Jessica Chastain is shifting her focus from the film set to academia by enrolling in Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration. This move highlights her commitment to lifelong learning and reflects how the actress is embracing new challenges beyond her celebrated acting career.
The Oscar-winning star, known for her role in Zero Dark Thirty, is adding this prestigious Ivy League program to her list of academic achievements, which already includes an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Juilliard. This educational pursuit marks a significant milestone in her journey of breaking personal and generational barriers.
Jessica Chastain’s Academic Journey and Personal Breakthroughs
Jessica Chastain’s dedication to education is more than a personal accolade; it represents a broader statement about overcoming historic family and societal obstacles. At the 38th Annual American Cinematheque Award in December, she shared how theatre became her way to express herself and redefine her family’s expectations across generations.
“It was a way to feel seen, to use my voice and to break free from the expectations that had bound my family for generations.”
—Jessica Chastain, Actress
She also spoke about her unique place in her family’s history, detailing how she was the first to avoid teen pregnancy, complete high school, and attend college. Attending Juilliard not only transformed her life but also showed her family that alternative pathways are possible.
“I was the first in my family to not get pregnant as a teenager, the first to finish high school and the first to attend college,”
she explained.
“And attending Julliard School didn’t just change my life. It showed my family that a different path was possible.”
—Jessica Chastain, Actress
Jessica, now 48, balances motherhood with her studies, raising her daughter Giuletta, 7, and son Augustus, 5, alongside her husband Gian Luca Passi de Preposula. Before her current academic pursuit, she built a strong foundation attending Sacramento City College, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from Juilliard in 2003.
Other Celebrities Embracing Academic and Alternative Professional Paths
Jessica Chastain is among several high-profile celebrities choosing academic and professional ventures beyond Hollywood. Emma Watson, who has been a graduate student at Oxford University since 2023, has engaged deeply in campus activities, including acting as a coxswain for the rowing team during Oxford’s Summer Eights regatta.
Leah Kateb’s Leadership Role in Business
Leah Kateb, known for her appearance on Love Island USA, transitioned to a corporate leadership position in July 2025 when she became Chief Creative Officer at the fragrance company Skylar, describing herself as a “re-founder” of the brand.
Noah Schnapp Balances Acting with Lifeguarding
“Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp maintains a grounded lifestyle by working as a lifeguard during the summer. In a 2022 Flaunt magazine interview, Schnapp spoke about this role as a way to stay connected to a normal life outside of acting.
“It’s kind of a ‘just for fun thing,’”
he said.
“I’ve kind of grown up with a normal life and normal friends and stuff outside of Stranger Things, so it’s kind of kept me grounded.”
—Noah Schnapp, Actor
From Acting to Finance: Erik von Detten’s Career Shift
Erik von Detten, familiar to many from roles in Escape to Witch Mountain and The Princess Diaries, stepped away from acting around 2010. He then pursued a career in finance, where he started working in sales at age 25. Over time, he has grown into a management position within that company.
“Simultaneously when things started to slow down in acting in my early 20s, another opportunity presented itself for me with a company that I started working with at age 25,”
von Detten explained.
“And I’ve been with that company ever since. It’s a sales position with a company working in finance. I’ve grown into a management position and it’s worked out really well.”
—Erik von Detten, Former Actor
Nikki Blonsky’s Practical Approach to Employment
Nikki Blonsky, the Golden Globe-nominated star of the 2007 film adaptation of Hairspray, made news when she was revealed to be working as a makeup artist at a Long Island beauty salon. Despite this career change, she remains committed to her dreams.
“Its true Im workin@ Superstar Salon as a makeup artist & more Im proud 2 b workin & helpin pay bills,”
Blonsky wrote on social media.
BUT ill NEVER loose sight of my dreams.
—Nikki Blonsky, Actress
Erik Estrada’s Commitment to Law Enforcement
After his iconic role as Officer Ponch on CHiPs, Erik Estrada continued his involvement with law enforcement by becoming a reserve police officer in multiple locations, including Indiana and Idaho. He also worked as an investigator for Internet Crimes Against Children in Virginia.
Clayton Snyder’s Transition to Real Estate
Former Lizzie McGuire star Clayton Snyder chose not to pursue further acting roles after the show. Instead, he focused on water polo at Pepperdine University and now works as a real estate agent in Los Angeles. Despite his career shift, his past occasionally surprises clients.
“Frankly, when the show wrapped up, I was kind of thankful,”
Snyder said.
“I was like, ‘Okay, phew, going into high school, new chapter, that’s done. We’re going to see what this is going to be like.’”
“I would really like it to be you want to work with me because I’m really good at what I do and if it’s a nice piece of trivia that I’m ‘that guy’ then that’s wonderful,”
he added.
“We’ve had plenty of clients of where halfway through showing them homes they’re like, ‘My wife and I just found out who you are and we can’t believe it!’ But that makes me feel good because I know that’s not why they’re working with me.”
—Clayton Snyder, Former Actor and Real Estate Agent
Kevin Jonas’ Ventures Outside Music
During the Jonas Brothers’ hiatus, Kevin Jonas ran a construction company in New Jersey and later became co-CEO of The Blu Market, a company specializing in influencer marketing, showing a keen interest in entrepreneurship beyond the stage.
Charlie Korsmo’s Legal and Academic Achievements
Child actor Charlie Korsmo transitioned into law after his acting career, becoming a professor of corporate law and finance at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law. He was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2011 to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Peter Ostrum’s Veterinary Career After ‘Willy Wonka’
Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, chose not to continue acting after his debut. Instead, he earned a veterinary degree from Cornell University and established a career as a veterinarian.
Jennifer Stone’s Shift from Acting to Nursing
Former Disney Channel star Jennifer Stone transitioned from acting to healthcare, becoming a registered nurse in 2019. She joined other frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing her hopes to live up to the example set by healthcare professionals.
“A very good friend of mine (@maiarawalsh ) pointed out to me that today is #worldhealthday . It is also the day I went from a volunteer, then a student nurse, and now an RN resident,”
Stone shared.
“I just hope to live up to all of the amazing healthcare providers on the front lines now as I get ready to join them.”
—Jennifer Stone, Former Actress and Registered Nurse
Ross Bagley’s Career in Real Estate
Ross Bagley, recognized for his roles as Buckwheat in The Little Rascals and Nicky Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, now works professionally as a real estate agent in Los Angeles, moving away from his childhood career in entertainment.
Jeff Cohen’s Transition to Entertainment Law
After playing Chunk in The Goonies, Jeff Cohen left acting to pursue law and now works as an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, combining his legal skills with his industry experience.
Teddy Dunn’s Role as Assistant U.S. Attorney
Teddy Dunn, known for his role as Duncan Kane on Veronica Mars, became a lawyer after his brief acting career and presently serves as an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C.
Phoebe Cates Opens a New Chapter in Retail
Following notable roles in films like The Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, and Drop Dead Fred, Phoebe Cates left Hollywood in the 1990s to focus on family life. She later founded Blue Tree, a distinctive gift boutique located on New York City’s Madison Avenue.
Reed Alexander’s Journalism Career
After playing Nevel on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, Reed Alexander pursued journalism and has contributed to outlets such as Business Insider and The Wall Street Journal, demonstrating a successful transition from acting to media.
Jessica Chastain’s choice to pursue a Harvard Master’s degree underscores a trend where celebrities are embracing education and alternative professions to expand their influence and personal growth beyond entertainment. This decision not only reinforces the message that it is never too late to return to school but also sets an inspiring example for others seeking to redefine their careers and aspirations.
