5 Famous Actors Who Went To Julliard

5 Famous Actors Who Went To Julliard


February 28, 2024 | Eul Basa

5 Famous Actors Who Went To Julliard


Have you ever thought about where your favorite celebrities learned how to act? Surprisingly, many of them studied at Juilliard School in New York City, the prestigious school for the arts. Here are five famous actors who had their humble beginnings at this world-class institution.

1709708695599Walt Disney Television | Flickr

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is recognized for her range and depth as an actress. Her Juilliard education was put to good use in her portrayal of intricate roles, including in "Fences" with Denzel Washington where she won the golden statuette for Best Supporting Actress. She's received high praise and accolades for her performances in other films as well, such as "The Help."

1709708896776Miramax

Advertisement

Robin Williams

Robin Williams, who is well-known for his extraordinary talent and comedic wit, studied at Juilliard in the 1970s. He gained his distinctive style of comedy during his stay there, which subsequently helped him become well-known for roles in classic movies like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Good Will Hunting." Williams is one of the most famous A-listers to come out of Julliard.

1709708975421Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Adam Driver

Adam Driver attended Juilliard before he made his way onto Hollywood's A-list. His time at the school helped him develop the intense and emotional style seen in his performances in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy and the Oscar-nominated "Marriage Story." Today, Driver is considered one of the most prolific actors of the new generation and he continues to land big roles in major films.

1709709082233Entertainment One

Advertisement

Jessica Chastain

Among the Hollywood elite, Jessica Chastain is a fan-favorite and a force to be reckoned with, especially in dramatic roles She had excellent training at Juilliard, which prepared her for complex roles in films like "Zero Dark Thirty" and "The Help."

1709709128195Netflix

Advertisement

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey, a highly talented actor, began his career at Juilliard. In no time, he found success in critically acclaimed films like "American Beauty" and "The Usual Suspects," and it was clear that his professional training at the prestigious institution paid off. Unfortunately, Spacey's career went downhill after many scandals came out surrounding his professional life.


READ MORE

Picture of Woody Harrelson
August 25, 2025 Sarah Ng

Celebrities With Tragic Childhoods

Even the most glamorous or funny stars can have utterly devastating beginnings. These are the celebrities with the most tragic childhoods.
Will Hay At A Chalk Board
August 26, 2024 Brendan Da Costa

Hidden Facts About Will Hay, Comedy's True Eccentric

Will Hay was an English comedian famous for his blundering schoolmaster character. But, off-screen, he hid many demons and shocking secrets.
September 19, 2024 Jesse Singer

Very Strange Food Combinations Celebs Love

There are some foods that we all know go so well together, and then there are other food combos that—if we're being honest—sound super strange. Well, these celebrities love those combos.
Black and white portrait of Sue Lyon looking at the camera
September 11, 2024 Sarah Ng

The Original Lolita’s Disturbing Backstory

Sue Lyon shot to fame for her performance in the film "Lolita." But the controversial nature of the role was closer to reality than anyone knew.
Tom Petty
September 11, 2025 Allison Robertson

Tom Petty broke his hand punching a wall in the studio to get a vocal just right. He passed in 2017, but his defiant legacy lives on.

Tom Petty grew up in a turbulent home, which left him with a deep well of anger as a child. That fire later fueled both his songwriting and his relentless drive to stand up for himself.
September 11, 2025 Jesse Singer

Songs Boomers Love That Most Millennials Haven't Even Heard Of

Every boomer has a mental jukebox loaded with songs that shaped their youth—played loud on car radios, spun endlessly on vinyl, and don't forget those school dances. But many of those tunes barely crossed into millennial playlists.