Anthony Anderson, 51, graduates from Howard University

Anthony Anderson has graduated from university after returning to finish his degree.

The Black-ish star dropped out of college as a youngster due to financial reasons, but was inspired to return to school after his son Nathan was accepted into Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The 51-year-old Law & Order veteran has now completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and posted an inspiration message celebrating his success, declaring: ‘It’s never too late.’

Congratulations! Anthony Anderson has graduated from university after returning to finish his degree; seen on Saturday at Howard University in Washington DC

In a post on Instagram, the Compton, California native wrote: ‘To quote Biggie, ‘IT WAS ALL A DREAM!’ Words can’t begin to describe the emotional roller coaster I’m on right now.

‘It’s literally been 30 years in the making. This spring I was finally able to complete the work to graduate from Howard University with a BFA degree from the Chadwick A Boseman College of Fine Arts!

‘Yesterday was a full circle moment. It’s never too late! Things happen when they’re supposed to happen!’ he added.

Anthony went on to thank all those who had helped him on his journey, including Phylicia Rashad, the current Dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and his son Nathan.

There he is: The Black-ish star dropped out of college as a youngster due to financial reasons, but was inspired to return to school after his son Nathan was accepted into Howard University in Washington, D.C.

He added: ‘It takes a village. Thank you to my son @hotboynato for inspiring me to return to school to finish my degree after he was accepted into Howard University. This is just the beginning! HU! … ‘

Anthony previously opened up about his decision to return to education in 2018 and his hope of graduating alongside his son.

The TV star said: ‘I was paying for college myself, and I ran out of money after my junior year.

Now he has the money: Anthony previously opened up about his decision to return to education in 2018 and his hope of graduating alongside his son. The TV star said: ‘I was paying for college myself, and I ran out of money after my junior year’

‘I’ve been speaking to the university … about creating a curriculum that I can take online, and at home, and do some practical classes on campus so I can walk with my son [Nathan] in 2022.

‘So I have four years to finish one year of college.’

Also at Howard on Saturday was Taraji P. Henson  who had the honor of delivering the commencement address for the class of 2022 at her alma mater.

The actress, 51, also received an honorary doctorate from the historically black institution, nearly 30 years after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 1995.

Her ex Common and Kylie Jenner’s baby daddy, rapper Travis Scott were in the audience.

Honored: Taraji P. Henson had the honor of delivering the commencement address for the class of 2022 at her alma mater Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Saturday

During her time at the podium, Henson donned a simple black graduation robe, as well as a large gold medal.

She glammed up her appearance with a ruby red lip and by accessorizing with a pair of large silver hoop earrings.

While an honorary doctorate doesn’t actually come with the title ‘doctor,’ Henson made it clear that she was going to use the title – at least during her commencement speech.

‘I would like to take this moment to reintroduce myself: My name is Dr. Taraji Penda Henson, Howard class of 1995,’ the Hidden Figures star said to the crowd of graduates and attendees.

Prestigious: The actress, 51, also received an honorary doctorate from the historically black institution, nearly 30 years after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 1995

Henson graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 1995.

She attended her own graduation with her then one-year-old son Marcell Johnson, who she held in her arms for the duration of the ceremony.

She shares Marcell, now  27, with her high school sweetheart William LaMarr Johnson, who was tragically killed in 2003.

Though she’s since become one of the most well-known faces in Hollywood, Henson made it clear during Saturday’s speech that she was undervalued in the early days of her career.

Star-studded: Saturday’s commencement ceremony proved to be a star-studded affair, with the likes of rapper Travis Scott in the audience

Bison Pride! Common posed for a snapshot with Scott at one point during the graduation ceremony in Washington, D.C.

She specifically noted her role in the Brad Pitt-led drama, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which premiered in theaters back in 2008.

She played the role of ‘Queenie,’ a role that would go on to earn her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The Empire star told the crowd she was paid just $100,000 for her part in the film which commanded a budget of nearly $170 million to make.

‘At the end of the day, I saw $30,000,’ she explained following taxes and other costs. ‘I was angry. I was disgusted, and I was hurt. But instead of stewing in that negative space, instead of becoming cynical, I decided that I would allow hope not hurt [to] shape my work.’

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button: She specifically noted her role in the Brad Pitt-led drama, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which premiered in theaters back in 2008. She played the role of ‘Queenie,’ a role that would go on to earn her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The Empire star told the crowd she was paid just $100,000 for her part in the film which commanded a budget of nearly $170 million to make

Henson described putting her all into the impactful role and wanting to bring Queenie to life as a dimensional and memorable character.

‘[Queenie] was three-dimensional. She was emotional. She was no-nonsense,’ she said. ‘She had a big heart. She loved big even though she was living in the Jim Crow South, barely 50 years after the end of slavery.

‘And in honoring Queenie, I honored all of our ancestors and sheroes who dreamed of a better future for themselves and then led lives of dignity, grace, and determination, so fiercely that it made our present possible.’

She continued, ‘Hollywood may not have paid me what my work was worth, but I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to show the world what the countless Queenies had done and what their sacrifices had meant.’

Perspective: ‘At the end of the day, I saw $30,000,’ she explained following taxes and other costs. ‘I was angry. I was disgusted, and I was hurt. But instead of stewing in that negative space, instead of becoming cynical, I decided that I would allow hope not hurt [to] shape my work’