Entertainment
Mr. Belding Graduated From College At 65, & 5 Other Celebs Who Got Late-In-Life Degrees
He might have been out favorite principal at Bayside High School, but it wasn't until this past Saturday that he could call himself a college graduate. Dennis Haskins, aka Mr. Belding, graduated from college this weekend, with a bachelor of arts degree in theater from the University of Chattanooga in Tennessee. Haskins is an impressive 65 years young and more than excited to share his college grad status on Instagram.
Dennis Haskins has seen more than his fair share of success, first as the lovable Principle in Saved By The Bell — a character he played on seven different series — then as a writer, penning a guide for actors called, "Rating The Agents." Haskins was even honored as a UTC Distinguished Alumni in 2000, but like he commented on his celebratory Instagram selfie, "there's always been something missing for me - my college degree."
Haskins walked across the stage and received his college degree while the theme music of Saved By The Bell played, creating a memory that not only Mr. Belding will never forget, but the rest of his graduating class will never forget either.
It's official! Tassel moved from right to left! I'm a graduate! #UTC #TheaterAndSpeech #GoMocs
And while any degree is worth celebrating, especially when you go back to graduate at the tender age of 65, Dennis Haskins isn't the only celeb to go back to school to get some knowledge. Here's a list of some rather unlikely celebrities who graduated from college a little late in life.
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaq left Louisiana State University before graduating so he could enter the NBA draft, but not before promising his mother he would eventually return to graduate. In 2000, Shaq graduate with a B.A. in General studies, then returned to receive his MBA and secure an Ed.D in Human Resource Development in 2012. Talk about an over-achiever.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster was a child star and, as far as finances were concerned, had no reason to go back to college. Regardless, she graduated from Yale University with a degree in Literature in 1985 because, well, she's Jodie Foster. Bow down.
Steven Spielberg
One credit was keeping Steven Spielberg from graduating with a degree from Cal State Long Beach. In the fall of 2001, Spielberg wrote a term paper, completed that credit, and soon after graduated with a degree, proving to everyone that it's never too late to walk across a graduation stage.
Eva Longoria
Regardless of her extreme popularity as an actress on Desperate Housewives, Eva Longoria returned to school and graduated from California State University Northridge with a master's degree in Chicano and Chicana Studies.
Oprah Winfrey
After dropping out of school to focus on her media career, Oprah returned and graduated with a degree in Communications from Tennessee State University.
Images: NBC; realmrbelding/Instagram
