Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, and Others Who Succeeded Without a High School Diploma
Several celebrities have achieved remarkable success despite not completing high school. Jeremy Allen White, star of The Bear, shared a touching story about an old teacher who surprised him at the New York City premiere of his film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.
Jeremy Allen White’s Heartwarming Surprise
On the October 23 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, White reflected on his schooling at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City. He admitted, “I wasn’t a good student because I didn’t go to school enough,” and revealed he never graduated.
After the film screening, his teacher gave him a gift—his high school diploma. White said, “And I was like, ‘Ah, you don’t have to do this, this is crazy, what are you giving me a gift for?’ And I open it up, and it is my high school diploma. So… at 34 years old, I graduated high school!”
Nicole Kidman’s Reflections on Dropping Out
Though she has won two Oscars, Nicole Kidman expressed regret about leaving school early. Speaking on 60 Minutes, the 51-year-old revealed,
“I’m a high school dropout, which I’m not proud to say. I had some teachers that I still think of fondly and were amazing to me.”
By the age of 15, she was determined to pursue acting and moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream.
Common Theme
- Many successful actors didn’t follow a traditional education path.
- Support from teachers and early dedication to their craft played key roles.
- Late academic recognition, like diplomas, can offer meaningful closure.
These stories highlight that a high school diploma is not the only path to success in life and career.
Author’s summary: Many famous actors, including Jeremy Allen White and Nicole Kidman, overcame dropping out of high school by pursuing their passions and receiving meaningful support along the way.