The Juilliard School has trained some of the world&rsquo;s most iconic performers. From Oscar winners to Broadway legends, here are the stars who once walked the halls of New York&rsquo;s most prestigious conservatory.

The Juilliard School in New York City is synonymous with artistic excellence. Founded in 1905, it has produced generations of performers who have gone on to dominate the stage and screen around the world. 
While its programs are notoriously competitive, accepting only a small fraction of applicants each year, those who make it through often find themselves with culture-defining careers. The school offers its students an education in drama, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/chanel-baand-together-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dance</a>, or music&mdash;though, given the talented few who are granted acceptance, many of its students excel in all three.&nbsp;
From celebrated actors and award-winning musicians to dancers who&rsquo;ve graced the world&rsquo;s top stages, join&nbsp;L'OFFICIEL&nbsp;as we look back at all&nbsp;the celebrities who got their start in the industry at Juilliard.

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/jessica-chastain-facts-actress-hollywood-cannes-golden-globes">Chastain</a> attended Juilliard as part of the drama program&rsquo;s class of 2003, where she studied on a scholarship funded by Robin Williams. Known for her intense dedication, she stood out for her ability to embody complex, emotionally driven characters. Post-graduation, she quickly gained acclaim in films like The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, and Molly&rsquo;s Game, and won an Academy Award for The Eyes of Tammy Faye.

Getty Images

Jessica Chastain

Williams studied at Juilliard in the mid-1970s, entering in 1973 and leaving in 1976. He was one of only two students accepted into the advanced program under John Houseman, alongside Christopher Reeve. Known for his improvisational genius even in school, he went on to revolutionize comedy and acting with roles in Good Morning, Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, and Good Will Hunting, for which he won an Academy Award. He later established an annual scholarship that covered a drama student&rsquo;s tuition for each year of Rimilliard&rsquo;s program.
One of the earliest and most publicized recipients of this scholarship is Jessica Chastain. In 2014, she shared how Williams&rsquo; generosity &ldquo;made it possible&rdquo; for her to graduate from Juilliard as the first in her family to attend college

Robin Williams

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/men/adam-driver-memes-viral-moments-birthday-house-of-gucci">Driver</a> entered Juilliard in 2005 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduating in 2009. He became known at the school for his intensity and physicality as an actor. After Juilliard, he broke through as Adam Sackler on HBO&rsquo;s Girls, then transitioned to major film roles, including Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Marriage Story, and BlacKkKlansman.

Adam Driver

Isaac graduated from Juilliard in 2005, where he was praised for his musicality and range&mdash;he was both a skilled musician and actor. During his studies, he often performed in Juilliard&rsquo;s productions of Shakespeare and modern plays. After graduating, he rose to prominence with films like Inside Llewyn Davis, Ex Machina, and his role as Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequels.

Oscar Isaac

Davis earned her drama degree from Juilliard in 1993. At the school, she was known for her command of classical material and her ability to bring raw humanity to Shakespearean roles. She went on to become one of the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/viola-davis-iconic-film-tv-roles">most decorated actresses</a> of her generation, with an Emmy for How to Get Away with Murder and an Oscar for Fences.

Viola Davis

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/rachel-zegler-facts-things-to-know-west-side-story-actress">Zegler</a> is one of Juilliard&rsquo;s youngest star alumni, having attended in the late 2010s before her breakout. While she didn&rsquo;t graduate, her acceptance alone reflected her vocal and acting talent. She gained fame after being cast as Maria in Steven Spielberg&rsquo;s West Side Story, and has since starred in Shazam! Fury of the Gods,<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/romeo-and-juliet-kit-connor-rachel-zegler"> Romeo and Juliet</a> on Broadway, live-action <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/rachel-zegler-snow-white-movie-controversy">Snow White.</a> Zegler is currently maving waves as the leading lady in The London Palladium production of Evita.

Rachel Zegler performs on the balcony of The London Palladium in "Evita". Getty Images.

Rachel Zegler

Mackie graduated from Juilliard in 2001 and was admired at the school for his versatility and natural charisma. After Juilliard, he worked steadily in theater and film before achieving stardom as Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, later becoming Captain America.

Anthony Mackie

Linney graduated from Juilliard in 1986, where she gained a reputation during her time for precision, discipline, and emotional clarity on stage. She went on to a distinguished career in theater, film, and television, starring in The Truman Show, Kinsey, Ozark, and multiple acclaimed Broadway productions.

Celebrities You Didn’t Know Went to Juilliard

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