Jessica Chastain in an interview published earlier this week revealed she dropped out of high school and never graduated. However, the 37-year-old actress was keen to clarify how she is an advocate of education who did gain qualifications albeit in a less conventional way.

Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain has clarified her comments on education.

Read More: Jessica Chastain Hits Back At Russell Crowe's Comments On Aging Actresses.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, published on Thursday (8th January), Chastain revealed how she was a "terrible student" and how she had little interest in attending classes. She eventually dropped out but completed an adult diploma the following year and went to college. She later attended Julliard where she obtained a BFA. 

"I dropped out of high school. I was not a hard worker. I was a terrible student. Eventually I got my adult diploma, but I did not graduate. And it wasn't that I just dropped out and never went back - at the end of the year I had too many absences to graduate," Chastain said in the interview.

Chastain further explained why she was sharing her experiences as she hoped students who were struggling in high school would not feel they were inadequate. "There are kids out there that aren't doing well in school and I hope they never think it means they're stupid," Chastain explained. "It's all about finding where your interest lies and finding what you're good at."

Post by Jessica Chastain.

However, Chastain felt the need to clarify her statements and posted on Facebook on Friday (9th January) explaining how important it is for students to remain in high school. She further encourages students to find a subject they are passionate about and "stick with it". Chastain even attached her beautiful high school yearbook photo in which she looks much the same as she does now - two decades later!

"I think it's important to know that you can always change your path in life. I am a strong advocate for education," Chastain wrote. "I don't believe that I would be where I am today without the education I eventually received. So those of you having a difficult time, please don't leave school. Stick with it and find a class that inspires you. Be proactive in your education. It changed my life and it can change yours."

Most recently, Chastain starred opposite Oscar Isaacs in A Most Violent Year. The film, set in New York in 1981, centres on the Morales family and their attempts to expand their business in a city where corruption and violence are rife. Chastain has been nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film

A Most Violent Year has been out in US cinemas since New Year's Day and is due to be released in the UK on 23rd January. 

Watch The Movie Trailer For A Most Violent Year On Contactmusic: