Acting All-Stars with Business Backgrounds

Not every movie star only has good lucks and a low IQ. In fact, most are incredibly smart, and those we hear of frequently enough to dub “celebrities” have learned to properly manage themselves and their careers to stay on top. The study of business has proven to be incredibly beneficial to many actors and actresses, and although many obtained these degrees decades ago, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few up-and-comings pursuing business through the University of Phoenix online. Even if you want to pursue acting, you should consider also getting an online mba. Learning the ins and outs of business never hurt anyone, and it definitely benefited the following actors:

Clint Eastwood

Eastwood’s education in business could be a partial cause for his mogul status. In addition to acting, Eastwood has written, directed, and produced numerous films which have allowed him to become one of the most recognized names in Hollywood. Million Dollar Baby and Dirty Harry are just a couple of his renowned films, and although he may not have completed his business degree, we can definitely say that the little education he did receive definitely paid off.

Kevin Costner

Tin Cup, WaterWorld, Dances with Wolves, what excellent movie hasn’t Kevin Costner been in? Not only has Kevin Costner had many great successes throughout his career, but he has also had a long one which may be in part to him being more business oriented. Costner holds a degree in business from California State Univeristy and even spent a few weeks as a marketing director.

Cate Blanchett

Even actors from across the Pacific have chosen to pursue more business minded endeavors in conjunction with their acting studies. Cate Blanchett who has starred in movies such as Notes on a Scandal and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, first became acquainted with acting at the Methodist Ladies’ College; however chose to pursue Economics while she attended the University of Melbourne. It wasn’t until after she graduated, that Cate decided to attend the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.

Benicio del Toro

Pursuing higher education definitely paid off for this actor. Benicio del Toro has won multiple awards including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, and has landed rolls in cult classics such as The Usual Suspects and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Originally he enrolled in the University of California – San Diego as a business student only later to pursue acting courses.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

This may come as a surprise, but Mr. Schwarzenegger holds a degree in Business and International Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. In addition to rocking out rolls in high action movies such as Terminator, Schwarzenegger’s business side has actually paid off co-opening Planet Hollywood with Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Sylvester Stallone, and using it to help him run California as Governor.