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18 Celebrities Who Have Received Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Including Taylor Swift, Céline Dion and More!)

Skyler Caruso, James Mercadante
8 min read
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Mel B joins fellow stars like Meryl Streep and Céline Dion on the list of famous honorary doctorate recipients

<p>Dia Dipasupil/Getty; CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Leeds Beckett University</p> Taylor Swift delivers the NYU commencement address at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022; Tom Hanks speaks to the graduating class at Harvard University on May 25, 2023; Mel B receives an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in July 2024

Dia Dipasupil/Getty; CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Leeds Beckett University

Taylor Swift delivers the NYU commencement address at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022; Tom Hanks speaks to the graduating class at Harvard University on May 25, 2023; Mel B receives an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University in July 2024

While celebrities often earn accolades like Oscars, Grammys and Emmys, a select few are celebrated with honorary doctorates in recognition of their significant impact on society and their industries.

Although these degrees don't carry any academic standing, they symbolize a tribute to the recipient's professional and intellectual contributions. And for stars who missed out on the college experience, receiving these honors offers a rare chance to don the cap and gown and walk the graduation stage.

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From Taylor Swift to Tom Hanks, here are the well-known figures who accepted this prestigious honor.

Mel B

<p>Leeds Beckett University</p> Mel B posing before she receives an honorary doctorate degree from Leeds Beckett University on July 25, 2024

Leeds Beckett University

Mel B posing before she receives an honorary doctorate degree from Leeds Beckett University on July 25, 2024

Mel B spiced up her résumé in 2024 by receiving a honorary doctorate from her hometown college, Leeds Beckett University, which recognized her both as a "music icon" and a stalwart advocate for domestic abuse survivors.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the former Spice Girl shared her gratitude for the university and the opportunity to further her education, explaining how her own experience of domestic abuse inspired her mission: "[Being a survivor] is all about one thing — helping survivors, breaking the silence and using my voice to help others."

And of course, true to her Scary Spice roots, she graduated in a custom gown lined with her signature leopard print.

Jessica Chastain

<p>jessica chastain/Instagram</p> Jessica Chastain poses before she receives her honorary doctorate degree from Juilliard on May 23, 2024

jessica chastain/Instagram

Jessica Chastain poses before she receives her honorary doctorate degree from Juilliard on May 23, 2024

More than 20 years after earning her B.F.A., Oscar-winning actress Jessica Chastain returned to her alma mater, The Juilliard School, to accept an honorary doctorate for her "outstanding contributions" to film and theater.

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"Dr. Chastain has a nice ring to it ??," she captioned an Instagram Reel. "Thank you @juilliardschool for this honor and for the custom hat ?? congrats class of 2024!"

Tom Hanks

<p>Jay Connor/SplashNews.com</p> Tom Hanks gives the commencement address for the 2023 graduating class at Harvard University

Jay Connor/SplashNews.com

Tom Hanks gives the commencement address for the 2023 graduating class at Harvard University

Before receiving an honorary doctorate of arts from Harvard University, Tom Hanks delivered a powerful commencement speech for the 2023 graduating class, urging them to fight against the "indifference of a people who have been made weary by struggle."

“Indifference makes citizens into indentured servants held in labor by the despots and tyrants whose default setting is cynicism, who outlawed dissent and ban art and dialogue and books," the two-time Oscar winner said.

"Every day, every year and for every graduating class, there is a choice to be made," Hanks continued. "It’s the same option for all grown-ups who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: those who embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who won’t or those who are indifferent. Only the first do the work of creating a more perfect union, a nation indivisible. The others get in the way.”

Taylor Swift

Seth Wenig/AP Photo Taylor Swift speaks during a graduation ceremony for New York University at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022
Seth Wenig/AP Photo Taylor Swift speaks during a graduation ceremony for New York University at Yankee Stadium on May 18, 2022

Taylor Swift doesn't need to tell you she's a "Mastermind," but her honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from NYU says it all!

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In May 2022, the Grammy winner accepted the honor and delivered her first commencement speech, sharing some of her "life hacks" instead of "advice."

"Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release," she told the crowd. "Secondly, learn to live alongside cringe."

Swift also encouraged the graduating classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 to trust their instincts, saying: "You will screw it up sometimes. So will I. And when I do, you will most likely read about it on the internet. Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it."

Michelle Yeoh

David Livingston/Getty Michelle Yeoh speaks onstage at the AFI Conservatory class of 2022 commencement ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A.
David Livingston/Getty Michelle Yeoh speaks onstage at the AFI Conservatory class of 2022 commencement ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in L.A.

A year before clinching her Best Actress Oscar, Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the American Film Institute, where she delivered a speech about the power of failure.

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Recalling some unsuccessful on-set stunts, Yeoh emphasized how those moments "taught me perseverance, grit and humility."

"You see, after I learned how to fall, I could learn how to fly," she explained. "What I want to share with you today is that our slips and stumbles are the secrets to our flight. Every person who has ever stepped onto this stage has had their fair share of crashes. Trust me, that's part of the deal. Success without failure is called luck. It cannot really be repeated or relied upon. It is from failure, we learn and grow."

Meryl Streep

Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images Meryl Streep receives her honorary degree from Marc Goodhart during the 2010 Harvard University graduation ceremony
Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images Meryl Streep receives her honorary degree from Marc Goodhart during the 2010 Harvard University graduation ceremony

Meryl Streep is a recipient of several honorary doctorate degrees, some of which come from various Ivy League schools. She graduated from Yale University in 1975, and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the institution in 1983.

The actress also received honorary doctorate degrees from Dartmouth University in 1981, Princeton University in 2009, Harvard University in 2010 and Indiana University in 2014.

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Related: Celebrities Who Went to Ivy League Schools

Muhammad Ali

Kathy Willens/AP/Shutterstock Muhammad Ali acknowledges cheers from graduates at Columbia University in 1999
Kathy Willens/AP/Shutterstock Muhammad Ali acknowledges cheers from graduates at Columbia University in 1999

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Mount Ida College in 1994, Columbia University in 1999 and Muhlenberg College in 2009. He also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Princeton University in 2007.

Aretha Franklin

Paul Marotta/Getty Aretha Franklin receives an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree at Harvard University's 263rd commencement on May 29, 2014
Paul Marotta/Getty Aretha Franklin receives an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree at Harvard University's 263rd commencement on May 29, 2014

Aretha Franklin received numerous honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious schools including Princeton University, Yale University and the Berklee College of Music.

In 2014, Franklin was one of eight honorees at Harvard University's commencement ceremony where she received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. She showed off her vocal chops and her piano skills, performing a rousing rendition of the national anthem.

Denzel Washington

Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images Denzel Washington holds his honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the University of Pennsylvania commencement on May 16, 2011
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images Denzel Washington holds his honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the University of Pennsylvania commencement on May 16, 2011

Denzel Washington was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011, in addition to delivering the institution's commencement speech.

Oprah Winfrey

Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images Oprah Winfrey wipes away tears onstage during the University of the Free State commencement in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 24, 2011
Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images Oprah Winfrey wipes away tears onstage during the University of the Free State commencement in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on June 24, 2011

Oprah Winfrey is a recipient of multiple honorary doctorate degrees from numerous institutions, including Ivy Leagues and international universities.

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She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Princeton University in 2002, an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Duke University in 2009, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University in 2013.

The talk show star also received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of the Free State in South Africa in 2011 for her services to education in the country.

Ben Affleck

Mike Cohea/Brown University via Getty Images Ben Affleck receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during Brown University's 245th commencement ceremony on May 26, 2013
Mike Cohea/Brown University via Getty Images Ben Affleck receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during Brown University's 245th commencement ceremony on May 26, 2013

Ben Affleck was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University in 2013.

Kerry Washington

Kris Connor/Getty Images Kerry Washington (center) receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the George Washington University commencement on May 19, 2013
Kris Connor/Getty Images Kerry Washington (center) receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the George Washington University commencement on May 19, 2013

Long before starring on ABC's political drama Scandal, Kerry Washington was in Washington, D.C., for school. She is a 1998 graduate of George Washington University, and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the school in 2013.

Ed Sheeran

PA Images/Sipa Ed Sheeran speaks onstage during University Campus Suffolk's graduation ceremony in 2015
PA Images/Sipa Ed Sheeran speaks onstage during University Campus Suffolk's graduation ceremony in 2015

Ed Sheeran accepted an honorary doctorate degree for his "outstanding contribution to music" from the University Campus Suffolk in Ipswich, England, in 2015. He accepted the degree in person, where he sported a colorful gown and traditional cap — paired with Converse shoes and a flash of his tattoos.

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The singer, who left school at 16 to pursue his music career, shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, "I graduated today, I am now officially Dr. Sheeran."

Hillary Clinton

TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images Hillary Clinton attends the annual Encaenia ceremony at Oxford University on Sept. 22, 2021
TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images Hillary Clinton attends the annual Encaenia ceremony at Oxford University on Sept. 22, 2021

Hillary Clinton received her honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from the University of Oxford in 2021, where her husband, former president Bill Clinton, previously attended as a Rhodes Scholar in the late '60s.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner/Instagram Mark Evans (left) puts an academic hood on Jennifer Garner while onstage during the 2019 Dennison University graduation ceremony
Jennifer Garner/Instagram Mark Evans (left) puts an academic hood on Jennifer Garner while onstage during the 2019 Dennison University graduation ceremony

Jennifer Garner was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by her alma mater, Denison University, in 2019.

The actress, who was a graduate of Denison's class of 1994, also delivered the school's commencement speech.

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Related: 48 Celebrity Yearbook Photos That Are Too Good to Miss

Lionel Richie

Paul Marotta/Getty Lionel Richie receives an honorary Doctor of Music degree at the Berklee College of Music commencement in Boston on May 13, 2017
Paul Marotta/Getty Lionel Richie receives an honorary Doctor of Music degree at the Berklee College of Music commencement in Boston on May 13, 2017

Lionel Richie received an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music in 2017, in addition to jamming with the students on stage during the institution's annual commencement concert.

"For his contributions to contemporary culture, his humanitarian efforts and the joy his music brings to so many, it is my pleasure to present Berklee's honorary doctorate of music to Lionel Richie," Berklee President Roger H. Brown said in his introduction for the singer-songwriter.

Justin Timberlake

Paul Marotta/Getty Justin Timberlake attends the Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony on May 11, 2019
Paul Marotta/Getty Justin Timberlake attends the Berklee College of Music commencement ceremony on May 11, 2019

Justin Timberlake was given an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 2019. In addition to thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, in his speech, he shared his appreciation of the honor on Instagram.

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"No Dream is too big!!! Keep chasing!!! Trust me… I'm a DOCTOR!! ??????? But, for real… THANK YOU to @berkleecollege for this incredible honor—I'm very humbled and grateful," he captioned the post.

Céline Dion

Jean-Philippe DUMAS/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Céline Dion receives an honorary degree from Laval University chancellor Denis Brière during a ceremony in Quebec City on Aug. 21, 2008
Jean-Philippe DUMAS/PONOPRESSE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Céline Dion receives an honorary degree from Laval University chancellor Denis Brière during a ceremony in Quebec City on Aug. 21, 2008

Céline Dion received her first honorary Doctor in Music degree from Laval University in Quebec, Canada, in 2008.

The singer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in May 2021, alongside Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes.

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