Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
Culture February 24, 2018

Jennifer Lawrence revealed she dropped out of school at 14, said she 'never felt very smart'

PHOTO: Jennifer Lawrence in the press room during the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held at Royal Albert Hall, Feb. 18, 2018 in London.
Mike Marsland/Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence in the press room during the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held at Royal Albert Hall, Feb. 18, 2018 in London.
AUTHOR PHOTO: Joi-Marie McKenzie By Joi-Marie McKenzie

Jennifer Lawrence recently revealed that she dropped out of middle school at 14 to pursue her acting career.

The Oscar winner said in an interview with "60 Minutes" that she "never felt very smart" until she began reading film scripts.

"I dropped out of middle school. I don't technically have a GED or a diploma. I am self-educated," she said.

Jennifer Lawrence says she dropped out of middle school. The Oscar-winning actress tells Bill Whitaker she didn't want anything getting in the way of her career. Sunday on 60 Minutes.https://t.co/BgAj4TcRiV pic.twitter.com/MjzH5Bgu8d

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) February 23, 2018
Jennifer Lawrence calls 'revealing dress in the cold' controversy 'utterly ridiculous' Jennifer Lawrence says Amy Schumer's 'sudden' wedding was 'beautiful'

Lawrence, 27, said that she doesn't regret giving up on school.

"No. I really don't. I wanted to forge my own path," the "Red Sparrow" actress continued. "I found what I wanted to do and I didn't want anything getting in the way of it."

PHOTO: Jennifer Lawrence arrives at the film premiere of 'Red Sparrow' held at The VUE West End in London, Feb. 19, 2018.
FeatureflashSHM/REX/Shutterstock
Jennifer Lawrence arrives at the film premiere of 'Red Sparrow' held at The VUE West End in London, Feb. 19, 2018.

She added, "Even friends, for many years, were not as important to me as my career."

Lawrence's decision paid off. The actress became the second-youngest actress to win a Best Actress Oscar for her role in the 2012 film, "Silver Linings Playbook". Lawrence is also the youngest person to have four Oscar nominations total.

Up Next in Culture