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.
Frank Ryan Has a Ph.D. in Mathematics
Frank Ryan must be the smartest quarterback in football history. Other than his football achievements, this man has done a lot in the academy. Actually, he almost denied the opportunity to play professional football in favor of pursuing an academic career.
Ultimately, Ryan got to do both. In 1964, he led his team to winning the championship, and the following year was when he completed his Ph.D. He even got to teach at the Case Institute of Technology as an assistant professor.
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.
Leonard Nimoy Was an Avid Educator
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.
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.