Actors Who Almost Became Dentists & Other Surprising Career Paths

Matthew Broderick

Before he found fame as an actor, Matthew Broderick attended Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He dropped out after two years to pursue acting full-time.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman studied journalism at the University of Technology, Sydney, and later worked as a production assistant on the Australian soap opera "Neighbours". He decided to become an actor after taking a drama class at night school.

Mandy Patinkin

Mandy Patinkin graduated from the Juilliard School in 1972 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. He began his acting career shortly after, but he also spent time working as a dental assistant.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer attended Juilliard School with Mandy Patinkin, and he also graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. However, Grammer was initially more interested in dentistry than acting. He worked as a dental assistant for a dentist on the weekends until he landed his breakthrough role on the sitcom "Cheers".

Nathan Fillion

Nathan Fillion attended the University of Alberta, where he studied drama. He dropped out after three years to pursue acting full-time.