Anna Kendrick is opening up about the insecurities she faced when she chose acting over college. The Pitch Perfect star, now 40, revealed on the Call Her Daddy podcast that watching her friends head off to universities left her feeling “really jealous” and uncertain about her decision.
Feeling Like the “Black Sheep”
Kendrick explained that skipping college felt especially difficult because of her family background. Her father was a teacher, and she was the first in her family not to pursue higher education. “It was very black sheep behavior to not go to college,” she said. Her parents weren’t thrilled with the choice but accepted it, believing she could always revisit college if acting didn’t work out. “There was always that sense of, well, if things maybe don’t work out that first year, it’s not too late,” Kendrick recalled.
Struggles in Los Angeles
At 17, Kendrick moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career. She admitted that building a social life was difficult without the built-in community of classes and sororities. “It’s really hard to make friends in LA,” she said, adding that her youthful appearance made it impossible to blend into nightlife. The actress confessed she often wondered if she was making a huge mistake. “Even though the thing that I wanted felt like a total pipe dream… it’s so hard to carve out a space for yourself in this industry,” she said.
A Shift in Perspective
Her outlook began to change when her friends reached sophomore year and started questioning their own futures. “I did not think, what a blessing to just know what I want,” Kendrick said. “I was watching all my friends go, ‘Oh my god, I don’t know what I want, what to do.’” That realization helped her see her path as a gift, even if it felt uncertain at the time.
Not Alone in Skipping College
Kendrick isn’t the only Hollywood star to bypass higher education. Daniel Radcliffe once said he skipped college because he already knew he wanted to act. Julia Roberts has admitted she regrets not attending university, citing financial limitations. For Kendrick, the decision may have been unconventional, but it ultimately led to a successful career in film and music. Her candid reflections highlight the tension many young performers face between traditional expectations and chasing their dreams.
