Where Did Alec Baldwin Go To College?
Alexander Rae Baldwin III, professionally known as Alec Baldwin, was born on April 3, 1958 in Amityville, New York to his father Alexander Baldwin Jr. and mother Carol Newcomb Baldwin.
His father was a high school history teacher and football coach while his mother was a stay-at-home mom. He is the eldest of 6 children including brothers William and Stephen Baldwin who also became actors.
As a child, Alec enjoyed sports and wanted to someday become a professional baseball player. However, by high school he had developed a passion for acting and seeking the spotlight.
Grade School and High School Education
Baldwin attended Alfred G. Berner High School in the Long Island town of Massapequa. He was very active in school clubs as president of the political science club, co-editor of the school newspaper, and a member of the drama club, varsity football team, and varsity baseball team.
Despite his activities, Baldwin was not the best student but he managed to do well enough to graduate in 1976.
Early Interest in Acting
Even in his youth, Baldwin was bitten by the acting bug. At age 9, he traveled to Manhattan by himself to see a Broadway production of the play Equus starring Anthony Perkins. He was so enthralled by the performance that it inspired him to become an actor.
In high school, Baldwin actively participated in school plays and musicals including starring as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes.
College Years at George Washington University and NYU
Political Science Major at George Washington University
After high school, Baldwin attended George Washington University from 1976-1979. He enrolled as a political science major with ambitions of someday running for governor of New York. Baldwin became heavily involved in student government and even campaigned to be student body president his junior year but lost.
Table 1 shows a summary of Alec Baldwin’s college history:
| College | Years Attended | Major | Degree Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | 1976-1979 | Political Science | None |
| New York University (NYU) | 1979-1983 | Drama | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Transferred to NYU to Study Drama
After 3 years at George Washington, Baldwin’s passion for acting led him to transfer to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. There he pursued a drama degree, allowing him more time to hone his craft on stage and screen.
Baldwin continued acting in campus theater productions at NYU such as playing Proteus in William Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Straduarius in Ubu Roi.
Earned Bachelor of Fine Arts from NYU in 1983
In 1983, Baldwin completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama from NYU. Though he did not earn honors upon graduation, his talent and determination were clear.
While at NYU, Baldwin studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute which laid the foundation for his professional acting career that blossomed soon after college.
Stage and Film Career After College
Early Stage Work
After earning his drama degree, Baldwin soon found himself landing major roles on Broadway and off-Broadway. His stage work included:
- *Loot (1983) – played Dennis the apprentice undertaker
- *Caryl Churchill’s Serious Money (1988) – starred as trader Scilla
- *A Streetcar Named Desire (1992) – portrayed Stanley Kowalski
He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor for his riveting performance in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Film Breakthrough in “The Hunt for Red October”
Though he had some small movie roles in his early career, Baldwin’s breakout film performance came as CIA agent Jack Ryan in the 1990 submarine spy thriller The Hunt for Red October alongside Sean Connery. Despite mixed reviews, the movie was a box office hit grossing over $200 million on a $30 million budget.
This catapulted Baldwin’s acting career, allowing him to continue starring in major Hollywood movies throughout the 90s including:
- *Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
- *Malice (1993)
- *The Shadow (1994)
- *The Juror (1996)
- *The Edge (1997)
He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful supporting role in The Cooler (2003).
Later Career and Other Ventures
Movie, TV, Broadway Roles Through 2010s-Today
Since 2000 until today, Baldwin remains one of the most prolific actors across movies, television, and theater. His recent major acting credits include:
Movies
- *The Departed (2006)
- *It’s Complicated (2009)
- *Still Alice (2014)
- *Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
- *Drunk Parents (2019)
Television Shows
- *30 Rock (2006-2013) – won 2 Emmy Awards
- *Saturday Night Live (multiple episodes 2016-2021)
Broadway/Theater
- *Macbeth (1998)
- *Twentieth Century (2004)
- *Equus (2013)
Baldwin is still going strong, showing no signs of slowing down. He continues working on major projects across entertainment mediums bringing his immense talents to every role.
Author and Activist
In addition to acting, Baldwin authored two books:
- *A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce (2008)
- *Nevertheless (2017)
He is also actively involved in politics and multiple causes primarily concerned with arts/culture, human rights, health, environment, education, and more.
Baldwin advocates on behalf of causes and candidates he is passionate about. He entertains running for public office from time to time.
Conclusion: Esteemed Actor, Author and Activist
In summary, acclaimed actor Alec Baldwin attended George Washington University 1976-1979 majoring in political science before transferring to NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He graduated NYU in 1983 earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama.
The theater and acting studies at NYU equipped him for a wildly successful entertainment career spanning over 40 years. Baldwin stands today as one of the most versatile, accomplished actors across theater, movies, and television with continued prominent roles.
Beyond performing, Baldwin is an author of 2 books and actively uses his platform to champion political candidates and causes close to his values. Though he never attained political office himself, Baldwin remains civically engaged.
With no signs of slowing down, Alec Baldwin continues working his acting magic while staying true to his own voice – a voice cultivated while a college student searching to discover his unique talents and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which college did Alec Baldwin attend?
Alec Baldwin attended two colleges in his undergraduate years:
- George Washington University for political science 1976-1979
- New York University – Tisch School of the Arts for drama 1979-1983
What degree did Alec Baldwin earn in college?
Baldwin earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1983.
Did Alec Baldwin graduate from NYU?
Yes, Alec Baldwin graduated from New York University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Drama.
What did Alec Baldwin major in?
Initially Baldwin majored in political science at George Washington University his first 3 years of college with ambitions of running for office someday. However, his passion for acting led him to transfer to NYU his senior year where he changed majors to drama.
Was Alec Baldwin going to run for political office?
In his youth, Baldwin was drawn to politics and studied political science in college with dreams of becoming governor of New York someday. Though he has entertained running for office a few times as an adult, he never formally campaigned for an elected political position. He remains actively involved in politics and activism, however.
