Surprising Celebrities Who Once Taught School: From Hockey Stars to Actors

Introduction

The world of entertainment is filled with talents who have fascinating life stories behind their stardom. Some of the most iconic celebrities, ranging from actors and singers to athletes and political figures, have surprising backgrounds as educators. Here are some lesser-known examples of individuals who have dual careers: entertainment and teaching.

Teemu Selanne: Teacher in the Military

It’s not every NHL player’s story to have spent some of their early careers in unconventional settings. Teemu Selanne, often regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, had to spend time in the Finnish military as part of compulsory conscription. Instead of being a soldier, he taught kindergarten at an army post. This was at the age of just 19, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

Hugh Jackman: Gym Teacher Before Being Wolverine

Another surprising example is the actor Hugh Jackman. Before becoming the iconic Wolverine in the X-Men series and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Jackman was a gym teacher at England’s Uppingham School. This early career adds a new layer to the character he portrays daily.

A List of Surprising Celebrities Who Taught

The article from highlights 21 famous people who you might not have known were also teachers. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Hugh Jackman

As mentioned, Jackman's time as a gym teacher demonstrates the diverse paths entertainers can follow before achieving recognition in the entertainment industry.

2. J.K. Rowling

The author of the Harry Potter series was a teacher by profession before becoming a prolific writer. She taught English literature and language at the University of Exeter for several years, filling her days with the responsibility of guiding young minds.

3. Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal, known for his comedy and voice acting, was a high school teacher in New York City for a while, showcasing his early commitment to education.

4. Barack Obama

Even a former president like Barack Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School, sharing his knowledge and thoughts on governance with students.

5. Sheryl Crow

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter taught creative writing as a professor at the University of Southern California, blending her entertainment career with academia.

More Examples of Celebrities Who Taught

Many actors and singers have also held teaching positions at different points in their lives. Here are a couple more:

6. Margaret Hamilton

Known for her lead role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz, Margaret Hamilton began her career with a small nursery school. Despite her early passions lying in entertainment, her parents encouraged her to have a more stable career. Hamilton became a kindergarten teacher after graduation from Wheelock College. It's hard to imagine Miss Gulch teaching kindergarten, let alone the Wicked Witch.

7. Andy Griffith

Forever known as Sheriff Andy Taylor from the television series, Andy Griffith was also a high school music and drama teacher before pursuing acting. Griffith’s journey from the stage to the screen is both inspiring and entertaining.

These stories of celebrities reveal the common threads of dedication and passion in both education and entertainment. Whether on the ice, the stage, or the classroom, these individuals have shown us that true success can come from a variety of directions.

Conclusion:

The lives of celebrities can be as diverse and interesting as their public personas would suggest. From Hollywood stars to former presidents, these individuals have shown that teaching and entertainment can coexist and enrich each other. These roles as educators provide an insight into their early life and personal growth journey.