Many of the world’s most successful people didn’t have a smooth path in their early education. In fact, some were even kicked out of school. Let’s take a look at six famous individuals who faced expulsion but went on to achieve incredible success in their careers.
1. Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando, one of the most influential actors of all time, was famously expelled from Libertyville High School. His rebellious nature and lack of interest in traditional education led to his expulsion. Known for his defiance, Brando would later channel that rebellious spirit into iconic roles in A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather. His bad-boy image as a youth foreshadowed his intense, groundbreaking performances on screen.
2. Snoop Dogg
Rapper, actor, and cultural icon Snoop Dogg (born Calvin Broadus) was expelled from Long Beach Polytechnic High School due to his involvement in gang activity and drug possession. Snoop’s troubled youth didn’t stop him from rising to fame in the 1990s with his laid-back flow and unique style, which became a cornerstone of West Coast rap. Despite his early expulsion, Snoop Dogg has since become one of the most enduring figures in hip-hop and pop culture.
3. Owen Wilson
Before becoming known for his roles in comedies like Wedding Crashers and Zoolander, Owen Wilson had a rebellious streak in his youth. He was expelled from St. Mark’s School of Texas after stealing his teacher’s textbook. Though this didn’t deter him from pursuing success, Wilson found his calling in acting, and his expulsion became just a small part of his colorful history as a Hollywood star.
4. Charlie Sheen
Known for his tumultuous personal life and wild antics, Charlie Sheen’s expulsion from Santa Monica High School was in line with his infamous reputation. He was kicked out just weeks before graduation due to poor attendance and bad grades. However, Sheen didn’t let that stop him from building a successful career in Hollywood, starring in hit films like Platoon and Wall Street before becoming the highest-paid TV actor on Two and a Half Men.
5. Courtney Love
Courtney Love, frontwoman of the band Hole and a major figure in the 90s grunge scene, was expelled from multiple schools during her youth. She had a difficult childhood and was known for her rebellious and disruptive behavior. Despite her struggles, Love went on to become a significant figure in the music world and had a brief acting career, even earning a Golden Globe nomination for her role in The People vs. Larry Flynt.
6. Robert Pattinson
Before gaining worldwide fame as Edward Cullen in Twilight, Robert Pattinson was expelled from his private school in London. His teachers felt he wasn’t focusing on his studies and was a distraction to others. Pattinson later admitted that he was more interested in pursuing acting than academics. Clearly, getting expelled didn’t hold him back, as he went on to become a successful actor in major films, including The Batman and Tenet.
