Another studious sci-fi legend is none other than Leonard Nimoy, AKA Spock. His showbiz career includes acting, singing, directing, writing, and more, but he had an academic side too.
Nimoy studied for two years in order to complete his M.A. in Education at Antioch College. He was also given an Honorary Doctorate from the same establishment for activism in Holocaust remembrance, the environment, and the arts. Another Honorary Doctorate of human letters was given to him by Boston University.
Sterling Morrison Had a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies
Rock guitarist Sterling Morrison was one of the founders of American rock band The Velvet Underground. While the glitz and glamour of being a rock legend seem to appeal to many, it seems that Morrison has always had his eyes out for the academy.
When the band broke up after Lou Reed left it for a solo career, Sterling took it as a chance to fulfill his academic dream and enrolled into the University of Texas. His Ph.D. in Medieval Studies was finished not long after that.
Sigourney Weaver Has Mastered Fine Arts
A well known face among sci-fi fans, Sigourney Weaver has her roots deep in the academic world. She attended Sarah Lawrence College, and then went on to get a B.A. in English from Stanford University. Two years later, in 1974, Weaver got a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale.
It seems that Weaver would have kept going down that academic path if it wasn’t for Ridley Scott, who chose her to play the part of Ellen Ripley in his film Alien. That character, along with other sci-fi characters she has played, is what made her the unofficial first lady of sci-fi.
Benedict Cumberbatch Is a Great Actor for a Great Reason
Benedict Cumberbatch knows his name is being made fun of sometimes, but with his kind of success and popularity, he's always the one to get the last laugh. Cumberbatch started acting in school plays when he was 12 years old and he hasn't really stopped since. Well, to be exact, the only time when he did stop was when he taught English in India for a year.
Other than great natural talent for acting, Cumberbatch is such a pro thanks to an M.A. he has in Classical Acting. He got this degree from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. After receiving his degree, Cumberbatch started putting his skills to work, first in theater, then in film and TV.
Lupita Nyong'o Has an M.A. in Acting
The world has been Lupita Nyong'o's oyster for quite some time. She was born in Mexico, brought up in Kenya, and has attended Hampshire college in the United States. After obtaining her B.A. in Film and Theater Studies, she turned to work as a production assistant in Hollywood. Three years later, she scored her first cinematic role in the short film East River.
Nyong'o then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Acting from Yale. It wasn't long after her graduation that she was cast in 12 Years a Slave and became a well known face in Hollywood. Her degrees have proved themselves useful and she has the Academy Award and the Tony to attest to her great acting skills.