoring her in support of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on June 14, 2024, in Beverly Hills, Calif.Arnold Turner/Getty

Arnold Turner/Getty

A Quiet Place: Day OnestarLupita Nyong’ograduated from the Yale School of Drama in 2012 with a master of fine arts in acting. Just a year later, she landed a breakthrough role in12 Years a Slave, which earned her theOscarfor Best Supporting Actress.

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Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd discusses the need for responsible and respectful reporting on suicides at a luncheon at the National Press Club on May 9, 2023, in Washington, D.C.Shannon Finney/Getty

Shannon Finney/Getty

Actress and activistAshley Juddearned a mid-career master of public administration degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government in 2010.

30of 30Dean CainDean Cain on ‘Today’ on Jan. 24, 2019.Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesYears before portrayingSupermanonLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, actor andreserve police officerDean Cain was a student at Princeton University. He graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in history andwas also a star football player.

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Dean Cain

Dean Cain on ‘Today’ on Jan. 24, 2019.Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Years before portrayingSupermanonLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, actor andreserve police officerDean Cain was a student at Princeton University. He graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in history andwas also a star football player.

source: people.com