10 Famous Millionaire High School Dropouts!
Weather or not you need school to be successful and rich in life and 10 millionaires who dropped out of school and still became rich.
10 Of the Most Famous Millionaire High School Drop Outs!
Have you ever wondered just how important school is? Well according to everything we are taught as children there’s no way you can be successful in life without school. Although I do believe you need school for certain things like learning how to interact with people and reading and writing and so on, but is it absolutey really necessary to go to school for years in order to succeed? I don’t, and the list of the 10 celebrities here didn’t seem to need that much of school either to become successful and famous. Check this out, you might be pretty surprised who all dropped out and became highly successful. So let’s start with:
-
Quentin Tarantino
Writer and film director who is best known for his movies Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2, Reservoir Dogs, From Dusk Till Dawn and many more was born March 27, 1963 and dropped out of High School in grade 9. Went on to become one of the most successful movie/writers in Hollywood today.
-
Dave Thomas
Best known for “Wendy’s” his chain of fast food restaurants was born July 2, 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Got his first job by the age of 12 and moved out and dropped out of school at the young age of 15 years old. Invested in KFC restaurant chain after meeting Col. Sanders in 1956 and became a millionaire by the age of 35 and by 1969 Dave Thomas had opened his first “Wendy’s” and the rest is history. Dave did end up graduating almost 45 years later in 1993 and finally died of liver cancer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 20012002.
-
Johnny Depp
Oscar nominated movie actor known for his TV show 21 Jump Street and many movies like Edward Scissor hands, Secret Window, Blow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many more was born on June 9, 1963 in Owensboro Kentucky, USA. At age 16 his parents divorced and shortly after Johnny dropped out of High School to go on to be a movie star making his millions and opening his own night club the “Viper Room”.
-
Nicholas Cage
Born Jan 7, 1964 movie actor Nicholas Cage best known for his movies Face Off, Gone in 60 Seconds, Rumble Fish and Fast Times at Ridgemont High and many others dropped out of Beverly High at the age of 17 years old. Went on to become ranked #37 in Premiere’s 100 Most Powerful People in Hollywood in 1998. Between the years of 1983 to 2004 Nicholas Cage had made $76,285,000 off only 12 of his films.
-
Christina Aguilera
Born Dec 1980 on Staten Island Christina was destined for fame. Early in high school Christina’s mother pulled her out of school to home school her because other kids where jealous of her new found fame. Christina has now moved on through life making a ton of number one songs on the charts and selling over 25 million records worldwide.
-
Jim Carrey
Born on Jan 17, 1962 in Newmarket, Ontario Canada dropped out of high school at the age of only 16 years old. Jim eventually moved on to do many movies and is best known for his work on Ace Venture, Brue Almighty, Number 23, Man on the Moon and many more. This Canadian dropout has won 2 Golden Globes, owns his own 25 million dollar plane and has made over $100,000,000 between the years of 1994 to 2003 off only 11 of his movies.
-
John Travolta
Long time movie star and Oscar nominated John Travolta was born Feb 18, 1954 in Englewood, New Jersey. Travolta dropped out of school at the young age of 16 and went on to building his career in movies. Travolta is best known for his movies like Look Who’s Talking, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Wild Hogs, Face Off and many more. From the years 1994 to 2007 John Travolta had cleared over $100,000,000 from only 15 films he’s been in.
-
Chris Rock
Born on February 7, 1966 in Andrews South, California had a real rag to riches story. Rock ended up dropping out of school at the age of 17 to pursue his dream of being a comedian. Chris Rock has appeared in a number of movies like CB4, Down To Earth and also known for his TV show “Everybody Hates Chris”. Between the years of 1987 to the year of 1998 Chris Rock had made about $2,011,600 off his older films and this does not include recent films he has been in.
-
Tom Petty
Tom Petty famous musician from many bands but best known for “Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers” was born October 20, 1950 in Gainesville, Florida had dropped out of high school at the age of 17 to join the band “Mud crutch”. After years of writing and producing music Tom Petty had made millions and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2002.
-
Joe Pesci
Movie star and Oscar winner Joe Pesci was born February 9, 1943 in Newark, New Jersey. Joe dropped out of high school somewhere between the ages 15-18 years old and is best known for most of his roles in gangster movies like Good Fellows, Casino, Raging Bull and other movies like Home Alone and many more. In 1998 Joe Pesci had made $3,000,000 alone from just his role in Lethal Weapon.
I guess in some degree you need some type of education to be somewhat successful but all of these celebrities have proven if you have the drive and a dream to go somewhere in life you can get there no matter how much schooling you might have. In my personal opinion if you can read and write then there is no reason why you can’t be successful in whatever you might pick to do with your life just follow your dream like these celebrities did!
Liked it
User Comments
Liane Schmidt
On November 11, 2007 at 11:48 pm
Great article. I am always interested in learning about the millionaires & billionaires in this world. One day you & I will be one!!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
whitster9
On November 26, 2007 at 11:35 am
First off you proven your point that education is apparently not important to you as you have numerous writing and grammar errors in your site. Secondly a site like this is dangerous, considering that the national average graduation rate is 60% or less. Sure the people listed above are talented, but not everyone in this world is meant to be a celebrity millionare. I noticed only one of the 10 listed was not an actor or musician. I fear that sites such as this, with information you provided encourage children to make decisions they might regret
whitster9
On November 26, 2007 at 11:42 am
PS- “weather” should be “whether,” and I’m just curious as to what your credentials are? Are you with a legitimate news organization?
Carolyn Smagalski
On January 13, 2008 at 10:34 am
How sad it is that so many people live in a fantasy world of what it takes to become a millionaire. It is nice that you did some research, C. Nicholson, but we can see where your interests are…in front of the boob tube, eating at fast food joints, and listening to your iPod. Maybe you found this list in People Magazine, but your own interests don’t even seem to tip-toe outside, into the realm of Time, Wired, Entrepreneur, or the New York Times. How many high-school dropouts live in low-income situations, thinking they can become rich if they would only win the lottery? The world population in 2007 was 6,602,224,175. You named 10 people. Should I be convinced?
Only HARD work, total dedication, experiencing failure-after-failure, learning to choose well, and unwavering perseverance can get you into the above list. Don’t try to tell kids that they will be fine if they just drop-out.
C. Nicholson
On February 10, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Where do you ignorant people get off? Really, you guys have that much time on your hands to read my work and opinions then comment on them with your rude ignorant opinions. Get a life people this was merely a piece for entertainment purposes. To those of you who enjoyed it thank you very much but to the rest of you ignorant, degrading people get a life and use your time a little more constructively and keep your rude opinions and comments to yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lovely
On February 13, 2008 at 1:22 am
This article you created is just incredible! It really gives people the courage to go out and achieve their dreams. With a some effort and time people can strike gold. Although some of the actors got big breaks from people who gave them a chance.
Joseph M.
On March 10, 2008 at 9:55 am
I will certainly use this information. I have been heading a movement for years to help children see the uselessness of formal schooling. As a middle school teacher, I tell my students everyday that their attendance is pointless and only leads to increased tax budgets. I think this article will help get a few of the stubborn ones to finally listen and drop out. Formal education should be left for the socially retarded who can’t function without useless structure. Thank you for this research, I will publically release it to my districts board meeting this month. Thanks!
Matt
On April 17, 2008 at 1:28 am
THIS IS LAME… THEY’RE ALL MOVIE STARS!!! UM, LIKE, ANYONE ELSE? ANYONE…? NO! YOUR ODDS OF BECOMING A MOVIE STAR ARE THE SAME AS WINNING THE LOTTERY. GO BACK TO SCHOOL LOSERS!
dleonov
On April 28, 2008 at 6:55 am
Here is another list of most successful millionaires who where school/college dropouts: http://makemoneysuccesssecrets.com/blog/2008/04/1.html
And not moview stars at all… People like Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and more…
Rapidfire
On May 3, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Well said C. Nicholson and Lovely… And get a life..Whitsler9 if you still can.. I find this article informative and interesting…
Oldschool
On May 3, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Life is hard enough without having to drop out of high school..
Oh, Cameron seek medical help ASAP you need it!
Education can be out of school
On May 11, 2008 at 2:24 am
Funny we just were talking about this at my nieces’ birthday party.
Education can be obtained outside of the formal structures of schools. The old master and apprentice relationships used to work wonderfully. Now it’s more about money and especially in the case of student athletes.
One thing that many people that didn’t go to college and became successful have in common is the lack of debt, giving them the freedom to pursue their dreams. Not just financial debt but emotional debt to whomever paid for their college education or supported them while they attended.
Imagine if you had little responsibility and could train, practice, experiment hour upon hour each day.
Imagine if you could take a “job” that paid low but was doing something you love, that later allowed you to obtain more income because of the exposure and/or networking from that “job”.
What do you determine success as? Income? Strippers can make $1,000 a day, that’s more than many MBA’s, Lawyers….
Not that I find anything wrong with that profession. It’s just an example of income and personal beliefs.
Many people over the age of 60 and those before them had today’s equivalent education of an 8th grader. They certainly produced many “successful” people and pioneers, industry giants of the world.
Porsche&Lexus-Man
On May 15, 2008 at 3:42 am
Good website, good article and good opinion Nicholson…everyone can be successful, be very modest in your speech, but exceed in your actions. To whitster9 instead of wondering the credentials, you should wonder what is your net worth. To everyone else best of luck and best wishes!!
P.S. Porsche and Lexus definitely exceed expectations
Talitha
On May 23, 2008 at 10:14 pm
To those of you who think that this article is somehow giving young people permission to leave school, I would like to think I have more faith in them not to do so based on reading some random article.
This article in my personal opinion is wonderful. I am 20 years old, I left school when I was 17 because I became very ill, I just wasn’t coping.
My passion and skills are creative and although I consider myself to be very smart, academics is not where my heart lies.
I have big dreams and to all those who say I can’t,well this article and many other amazing successful people out there prove otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong, education is absolutely important but
it’s not everything.
I think we should stop judging people based on their credentials, and start looking at who they are. You can’t take your money and credentials with you when you die, doesn’t that say enough? We miss what is really of importance, the things that man values in this world God does not.
It isn’t about education, it’s about following your heart, wherever that may lead and living out you God given destiny!
Blessings to all those searching for who they are and what they are called to do.
Talitha
Bianca Montecatine
On July 14, 2008 at 11:30 pm
You know what , I would love to thank you for this ! Everyone bashing you are obviously just jelous because they aren’t living the dream lives we others are. Real education is learning how to live life – learning what makes you enjoy the temporary time we have here . Enjoying experiences with others , traveling the world and learning new things. So much importance is placed on school , people forget the meaning of real life . School is something that is good for people who have no dreams – who want to live in autopilot – wake up everyday to the same boring job , to the same boring life , with the same bills to pay , and the same meals to prepare. On the other hand – we have people who want to experience real life , where diplomas on the wall don’t cut it . Sorry but i would rather die with a life full of great memories and be able to say i experiences true freedom . If you would rather die with the opportunity of saying you got to leave this world with diplomas and have the chance to mention that YOU FINISHED HIGHSCHOOL , please – be my guest . but please dont bash the others who see more to life .
IDiots
On August 19, 2008 at 8:24 am
There are other sites which list more than just celebs. Also, i guess you guys don’t get the joke of whether and weather: it is quite obvious he is not being serious.
nice
On August 19, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Haha “good fellows” nice list, would like to see others that aren’t entertainers though. Good stuff
Naomi Nataret Olivo
On September 1, 2008 at 11:16 am
Ahh, I agree ith Bianca. What’s life? What do I want my life to be? I can well, drop out and, STILL, (with a well organized schedule) prepare for the things that I’m intereted in.
Jack
On September 9, 2008 at 9:50 pm
money matters rather then education! I guess its all about luck aye.
MM
On October 22, 2008 at 9:51 am
Awesome article Nicholson. Keep up the good work.
Amanda
On November 6, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I’m glad I found your article. I did graduate high school and have a college diploma, however I have been looking for a sight that tells of those who are successful who did not graduate. The reason behind my search is that I have a 10 year old daughter who was having difficulty in school. Some of these teachers, honestly, make these kids feel like failures. If they can’t grasp the concept immediately, they are left behind and made to feel stupid not only by their teacher, but their classmates also. I have told my child to try her best and study, but I wanted to find these people who have succeeded on their own to give her examples of people who made it despite not having a diploma. I have taken her out of school and am now homeschooling and her attitude and outlook have improved greatly. We no longer are up crying at 11 at night trying to finish homework that the teacher never goes over anyway! I don’t plan on letting her drop out, but I wanted her to see examples of what she can achieve if she puts forth the effort. Thanks for a great article.
Alpha
On November 6, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I don’t understand these people here who wrote something like that “why did you write that, why do you tell children to drop out?”. I think everybody uses his/her own judgement, blog’s writer only shows examples of people who dropped out and have succeeded in life. Hey, they DO exist! Tarantino lives! This is a FACT!.
Well, right, drop out is not enough. You need the passion also. Something you love to do, and you are good at this.
dropout
On December 28, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I am not famous. I did “drop out” of high school. I never completed high school, and do not have a diploma. I started a successful real estate investing company, and although not rich, I make a six figure income. School does not teach you everything. I admit I dropped out for work, but was a straight A student most of my life. A diploma means nothing. Just never stop learning, and never give up. No piece of paper can teach you that!
Please understand I am not saying anyone should drop out of school, but my opinion is that school teaches us to work for someone else, not create our own future. Be cautious, but follow your heart, and never look back. It can be a long road, but if you know where you are heading, don’t stop until you get there.
Smart Dropouts
On January 23, 2009 at 10:59 am
Although I got bored with school as a freshman and never finished, I consider myself to be a very smart man. School is not for everyone although I would like my own kids to at least finish high school. I have gone through a lot of tough times in my life and have made a lot of mistakes, but at a young age I started a service industry company that at the age of 30 is now worth 2.25 million dollars. It’s not the path I would suggest but it has been traveled.
HoodRat
On January 30, 2009 at 6:32 pm
whitser you’re obviously uneducated because your comment contains many errors too
“..numerous errors in your site” ON your site you moron
Peace
PS Your argument is weak
San
On February 10, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Author: If you cant take criticism do not write in a public forum.
Zamorak
On May 24, 2009 at 1:43 am
Thanks man! I really needed some (good influential) famous, and rich people who never completed high school for my debate and rebuttal!
By The Way (BTW) where did you get this information from?
I wonder how these rich people copped, and it is amazing and weird to think that every single one of them is an actor, singer or entertainer. There HAS got to be a LINK?
Valentin
On May 25, 2009 at 5:24 pm
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/lists/dropouts.html
You will se a longer list of those who succeeded in life. (from Romania)
random
On June 20, 2009 at 8:31 pm
thanks for information. very useful. am doing a speech on school and knowledge, shall use as examples.
great research
LNSu
On June 26, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I am not criticizing I believe education is what is important, not the where you got it from, but if you put yourself out in public, you must expect haters. At least you have had enough ambition to actually do something.
BTW where is the referencing so the claims can be factually backed up?
luke the duke
On July 8, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hey C. Nicholson,
I think that your article is very good…
In my perspective, you are just giving some examples of people that are successful and didn’t complete school. You are not crossing lines and saying that you should drop out of school, you are just showing some people to represent that you do not have to do all of the schooling to get a job, and a good one.
The Duke
2paccc
On July 21, 2009 at 8:32 pm
tupac was a dropout 22222
darkside27
On October 31, 2009 at 8:59 pm
good topic i feel if you have bigger and better plans go for it. In this world some student or old students are making more money then the teachers think about that. Good work.
Post Comment