In world that is drowning in Anglophone culture, it’s easy to forget that some of the coolest people on the planet have shaped their thinking and paths through language learning. Little did you know that some of our most successful UK celebs have roots in the realm of language degrees. They’ve gone on to become actors, journalists, and authors, impressing audiences in interviews, films, and more. All are Brits and native English speakers. So if they can learn a language, then so can everyone (and you!).
1. Tom Hiddleston
Studied: Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin) at the University of Cambridge + knows Spanish, French, Italian, etc.
Best known for his role as Loki in Marvel’s Thor (2011), the British actor has knowledge of Ancient Greek, Latin, Spanish and French. His Eton education definitely gave him a boost in his language-learning, and studies show that such affluent backgrounds have much better access and opportunities to become multilingual. All the more why languages should be made available to all – they open doors and unlock success.
2. Louise Minchin
Studied: Spanish at the University of St Andrews
Journalist and broadcaster Louise Minchin is also an inspiration to us language learners, having achieved a lot of the world of presenting and reporting. Landing her first job at the Latin American Section of the BBC World Service, Spanish would have been indispensable. That job unlocked everything that followed…
3. Fiona Bruce
Studied: French and Italian at the University of Oxford
Fiona Bruce is a much-loved TV presenter, newsreader, and broadcaster, having worked on prime-time news television, documentaries, and programmes such as Question Time and Antiques Roadshow. Her upbringing across Malaysia, Italy, and England exposed her to the wealth that languages bring, pursuing her studies in French and Italian and eventually landing a job at the BBC!
4. J.K. Rowling
Studied: French and Classics at the University of Exeter
There is no need to explain the success J.K. Rowling has had. She grew up in South West England and Wales, and it’s the richness of her life experiences which inspired the imagination behind her novels. Her knowledge of French and Classics, as well as her love of languages, took her to Paris and Portugal and seeped its way into the names of spells in Harry Potter. See how languages can open up the mind and lead to endless wonderful experiences?
5. Kate Beckinsale
Studied: French and Russian at the University of Oxford
British actress Kate Beckinsale has starred in many productions from theatre to TV, including Cold Comfort Farm (1995) and Emma (1996). She has demonstrated outstanding abilities in Russian, which she has studied since the age of 14.
6. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
British actor fluent in Yoruba, Italian, English, and Swahili.
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And that completes our list of Brits who have studied languages. Perhaps it didn’t directly impact their successful career, perhaps it did. But one thing is for sure: it made them who they are today. Along the way, they met people, had conversations, learnt new concepts, broadened their minds, and languages undeniably contributed to this. Languages enrich the mind in ways you can’t imagine, and can strengthen your place in the world.
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