Apple Martin Shifts Post-College Plans, Drops Law School for Acting

The 21-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin reveals she no longer wants to attend law school after graduating from Vanderbilt University.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Apple Martin, the 21-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, has decided to forgo her previous plans to attend law school after graduating from Vanderbilt University in May. Instead, Martin now wants to pursue acting, following in her mother's footsteps. The shift in interests comes after Martin was previously set on becoming a lawyer, citing a desire to "perform on the stage in a trial setting." However, she now says she "loves dancing and acting" and her "dream is to act."

Why it matters

Apple Martin's change of heart regarding her post-college plans is notable, as it represents a significant shift in her career aspirations. As the daughter of two high-profile celebrities, Martin's decision to pursue acting over law school is likely to garner significant public interest and attention.

The details

In a new interview with Vogue, Martin revealed that she no longer wants to attend law school after graduating from Vanderbilt University this May. She had previously shared that she wanted to become a lawyer, citing an interest in history, true crime, and the ability to "perform on the stage in a trial setting." However, Martin now says she was in a "rebellious 'I don't wanna be like my parents' type of phase" when she considered law school. Instead, she wants to follow in her mother Gwyneth Paltrow's footsteps and pursue acting, explaining "I love dancing and I love acting. My dream is to act."

  • Apple Martin is set to graduate from Vanderbilt University in May 2026.
  • In an April 2025 interview, Martin said she was majoring in law, history and society, but was involved in her campus' cabaret theater group.
  • In the new Vogue interview, Martin revealed her plans have changed in the last year, and she no longer wants to attend law school.

The players

Apple Martin

The 21-year-old daughter of actors Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, who is set to graduate from Vanderbilt University in May 2026.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Apple Martin's mother, an acclaimed actress known for roles in films like Shakespeare in Love and the Iron Man franchise.

Chris Martin

Apple Martin's father, the lead singer of the band Coldplay.

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What they’re saying

“I was in that rebellious 'I don't wanna be like my parents' type of phase.”

— Apple Martin (Vogue)

“I love dancing and I love acting. My dream is to act.”

— Apple Martin (Vogue)

What’s next

Apple Martin is set to graduate from Vanderbilt University in May 2026, at which point she will likely begin pursuing her new goal of an acting career.

The takeaway

Apple Martin's shift in post-college plans, from law school to acting, represents a significant change in her career aspirations. As the daughter of two famous actors, her decision to follow in her mother's footsteps and pursue her passion for the performing arts is a notable development that will likely garner significant public interest.