Table of Contents
Introduction
Choosing a career is often a journey shaped by personal interests, evolving opportunities, and sometimes serendipity.
Many people transition to new paths because they find greater fulfillment elsewhere, and the same applies to some of the world’s most famous celebrities. Before they gained fame as musicians, writers, or actors, these individuals spent time inspiring students in the classroom.
Here are some fascinating stories of celebrities who used to be teachers.
Celebrities Who Were Teachers Before They Shined
Here is a list of 7 celebrities who were teachers before they became stars:
1. Sting: The Rockstar Teacher
At the beginning of his career, Sting (born Gordon Sumner) balanced performing in bands at night with teaching during the day. He studied at Northern Counties College of Education (later part of Northumbria University) from 1971 to 1974, qualifying as a teacher.
Sting then worked at St. Paul’s First School in Cramlington for two years before pursuing music full-time. His teaching background undoubtedly contributed to his ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
>>Interested in Sting’s Music, check our post about his hit “Seven Days“
2. Stephen King: From the Classroom to the Bestseller List
Stephen King, the master of modern horror, began his career with a teaching certificate in hand. Unable to find a teaching job immediately after graduating, he supported himself by selling short stories to men’s magazines.
Eventually, King landed a position teaching English at Hampden Academy in Maine. During this time, he wrote his first novel, Carrie, which launched his prolific writing career. Teaching may have sharpened his storytelling skills, helping him captivate millions of readers.
3. Billy Crystal: Comedy with a Classroom Connection
Before becoming a beloved comedian and actor, Billy Crystal dreamed of playing professional baseball. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NYU in 1970, he worked as a substitute teacher while pursuing stand-up gigs.
Crystal’s time in the classroom likely honed his ability to engage and entertain—qualities that define his career in comedy and film.
4. J.K. Rowling: The Teacher Behind Harry Potter
Before she became the world-famous author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling taught English as a second language in Portugal. She moved there in 1991, where she met her first husband and had her daughter, Jessica.
After separating from her husband, Rowling returned to the UK, where she completed a postgraduate certificate in education to teach in Scotland. During these challenging years, Rowling worked on her first novel, writing in local cafes while raising her daughter. Her teaching experience likely influenced her depiction of Hogwarts and its professors.
5. Robert Frost: A Poet with a Passion for Teaching
Robert Frost, one of America’s most celebrated poets, initially worked on a farm in New Hampshire while writing poetry in the early mornings. When farming proved unsuccessful, Frost turned to teaching. He taught English at Pinkerton Academy from 1906 to 1911 and later at New Hampshire Normal School (now Plymouth State University). His teaching years were marked by a love for education and a deep understanding of the human condition, reflected in his poetry.
6. Art Garfunkel: Balancing Equations and Melodies
Art Garfunkel, best known as one half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, had a strong aptitude for mathematics. While pursuing his doctorate, Garfunkel briefly taught math at Litchfield Preparatory School in Connecticut.
Soon after, his musical career skyrocketed with hits like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” but his academic background remains an intriguing part of his story.
7. Andy Griffith: The English Teacher Turned TV Icon
Before his iconic roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, Andy Griffith taught English at Goldsboro High School in North Carolina.
His teaching experience likely contributed to his warm, approachable on-screen persona, which endeared him to millions of fans.
From Classroom to Stardom
These celebrities demonstrate that the skills developed in teaching—communication, patience, and the ability to inspire—can pave the way for success in unexpected fields. Their journeys remind us that every career path offers valuable lessons, and it’s never too late to follow a new dream.
Which of these stories surprised you the most?