Laura Dern recounted her experience of being forced to drop out of UCLA just two days after starting, in order to accept a role in David Lynch's acclaimed film 'Blue Velvet.' During an episode of the 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name' podcast, she revealed that the university's film department head deemed her choice 'insane' and declared she would no longer be welcome at UCLA if she pursued acting instead of her studies. Despite the initial backlash, 'Blue Velvet' became a significant success and is now part of UCLA's master's program curriculum. Dern, whose parents were also actors, reflected on the gamble she took, which ultimately led to her successful career, including her Oscar win in 2020. The actress expressed lingering frustration that the school now requires students to study the film she was once told to abandon. This story highlights the shifting perspectives on the value of practical experience in the arts versus traditional education.