Famous High School Dropouts
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.
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1
Phil Collins(Drummer & Lead Singer of the Rock Band 'Genesis')
Birthdate: January 30, 1951
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chiswick, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom
Phil Collins is best known for his work with the popular rock band Genesis. Having sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Phil is one of three recording artists who have sold more than 100 million records both as principal members of a band and as solo artists.
Birthdate: December 18, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dartford, Kent, England, United Kingdom
Keith Richards is a musician and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding one of the most popular rock bands ever, The Rolling Stones. Also a guitarist, he was ranked fourth on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 best guitarists list in 2011. Richards' look and characterization inspired the character of Captain Teague who appears in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
3
Berry Gordy(Record Executive)
Birthdate: November 28, 1929
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Detroit, MichiganDetroit, Michigan, United States
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: November 20, 1956
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
As a 16-year-old girl who loved surfing and sunbathing more than attending school, Bo Derek did not think twice before starting a sexual relationship with John Derek, 30 years her senior. She eventually starred in the comedy film, 10, and established herself as an actress. An animal welfare spokesperson and horse lover, Bo Derek continues to serve as an activist.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: January 17, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Romeo, Michigan, United States
Robert James Ritchie, better known as Kid Rock, started off as a DJ and rapper. His platinum-certified album Devil Without a Cause sold 14 million copies. A self-taught musician and instrumentalist, he loves collecting guns and is an ordained minister. His music blends country with hip hop, rock, and metal.
Birthdate: April 8, 1941
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Tintwistle
British fashion designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, is credited for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream. She attended a course on jewelry at the University of Westminster but left before graduating. She worked as a teacher for a while before turning to fashion designing. She eventually opened four boutiques in London.
Recommended Lists:7
Li Ka-shing(Hong Kong Business Magnate and One of the Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Asia)
Birthdate: July 29, 1928
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chaozhou, Guangdong, China
Li Ka-shing, also known as Superman, remains Hong Kong’s richest man, in spite of a drop in his net worth due to the Hong Kong riots and the coronavirus pandemic. The business tycoon is known for his association with Hutchison and for his investments in the video-conferencing platform Zoom.
Birthdate: 1788 AD
Birthplace: Salmon
Died: 1812 AD
Sacagawea, a Lemhi Shoshone woman, became a significant part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, helping its members connect with the Native Americans along the trail. The National American Woman Suffrage Association later honored her by erecting several statues in her memory. She finds mention in many books and films.
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Rick Harrison(American Businessman, Reality TV Personality and Owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop)
Birthdate: March 22, 1965
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lexington, North Carolina, United States
Rick Harrison, co-owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, shot to fame with the History Channel show Pawn Stars. His memoir, License to Pawn, became a New York Times bestseller. Named the National Pawnbrokers Association’s 2010 Pawnbroker of the Year, he also appeared on the game show Pawnography.
Birthdate: November 28, 1959
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Portland, Maine, United States
Judd Nelson is an American actor known for playing important roles in popular films, such as The Breakfast Club, New Jack City, and St. Elmo's Fire. Although he left Haverford College during his sophomore year, he did not give up on acting, which he studied under Stella Adler. Also an author, Nelson has written four books, including The Power of Speech.
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Jackie Collins(Novelist)
Birthdate: October 4, 1937
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: London, England, UK
Died: September 19, 2015
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
12
Jack Albertson(Actor and Comedian Best Known for His Role as ‘John Cleary’ in the Film ‘The Subject Was Roses’)
Birthdate: June 16, 1907
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Malden, Massachusetts, United States
Died: November 25, 1981
Jack Albertson was an eminent American actor having presence in films and plays alike, as evident from his successful performances in The Subject Was Roses both on the stage and on the big screen. The winner of Tony, Oscar and Emmy awards had such a passion for his career that he continued his acting despite being diagnosed for colorectal cancer.
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Honus Wagner(Baseballer)
Birthdate: February 24, 1874
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chartiers, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: December 6, 1955
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
Birthdate: January 17, 1955
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hampton, Virginia United States
Rock, country, and folk singer-songwriter, Steve Earle, developed an early interest in music and started his career when he was a teenager. Rebellious as a young man, he went through his share of struggles before he was able to establish himself successfully as a singer. Also a political activist, he is a vocal opponent of capital punishment.
Recommended Lists:15
Rajkumar(Actor)
Birthdate: April 24, 1929
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gajanur, India
Died: April 12, 2006
Legendary Kannada actor and singer Dr. Rajkumar had gained titles such as Nata Saarvabhouma and Gaana Gandharva from his fans. He was a major force behind the Gokak agitation for Kannada language. He had also been awarded with the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
16
Bud Abbott(Comedian)
Birthdate: October 2, 1897
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Asbury Park, New Jersey, United States
Died: April 24, 1974
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
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Nicholas Brendon(Actor)
Birthdate: April 12, 1971
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
18
Nena(German Singer-Songwriter Best Known as the Lead Singer of the Band 'Nena')
Birthdate: March 24, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hagen, Germany
German singer/songwriter Gabriele Susanne Kerner, better known as Nena, soared to international fame with the hit 99 Luftballons. Known for her energetic performances, Nena is also a mother of four and has co-founded the Neue Schule Hamburg school, based on the American Sudbury model of education.
Recommended Lists:19
Carmen Basilio(Boxer)
Birthdate: April 2, 1927
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Canastota, New York, United States
Died: November 7, 2012
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
20
Shaun Ryder(Lead Vocalist of the Bands 'Happy Mondays' and 'Black Grape')
Birthdate: August 23, 1962
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Little Hulton, Lancashire, England
English singer Shaun Ryder, best known for his association with Happy Mondays and Black Grape, once confessed to learning the alphabet at age 26. While he suffered from ADHD and alopecia, he was also a heroin addict for over two decades and eventually overcame his addiction through cycling.
Recommended Lists:21
Joan Hackett(Actress)
Birthdate: March 1, 1934
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: East Harlem, New York City, New York, USA
Died: October 8, 1983
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
Birthdate: January 5, 1913
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Osceola
Died: February 12, 2003
Recommended Lists:23
Niamh Cusack(Actress)
Birthdate: October 20, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
24
Leighton Rees(Darts player)
Birthdate: January 17, 1940
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Ynysybwl, Wales
Died: June 8, 2003
Recommended Lists:25
Gia Coppola(Director)
Birthdate: January 1, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
26
Camille Muffat(French Swimmer and Olympic Gold Medalist)
Birthdate: October 28, 1989
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Nice, France
Died: March 9, 2015
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Recommended Lists:27
Jacque Fresco(Futurist and Self-Described Social Engineer)
Birthdate: March 13, 1916
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, United States
Died: May 18, 2017
Jacque Fresco was an American futurist who lectured and wrote his views on various subjects, such as energy efficiency, sustainable cities, cybernetic technology, natural-resource management, and automation. His life and career inspired the 2006 semi-biographical film Future by Design. In 2016, Jacque Fresco was honored with a Novus Summit award for his work.
Birthdate: November 1, 1945
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kerang, Australia
John Williamson is an Australian folk and country music singer-songwriter. A multi-talented individual, JOHN Williamson is also known for his skills as a multi-instrumentalist, conservationist, and television host. One of the most respected musicians in Australia, Williamson has released more than 50 albums and has won several awards. In 2010, he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Recommended Lists:29
Adam Rose(Wrestler)
Birthdate: July 20, 1979
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Raymond John Leppan, better known by his ring name, Adam Rose, is a retired South African wrestler. He once described himself as the “life of the party” and has also represented NXT and WWE. He was also part of an E:60 documentary titled Behind the Curtain.
30
Lil Duval(Comedian)
Birthdate: June 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Florida, USA
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Charlotte Dawson(New Zealand–Australian Television Personality and Host of 'Getaway', 'The Contender Australia')
Birthdate: April 8, 1966
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Died: February 22, 2014
Charlotte Dawson was a New Zealand–Australian TV personality best remembered for her work as the host of popular TV shows, such as Getaway and The Contender Australia. A former model and fashion advocate, Dawson also appeared as a judge on the reality television series, Australia's Next Top Model. Her death by suicide in 2014 made headlines in Australia.
32
Spider One(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: August 25, 1968
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA
Recommended Lists:33
Jim Bolger(35th Prime Minister of New Zealand (1990 - 1997))
Birthdate: May 31, 1935
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Opunake, New Zealand
Jim Bolger is a New Zealand retired politician best known for serving as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2 November 1990 to 8 December 1997. He led the National Party to victory in 1990. An influential politician, Jim Bolger also served as the Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Immigration, and Minister of Labour.
34
Aruna Irani(Actress)
Birthdate: August 18, 1946
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
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David Low(Cartoonist)
Birthdate: April 7, 1891
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dunedin, New Zealand
Died: September 19, 1963
36
Barney Oldfield(American Automobile Racer)
Birthdate: January 29, 1878
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Wauseon, Ohio, United States
Died: October 4, 1946
Recommended Lists:37
Willie Keeler(Baseball player)
Birthdate: March 3, 1872
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New York City, New York
Died: January 1, 1923
38
Arthur Fadden(Politician)
Birthdate: April 13, 1894
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Ingham, Australia
Died: April 21, 1973
Recommended Lists:39
Rafael Escalona(Colombian folk-song composer)
Birthdate: May 26, 1926
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Patillal, Colombia
Died: May 13, 2009
40
Phyllis Pearsall(Entrepreneur)
Birthdate: September 25, 1906
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: East Dulwich, London, England
Died: August 28, 1996
Recommended Lists:41
Margaret Tafoya(Potter)
Birthdate: August 13, 1904
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico, United States
Died: February 25, 2001
42
John Lamb(Actor)
Birthdate: February 13, 1916
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bishop Auckland, England
Died: February 13, 2010
Recommended Lists:43
Jack Webster(Journalist)
Birthdate: April 15, 1918
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: March 2, 1999
Jack Webster was a journalist and television and radio personality. Nicknamed the king of the Vancouver airwaves, Webster was an influential journalist from the 1950s until his retirement in 1988. Webster's work inspired the establishment of the Jack Webster Foundation which gives away the prestigious Jack Webster Award every year to honor and promote excellence in journalism.
44
Vincent Tewson(Leader)
Birthdate: February 4, 1898
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bradford, England
Died: May 2, 1981
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