In celebration of the UK release of British comedy-drama Spud about a young boy coming to terms with life at boarding school, we take a look at film stars who also went to boarding school.

It’s 1990 and two major events are about to happen in South Africa: the release of Nelson Mandela and most importantly, it’s John ‘Spud’ Milton’s first year at boarding school. Spud (Troye Sivan) is a small boy from an ordinary background, who finds himself at the elite private school after winning a scholarship. Surrounded by much bigger boys with nicknames like Rambo, Mad Dog and Rain Man, Spud must learn to adapt to this new world of cricket pitches, dorm rooms, midnight swimming, girls and growing-up, armed with only his wits and his diary. In celebration of the UK release of Spud out on DVD from 3rd September 2012, we take a look at film stars that went to boarding school.

Owen Wilson

Owen Wilson, known for his goofy character roles in The Wedding Crashers, Hall Pass and Zoolander has always been a trouble maker. He grew up in Texas, but graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. Before attending military school, Wilson was kicked out of St. Marks Academy in Dallas where his two younger brothers also attended school.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close grew up in a cult with her family for the first 15 years of her life. After breaking away, Close attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, where she studied theatre. Close’s academic career prepared her for roles on- and off- Broadway, on the TV screen, and on the silver screen.

Jane Fonda

As the daughter of an actor, Jane Fonda was destined for greatness. Fonda initially studied as a model and dancer at Emma Willard in Troy, New York. After graduating from Vassar College and studying art in Paris, Fonda tried her hand at acting. Encouraged by the Acting Studio, Fonda pursued an acting career earning her two Academy Awards and a Tony nomination for her performance in Strange Interlude on Broadway.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry was born in Massachusetts, but raised in Canada where he attended private day and boarding school Ashbury College in Ottawa, Ontario. Perry’s interest in acting sparked in the 7th grade while attending Ashbury College. At the age of 15, Perry moved to Los Angeles where he would eventually enroll at the University of Southern California. Plans for university quickly changed when Perry landed a role in Boys Will Be Boys. Matthew Perry is most popular for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV series Friends.

Sienna Miller

At the young age of 8 years old, Sienna Miller begged her parents to allow her to attend boarding school. Miller got her way and was enrolled at Heathfield St. Mary’s School in Ascot, Berkshire. Miller worked as a model for a while and then moved to New York to attend Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute to pursue an acting career.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell, grew up in Concord, Massachusetts and attended Middlesex School, a private boarding school in Concord. After graduating from school Carell moved to Chicago where he performed with the Second City Crew until earning his big break opposite Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty.

© 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

SPUD is released on DVD, Blu-ray and is available to download from 3 September 2012 courtesy of Universal Pictures (UK)

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