Actors With Advanced Degrees (MA/PhD)

Plenty of performers sharpened their craft in conservatories, but some went further—earning master’s and even doctoral degrees in fields ranging from neuroscience to engineering to Renaissance art. Below are 40 actors whose academic journeys include an MA, MSc, MFA, MPhil, or PhD alongside the credits you know them for. Each entry notes the subject and institution, plus a couple of standout roles—because it’s fun to connect the classroom to the screen.

Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik earned a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA, researching Prader–Willi syndrome. Before and after completing her doctorate, she acted in series like ‘Blossom’ and later anchored ‘The Big Bang Theory’. She has published popular science books aimed at younger readers and families. Her academic background has also informed her hosting of ‘Jeopardy!’ and her on-air explanations of scientific ideas.

Peter Weller

Peter Weller completed a PhD in art history at UCLA, specializing in Italian Renaissance architecture, after earning an MA from Syracuse University. He has lectured at universities and presented art-history programs for television. On screen, he’s widely recognized for ‘RoboCop’ and has appeared in shows like ‘Dexter’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’. His scholarship has included conference talks and curated segments that bring academic topics to wider audiences.

Dan Grimaldi

Dan Grimaldi holds a PhD in data processing and computer science from the City University of New York. He taught mathematics and computer-science courses at colleges in the New York area. As an actor, he’s best known for playing the twins Patsy and Philly Parisi in ‘The Sopranos’. His parallel careers illustrate how technical teaching and screen work can coexist.

Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson earned an MSc in electrical engineering at the University of Oxford, focusing on control systems. He initially pursued doctoral work before comedy and acting took center stage. Viewers know him for ‘Mr. Bean’, ‘Blackadder’, and the ‘Johnny English’ films. Atkinson has often spoken about how engineering shaped his analytical approach to performance.

Dolph Lundgren

Dolph Lundgren completed an MSc in chemical engineering, studying at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the University of Sydney, and later won a Fulbright to MIT. He worked in engineering and security before moving into film. His breakout came as Ivan Drago in ‘Rocky IV’, followed by franchises like ‘The Expendables’ and appearances in ‘Aquaman’. He has discussed applying disciplined, scientific problem-solving to stunt work and training.

David Duchovny

David Duchovny earned an MA in English literature from Yale University and completed significant PhD coursework there. His scholarship included research on modern and postmodern literature. He broke through on television with ‘The X-Files’ and later starred in ‘Californication’. Duchovny has also published novels, bridging his academic training and storytelling career.

Robert Vaughn

Robert Vaughn received a PhD in communications from the University of Southern California. His doctoral dissertation examined the Hollywood blacklist era and was later published as a book. On screen, he became a household name with ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and worked steadily in film and television for decades. Vaughn’s academic work provided a rigorous historical lens on the industry in which he thrived.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. At Yale, she performed in numerous stage productions and worked with future collaborators who shaped her early career. She went on to lead the ‘Alien’ franchise and headline films such as ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ and ‘Avatar’. Weaver has continued to return to theater, reflecting her graduate-level training.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama after undergraduate studies at Vassar and the Yale Repertory Theater. While at Yale, she developed a wide range of classical and contemporary roles. Her screen work spans ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and ‘The Iron Lady’. Streep’s graduate education laid the foundation for her deep preparation and versatility.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali completed an MFA at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Early in his career he balanced stage and screen work, including roles on ‘House of Cards’. He later earned Academy recognition for films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. His training also supports thoughtful performances in series such as ‘True Detective’.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis earned an MFA from the Juilliard School, where she studied in the Drama Division. She built her career with acclaimed stage performances before major screen roles. Her film credits include ‘Fences’ and ‘The Help’, and she led the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Davis frequently credits rigorous graduate conservatory work for her command of character.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She collaborated with fellow Yale alumni early on and maintained strong ties to theater. Her portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ earned wide acclaim, and she has starred in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘9-1-1’. Bassett’s graduate studies emphasized character research that shows in her screen roles.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper earned an MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. His thesis work and studio training emphasized method-based preparation. He later starred in films like ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and directed and headlined ‘A Star Is Born’. Cooper has also returned to the stage, drawing on his graduate education.

John Turturro

John Turturro holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. He began with notable theater roles and transitioned into film with directors who valued his stage-honed precision. His credits include ‘Barton Fink’, ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ and the series ‘The Night Of’. Turturro continues to direct and write, reflecting a broad graduate-level approach to storytelling.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. She built a robust stage career and is a member of a prominent New York theater company. On screen, she’s known for ‘Fargo’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and many independent projects. McDormand frequently alternates between film and theater in a way rooted in graduate conservatory practice.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). He trained extensively in classical and contemporary repertoire. His filmography spans titles like ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘The Hours’, and he stars in the series ‘Westworld’. Harris’s MFA background is evident in his long-standing presence on stage and screen.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira earned an MFA in acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is also an accomplished playwright whose works have been produced internationally. Audiences know her as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and as Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. Gurira’s graduate studies supported a dual career in writing and performance.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown completed an MFA at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He gained early visibility through theater and character roles on television. He led the ensemble of ‘This Is Us’ and appeared in projects like ‘American Crime Story’ and ‘Black Panther’. Brown frequently mentors younger actors, emphasizing the value of rigorous graduate training.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Prior to Yale, she worked behind the camera on documentaries, which informed her approach to performance. Her breakout film was ’12 Years a Slave’, and she has led projects like ‘Us’ and appeared in ‘Black Panther’. Nyong’o remains active in theater and literature alongside her screen work.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton received an MA (Cantab) in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge, an advanced degree conferred after her BA under Cambridge’s system. She later trained and worked with experimental theater groups before transitioning to film. Her credits range from ‘Michael Clayton’ to ‘Doctor Strange’. Swinton’s academic background informed an early interest in political and avant-garde performance contexts.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson holds an MA (Cantab) from the University of Cambridge, awarded following her BA under the university’s tradition. While at Cambridge, she was active in student comedy troupes that shaped her early work. She has written and starred in films such as ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and acted in titles like ‘Love Actually’. Thompson’s academic and theatrical roots aligned early with her screenwriting and acting careers.

Sacha Baron Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen holds an MA (Cantab) in history from the University of Cambridge under its degree-progression system. He performed with the university’s dramatic and comedy societies before developing his signature characters. His screen work includes ‘Borat’, ‘The Dictator’, and the series ‘The Spy’. He has also produced and co-written projects that apply research-heavy preparation.

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie holds an MA (Cantab) from the University of Cambridge under its traditional upgrade from BA. He was a standout member of the Footlights troupe while studying. Laurie became globally known for ‘House’ and earlier for ‘Blackadder’. He continues to combine acting, writing, and music, reflecting a broad university background.

Tom Hiddleston

Tom Hiddleston holds an MA (Cantab) from the University of Cambridge’s degree-progression system after studying Classics at Pembroke College. He later completed formal acting training at RADA. Hiddleston’s roles include ‘Loki’ in the Marvel universe and Jonathan Pine in ‘The Night Manager’. He frequently returns to Shakespeare on stage, pairing classical studies with performance.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne holds an MA (Cantab) in History of Art from Trinity College, Cambridge, awarded via the university’s progression from BA. He began as a stage actor in London before expanding to screen roles. His credits include ‘The Theory of Everything’ and the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series. Redmayne also continues to appear in major theater productions that draw on his academic grounding.

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama after undergraduate studies at Yale College. His stage work led to character-rich film roles, and he has balanced independent projects with studio films. Viewers know him for ‘Sideways’ and the series ‘Billions’, among many others. Giamatti has also produced and narrated documentaries that reflect his classical training.

Ron Perlman

Ron Perlman holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota, where he focused on stage performance before transitioning to screen work. He first gained wide attention with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on television. Film audiences associate him strongly with ‘Hellboy’ and numerous genre features. Perlman continues to alternate between live-action roles and extensive voice acting anchored by his graduate training.

Billy Crudup

Billy Crudup completed an MFA at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts after studying at the University of North Carolina. He built an acclaimed theater resume that runs parallel to his screen career. Audiences recognize him from ‘Almost Famous’, the series ‘The Morning Show’, and ‘Watchmen’. Crudup frequently returns to Broadway, where his graduate-level technique is on full display.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon earned an MFA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, spending several years in repertory theater. Her breakthrough came with layered television roles that showcased her stage foundations. She has been a central figure in series like ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Fargo’, and appears in ‘The Gilded Age’. Coon also maintains an active stage career, including new plays and classics.

Tony Shalhoub

Tony Shalhoub received an MFA from the Yale School of Drama, where he developed a repertoire spanning comedy and drama. He built his early career on stage before moving to prominent television work. Viewers know him as the lead in ‘Monk’ and for his role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. Shalhoub continues to return to Broadway, often between television seasons.

Liev Schreiber

Liev Schreiber holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and quickly became known for his Shakespearean stage work. He transitioned to film and television while maintaining a presence in theater festivals. His notable credits include ‘Ray Donovan’ and ensemble films like ‘Spotlight’. Schreiber has also directed and produced projects that draw on his conservatory background.

Timothy Olyphant

Timothy Olyphant completed an MFA at the University of California, Irvine, after competing as a collegiate swimmer. He first gained attention in theater and independent films before landing major television leads. Audiences know him for ‘Justified’ and ‘Deadwood’, and he has appeared in ‘The Mandalorian’. Olyphant has taught acting workshops that reflect his formal training.

Debra Messing

Debra Messing earned an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts following undergraduate studies at Brandeis University. She built early credits on stage and in television pilots before landing her signature role. She is widely recognized for ‘Will & Grace’, with additional work in ‘The Mysteries of Laura’ and ‘Smash’. Messing remains active in theater and advocacy, often speaking about arts education.

Marcia Gay Harden

Marcia Gay Harden completed an MFA at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and began with a strong theater foundation. She moved into film roles that highlighted her nuanced character work. Her credits include ‘Pollock’ and ‘Mystic River’, along with television series like ‘Code Black’. Harden frequently supports arts programs and mentorship tied to her graduate training.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson holds an MFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts after undergraduate studies at the University of Washington. He co-founded a media company focused on positive storytelling alongside his acting. Viewers know him as Dwight Schrute in ‘The Office’ and from roles in ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Utopia’. Wilson has also taught and written about acting craft grounded in his conservatory education.

Ty Burrell

Ty Burrell earned an MFA from Penn State University and later taught acting at the university level. He worked steadily in theater before transitioning to film and television. He is best known for ‘Modern Family’ and has appeared in family features such as ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ and ‘Finding Dory’. Burrell continues to support arts education programs connected to his graduate roots.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance completed an MFA at the Yale School of Drama and gained early notice for his stage performances. He parlayed that experience into substantial film and television roles. His notable credits include ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’, ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’, and ‘Lovecraft Country’. Vance serves on boards and initiatives that support theater training.

Bradley Whitford

Bradley Whitford received an MFA from The Juilliard School after earning a BA at Wesleyan University. He built a career that spans stage, film, and prestige television. Audiences know him from ‘The West Wing’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and he appears in films like ‘Get Out’. Whitford frequently participates in readings and workshops tied to classical theater.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch completed an MA in Classical Acting at LAMDA following earlier studies at the University of Manchester. He worked extensively in theater, including major Shakespeare productions, before international television success. His screen work includes ‘Sherlock’, ‘Doctor Strange’, and ‘The Imitation Game’. Cumberbatch continues to balance film commitments with stage projects aligned to his graduate training.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant holds an MA (Oxon) from the University of Oxford, a higher degree conferred after the BA under the university’s tradition. While at Oxford, he acted with student companies that led to early professional opportunities. He became a leading figure in romantic comedies such as ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, and he starred in the limited series ‘A Very English Scandal’. Grant also produces and supports literary and film causes connected to his academic background.

Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama after completing her undergraduate studies at Tulane University. She built a parallel career in film and television while maintaining a steady presence on stage. Her screen work includes ‘Pieces of April’, ‘The Station Agent’, and the limited series ‘Sharp Objects’. Clarkson frequently returns to theater, where her graduate training underpins a wide range of roles.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors completed an MFA at the Yale School of Drama following studies at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He gained early notice at film festivals before leading major television projects. His credits include ‘Lovecraft Country’, ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’, and ‘Creed III’. Majors’s conservatory background includes extensive classical and contemporary stage work.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama after earning a BA at the University at Buffalo. He moved quickly from stage roles to high-profile studio projects. Audiences know him for ‘Black Panther’, ‘Us’, and ‘Nine Days’. Duke has also participated in readings and workshops that reflect his graduate-level training.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II earned an MFA from the Yale School of Drama after starting his career as a city planner. He transitioned into acting through theater productions and short films before major studio roles. His credits include ‘Aquaman’, the series ‘Watchmen’, and ‘Candyman’. He continues to balance film, television, and stage work that draws on his formal training.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose completed an MFA at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. She began with prominent stage roles, including award-winning work on Broadway. Viewers know her as the voice of Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and from appearances in ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Power’. Rose frequently records music and performs in concerts connected to her theater background.

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman received an MA from the Royal College of Art in graphic design before training at RADA. He worked as a designer and in repertory theater prior to international film recognition. His screen roles include ‘Die Hard’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Rickman also directed for stage and screen, bringing a visual artist’s perspective to his projects.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike holds an MA (Oxon) from the University of Oxford, conferred under the institution’s degree-progression system after her BA. She studied English literature at Wadham College while performing in student productions. Pike’s screen work includes ‘Gone Girl’, ‘I Care a Lot’, and the series ‘The Wheel of Time’. She also records narration and audio projects that align with her literary studies.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz holds an MA (Cantab) from the University of Cambridge by traditional progression following her BA at Trinity Hall. Before film, she co-founded a student theater company and appeared in numerous plays. Her notable credits include ‘The Constant Gardener’ and ‘The Favourite’, along with varied independent projects. Weisz continues to balance studio films with character-driven roles that reflect a literature-rich background.

Share your thoughts in the comments—who else with an MA or PhD deserves a spot on this list?