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35 Famous People Who Dropped Out Of School    

Education is important, but sometimes greatness cannot be confined within the walls of a classroom. In a world that often emphasizes the importance of education as a crucial stepping stone toward a successful future, it may come as a surprise that some of the most accomplished individuals in history chose to abandon their formal education.  

The decision to drop out of school is almost always met with doubt and concern, as society tends to view education as a fundamental requirement for achieving one’s goals. From brilliant entrepreneurs and tech innovators to visionary artists and acclaimed entertainers, these famous individuals did not shy away from taking the road less traveled, but they boldly charted their course, relying on their unique talents, drive, and determination to overcome societal expectations. 

While dropping out of school is not an endorsement or a guarantee of success, these famous individuals on this list did things differently by embracing their unique journeys. They went on to leave an indelible mark on the world, proving that true knowledge can be gained beyond the boundaries of a school. Here are the 35 famous people who dropped out of school. 

35. Bill Gates 

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Born in Seattle, Washington in 1955, Bill Gates is one of the wealthiest American business moguls and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Having had an interest in computers since his early days, Gates is one of the pioneers of the personal computer revolution.  

Gates was a bright student but despite his impressive academic performance, he dropped out of Harvard University after two years of studying computer science, to pursue his vision of developing and selling software for personal computers.  

This decision led to the creation of Microsoft, which would become one of the most influential and successful technology companies in the world. While he dropped out of college, his school life played a significant role in shaping his path to success.   

34. Steve Jobs 

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) the co-founder of Apple Inc., is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of someone who dropped out of school and went on to achieve tremendous success. Jobs enrolled at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, but dropped out after just six months due to financial constraints.  

However, he continued attending classes that interested him, particularly those related to calligraphy and typography. Jobs, along with his friend Steve Wozniak, founded Apple in his parent’s garage. Although Jobs left formal education, he maintained a relentless curiosity and passion for learning. 

33. Oprah Winfrey 

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The famous TV personality Oprah Winfrey was a smart girl while growing up. She possessed a natural talent for communication and storytelling, thus beginning her broadcasting career at a local radio station and eventually transitioning to television.  

Oprah had a full scholarship at Tennessee State University but she left before completing her degree and went back years later when she was already successful. While Winfrey dropped out of college, she still went on to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry. 

32. Mark Zuckerberg 

Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder, and CEO of Facebook, attended Harvard University, where he studied psychology and computer science. In 2004, while still a student, Zuckerberg launched “Thefacebook” as a social networking website for Harvard students. The platform quickly gained popularity and expanded to other universities, eventually becoming Facebook.  

As the company grew rapidly, Zuckerberg made the daring decision to drop out of Harvard in his sophomore year to focus on developing and scaling his creation. His passion for developing social networking platforms took precedence over his formal education, transforming not only his own life but also revolutionizing how people connect and interact online. 

Here are facts about Mark Zuckerberg. 

31. Ellen DeGeneres 

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Ellen DeGeneres is a comedian and television host who dropped out of school on her path to success. Born and raised in Louisiana, DeGeneres attended the University of New Orleans, majoring in communication studies, but she left college after just one semester to work in a law firm before she began pursuing comedy.  

Her decision to drop out of school and make people laugh as a career has led to her success while at the same time bringing joy to millions of people worldwide. 

Read facts about Ellen DeGeneres here. 

30. Johnny Depp 

Johnny Depp is a successful famous actor who dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to become a rockstar. He attempted to go back to school after two weeks of absence but the principal didn’t want him back so he urged him to follow his musical dream. 

Depp joined a band but soon found himself drawn to the world of acting. He landed a few small roles in films and TV, gradually building his acting career, and is now one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. 

Check out these facts about Johnny Depp. 

29. Whoopi Goldberg 

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Whoopi Goldberg is an award-winning American actress who dropped out of high school before she obtained a high school diploma. She has Dyslexia, which is a learning disability that affects reading. While her decision to leave high school may have limited her formal education, her talent, hard work, and determination have propelled her to become one of the most respected and successful entertainers in the industry. 

28. Richard Branson 

Richard Branson is a successful British entrepreneur and investor who is known as the founder of the Virgin Group. He has dyslexia which made him perform poorly, leaving school at the age of 16. He decided to leave school to push his entrepreneurial spirit and pursue the many business ventures that he had in mind. 

Despite not completing his formal education, Branson’s business acumen, innovative thinking, and risk-taking nature have played a significant role in his success. 

27. Jay-Z 

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Jay-Z is an award-winning American rapper and entrepreneur who attended different schools in New York before attending Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey, where he dropped out during his sophomore year and so he did not graduate. 

This did not stop him from doing well in life because his achievements as a rapper and businessman have made him one of the wealthiest musicians in the world. 

26. Rihanna 

Rihanna is a Barbadian singer and businesswoman who did not graduate from high school but decided to pursue a musical career instead. She has released numerous hit songs over the years, even winning multiple Grammy Awards. 

Rihanna’s influence extends beyond her musical accomplishments. She is known for her fashion-forward style, advocacy for diversity and inclusivity, and philanthropic efforts. Her impact on popular culture, combined with her entrepreneurial success, has solidified her status as a global icon.

25. Maya Angelou

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Maya Angelou (1928-2014) is a famous American author, poet, and civil rights activist who had a love for literature and the power of words. At the age of 16, Maya Angelou became the first African American female streetcar conductor in San Francisco. While this was an impressive accomplishment, it did not require a college education.

While Maya Angelou did not have a formal college degree, her life experiences, resilience, and exceptional writing talent made her a revered figure in American literature. She used her words to inspire, empower, and advocate for civil rights, equality, and social justice.

24. Robert De Niro 

Robert De Niro is a legendary American actor and filmmaker who dropped out of high school when he was 16 years to pursue his acting dream. He immersed himself in the world of acting, gaining practical knowledge and skills by taking on various roles in theater, film, and television.

His dedication to honing his craft and his immense talent have firmly established him as one of the most respected and influential actors in Hollywood.

Read facts about De Niro here.

23. Elon Musk 

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Elon Musk is a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and business magnate who was born in South Africa and is known for his involvement in various ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He dropped out of a Ph.D. program in materials science at Stanford University after only two days.  

Musk joined the Internet boom and achieved entrepreneurial success, earning him widespread acclaim and significant wealth. His work has not only transformed industries but has also sparked conversations and initiatives around renewable energy, space exploration, and technological innovation. 

22. Benjamin Franklin 

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the first Postmaster General. His formal education ended at the age of 10 years when he left school to join his father’s candle-making business. He had only two years of formal schooling.  

21. Steven Spielberg

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Steven Spielberg is an American producer who left his studies without completing his degree to pursue a career in filmmaking. His talent and dedication caught the attention of Universal Studios, leading to a contract with the studio while he was still in college.  

His contributions to cinema have earned him multiple Academy Awards and widespread recognition as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. 

20. Charlie Chaplin 

Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) was an English comic actor and silent filmmaker who was born in 1889 in London, England. His formal education was interrupted at a young age due to the harsh circumstances surrounding his upbringing.  

Charlie’s experience in the performing arts shaped his talent and contributed to his rise as one of the greatest silent film actors of all time. 

19. Tiger Woods

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Tiger Woods is an award-winning, record-breaking, G.O.A.T American golfer. Because of his incredible talent, many colleges offered him full scholarships but he chose Stanford University where he enrolled in the fall of 1994 under a golf scholarship. 

Woods did not complete his college education because his golf career was too demanding. He became a professional golfer and professional tournaments, plus endorsement opportunities awaited him. 

18. Colonel Sanders  

Colonel Harland Sanders (1890-1980) was an American businessman and the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). He dropped out of school in 7th grade because he didn’t like algebra plus his family had financial challenges and so the boy had to take on different jobs to earn an income. 

He worked as a farmhand, streetcar conductor, and railroad fireman among other occupations, but he went back to school at some point and studied law. He started various businesses, the most notable being a service station in Kentucky. He sold meals to travelers at a small dining area within the station and the popularity of his cooking grew.  

His unique blend of 11 herbs and spices became popular, and he continued to refine his recipe. In 1952, at the age of 62, Sanders franchised his recipe and cooking technique, creating Kentucky Fried Chicken. The franchise quickly gained popularity across the United States and eventually became a global phenomenon. 

17. Elton John 

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Elton John is a British musician who dropped out of school to pursue a career in the music industry. He began playing the piano at a young age and demonstrated extraordinary musical abilities and his parents supported his talent.  

Elton’s remarkable talent, musical achievements, and philanthropic efforts have earned him honorary degrees for his contributions to music and he remains a legend in the music industry. 

16. Anthony Bourdain 

Anthony Bourdain (1956-2018) was an American celebrity chef and television personality who dropped out of college but later found success in the culinary world and became a renowned figure in the food and travel industry. 

He dropped out of Vassar College in New York in his second year and took on various jobs, including working as a dishwasher, line cook, and sous chef in several New York City restaurants. He would later enroll in The Culinary Institute of America, following his passion for food and gaining culinary expertise.  

15. Jennifer Lawrence

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Born in 1990 in Indian Hills, Kentucky, Jennifer Lawrence is a successful American actress who is very famous in the entertainment industry. She dropped out of school when she was 14 years and she had not received her GED or diploma.  

Her success in the film industry showcases her talent, dedication, and ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Lawrence has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress, and is known for her versatility as an actress, delivering powerful performances across a range of genres. 

14. Seth Rogen 

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Born in 1982 in Vancouver, Canada, Seth Rogen is a Canadian actor and filmmaker with a very high sense of humor. He dropped out of high school during his teenage years and started acting and earning an income that sustained his family. 

Rogen’s comedic talent, versatility, and dedication have made him a beloved figure in the world of comedy and film. He continues to entertain audiences with his performances, writing, and directing, showcasing his unique comedic voice and ability to bring laughter to viewers around the world. 

13. Jackie Robinson 

Born in 1919 in Cairo, Georgia, Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) was an American baseball player who broke the baseball color line becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). He excelled in various sports in school, including baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and track.  

Jackie joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) but left just before he graduated to work for the government and later joined the army. Although he did not graduate, Robinson left a lasting impact on the university and was posthumously awarded an honorary degree to recognize his significant contributions to civil rights and sports. 

12. Katy Perry 

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Katy Perry is an award-winning American pop singer who was born in 1984 in Santa Barbara, California. She grew up in a religious household, as her parents were both pastors. She started her musical journey at a young age, singing in church and taking vocal lessons. She got her GED early and she left high school in her teenage years to follow her musical dream. 

Perry pursued music with a lot of passion, giving energetic stage performances, visually stunning music videos, and a colorful fashion sense and image. This contributed to her immense popularity, and she consistently produces chart-topping hits and remains an influential figure in the music industry. 

11. Ryan Gosling 

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Ryan Gosling is a Canadian actor who was born in 1980 in London, Ontario, Canada. When he was younger, he had difficulty reading, plus he was a naughty child whereby he was expelled from school and even had to be homeschooled at some point. Ryan dropped out of school when he was 17 years old to follow his acting dream.

His talent, dedication, and ability to portray complex characters have made him one of the most respected actors in the industry. Gosling’s versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on diverse roles, ranging from romantic dramas to action thrillers. He continues to deliver compelling performances and is admired the world over.

10. Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino is an American filmmaker who was born in 1963 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and dropped out of school at the age of 16 years to pursue a career in the film industry. He had a strong passion for filmmaking from a young age and decided to dedicate himself to pursuing his dreams in the industry.  

After leaving school, Tarantino began working at a video rental store, where he had access to a vast collection of films. This experience allowed him to watch and study a wide range of movies, deepening his knowledge and understanding of different film styles and genres. 

9. Sofia Vergara 

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Sofia Vergara is a Colombian and American actress who is one of the highest-paid in the industry. She is well known for her role as Gloria in the series ‘Modern Family’. Sofia dropped out of the National University of Colombia after being there for 3 years. She was a few months shy of attaining her dentistry degree. 

She left to pursue a career in modeling and acting and has since achieved great success in the entertainment industry. 

8. Eminem 

Eminem is an award-winning American rapper who was born in 1972 in Missouri but grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He experienced various personal difficulties and changed schools frequently, which impacted his academic progress.  

Having attended multiple schools in the Detroit area and faced social and economic challenges, this rapper dropped out of high school after spending 3 years in one grade because of poor performance and absenteeism.  

Eminem pursued his musical dream, and with his talent, unique style plus lyrical abilities, his career took off and he became one of the most successful and influential rappers in the world. 

7. Madonna 

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Known as the ‘Queen of Pop’, Madonna is an award-winning American musician who is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, known for her provocative image, boundary-pushing music, and remarkable success in the music and entertainment industry.  

Though she was hardworking in school and always got good grades, Madonna dropped out of the University of Michigan to pursue a music career. She became one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time and ventured into various business endeavors, including fashion, writing, acting, and film directing. 

6. Mark Wahlberg 

Mark Wahlberg is an American actor who dropped out of school and earned his diploma online in his 40s. Mark dropped out of high school at the age of 14 and had a troubled youth, getting in trouble with the law and struggling with drugs and violence. 

Despite these hurdles, Mark turned his life around and found success in the entertainment industry, beginning as a rapper and then going into acting.  

5. Kanye West 

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Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kanye West is an award-winning American rapper who dropped out of Chicago State University when he was 20 years old. He was doing a degree in English at the time and he dropped out to pursue his career in the music industry.  

Kanye has been successful in his career so far, plus he has also ventured into the fashion industry.  

4. Brad Pitt

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Brad Pitt is a successful, award-winning, American filmmaker who is one of the most powerful and influential people in the entertainment industry in the world today.  Brad attended the University of Missouri, where he studied journalism and advertising. He was just two credits short of completing his degree when he left university to pursue his acting career in Los Angeles. 

Although he didn’t complete his college degree, Brad Pitt’s talent and dedication to his craft have propelled him to become one of the most respected and sought-after actors of his generation. 

3. Coco Chanel 

Coco Chanel (1983-1971) was an influential French fashion designer and founder of the Chanel brand. She did not attend any school and so she had no formal education. Her childhood was marked by hardship and poverty, growing up in an orphanage after her mother’s death. It was while at the orphanage that she learned how to sew. 

Coco Chanel’s success as a fashion designer and her impact on the industry is remarkable, considering her background as a dropout. Her designs emphasized simplicity, comfort, and elegance, and she played a significant role in liberating women from the restrictive fashion norms of the time. 

2. Al Pacino

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Al Pacino, the legendary American actor and filmmaker, did not complete his formal education dropping out of high school before he could graduate but kept attending the English class. This brought about conflict between him and his mum, so he left home. He decided to pursue his acting career instead. 

His talent, dedication, and commitment to his craft have made him a respected and celebrated figure in the world of acting. His career achievements serve as a testament to the idea that success in the arts can be achieved through passion, hard work, and natural talent.  

Here are fascinating facts about Al Pacino.

1. Marilyn Monroe  

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Actress Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) had a difficult childhood that was marked by various challenges and disruptions thanks to changes in her living arrangements. She spent much of her childhood in more than 10 foster homes and an orphanage, experiencing multiple disruptions to her education. Monroe got married at 16 years to avoid going back to the orphanage and so she dropped out of high school to become a housewife. 

Monroe’s success and fame as a Hollywood actress were not hindered by her lack of formal education. She became one of the most iconic and celebrated actresses of her time, known for her beauty, charm, and talent.  

Marilyn Monroe’s life and career were tragically cut short when she passed away in 1962 at the age of 36. While she may have been a dropout in terms of formal education, her impact on popular culture and her enduring legacy as a Hollywood legend remain significant 

Those are some of the famous people who dropped out of school. They had the courage, patience, and firm belief in their abilities. They embraced their passions, took risks, and pursued their dreams fearlessly thus attaining extraordinary accomplishments.  

Education remains a powerful tool for personal growth and development, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. Success can be attained in countless ways.