Famous School Dropouts - List of Famous School Dropouts - page 2

Education is undoubtedly an important part of every human’s life and it’s widely believed that academic success leads to a secure future. However, there are several individuals who have proved that you don’t always need good grades to be successful in life. You would be surprised to know that some of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs and big achievers, in general, haven’t even graduated from high school. Yet, some of these eminent personalities are role models to millions of people from across the world. Hollywood heartthrobs like Johnny Depp, Jim Carrey, John Travolta, Charlie Sheen, Quentin Tarantino, Katy Perry and Nicolas Cage are some world renowned names who never studied much. Maverick filmmaker Quentin Tarantino’s school teachers would have hardly expected their student to make cult classics like ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Inglorious Bastards’. These films didn’t just strike gold at the box office, but garnered a lot of acclaim at film festivals around the world too. Although actors Nicolas Cage and Jim Carrey failed to finish high school, their lives went on to be known as one of the greatest success stories of all time. ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ star Johnny Depp’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 Million and interestingly, he isn’t a Harvard or Stanford graduate. These celebrities have proved that graduating from high school and taking up a job like everybody else isn’t the only route to success. Here’s a list of high school dropouts who are famous worldwide for their endeavors.

Johnny Depp, Katy Perry, Tom Cruise and Nicolas Cage are some celebrities who didn't graduate from high school

The Most Famous School Dropouts

NameBirthdayNationalityBio
Charles BukowskiAugust 16, 1920German, AmericanCharles Bukowski was a German-born American novelist, short story writer and poet
Nicole KidmanJune 20, 1967Australian, AmericanNicole Kidman is one of the most talented actors that the Hollywood film industry can boast of
Henry CavendishOctober 10, 1731BritishHenry Cavendish was a theoretical chemist and physicist, renowned for discovery of hydrogen and calculation of the mass of earth
Frank IeroOctober 31, 1981AmericanFrank Iero is an acclaimed American musician
Joaquin PhoenixOctober 28, 1974AmericanJoaquin Phoenix is a famed actor of Hollywood known for the films, ‘Walk the Line’ and ‘Gladiator’
Al PacinoApril 25, 1940AmericanAl Pacino is a very famous American film/stage actor, known for his extraordinary acting skills
Tom CruiseJuly 3, 1962AmericanTom Cruise is an award-winning American actor and filmmaker best known for movies in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ film series
Charles TaylorJanuary 28, 1948LiberianCharles Taylor is a former politician from Liberia, who served as the President of the country for six years
Simon CowellOctober 7, 1959BritishSimon Cowell is a television personality, producer and entrepreneur
Bobby FischerMarch 9, 1943American, IcelanderBobby Fischer is considered one of the greatest chess players of all times
Henry Cavendish

Henry Cavendish

Henry Cavendish was a theoretical chemist and physicist, renowned for discovery of hydrogen and calculation of the mass of earth

BritishOctober 10, 1731969 views

Kemmons Wilson

Charles Kemmons Wilson was a celebrated businessman, known for having established the ‘Holiday Inn’ chain of quality hotels

AmericanJanuary 5, 1913207 views

Sacagawea

Sacagawea is famous for having been the first female guide for an American expedition

American1788141 views

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger was an acclaimed actor, best known for his role in the movie ‘Dark Knight’

AustralianApril 4, 1979246 views

Pauline Hanson

Pauline Hanson is an Australian Politician and the leader of One Nation political party

AustralianMay 27, 1954220 views

Barry Gibb

Barry Gibb is a celebrated musician known for founding the band, ‘Bee Gees’

John Williamson

John Williamson is a famous singer from Australia, known for albums like ‘Mallee Boy’, ‘Warragul’, and ‘Boomerang Café’

Rod Laver

Rod Laver is a former professional tennis player from Australia, known for his four consecutive ‘Grand Slam’ wins

Katy Perry

Katy Perry is a renowned singer, song writer, actor and entrepreneur, activist who hails from the United States

AmericanOctober 25, 1984137 views

Charles Taylor

Charles Taylor is a former politician from Liberia, who served as the President of the country for six years

LiberianJanuary 28, 1948444 views