These famous celebrities are rich because of their stunning good looks, excellent acting skills, and untouchable athletic abilities. However, there is one thing all of these people also have in common: a high IQ score! Despite choosing to forego there smarts for other endeavors, these celebrities are all extremely bright.
Geena Davis – IQ 140
After studying drama at Boston University, Geena Davis moved to New York in 1979. After working as a salesperson and a waitress, she became a model and moved to Los Angeles. She finally got her big break in 1982 in Tootsie. From then on, she played in a combination of horror films, comedies, dramas, and family films including Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, A League of Their Own, The Long Kiss Goodnight and the Stuart Little series. Besides acting, Geena Davis is fluent in Swedish and plays the piano, drums, and flute.
Tyra Banks – IQ 120
Tyra Banks sure is more than a pretty face! Even though she became a model at the age of 15 and was the first African American on the cover of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, she also attended Harvard University and earned a degree in business. Tyra Banks has dabbled in TV and movie acting, but spends most of her time hosting over 20 seasons of America’s Next Top Model, The Tyra Banks Show, and the FABlife. She also just had a baby boy.
James Franco – IQ 130
James Franco is an actor and filmmaker. He has done it all from dramas like the Planet of the Apes to comedies like Pineapple Express and Sausage Party. Despite his laid back sense of humor, James Franco is actually a very smart man. He earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA and went on to get a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University, but he hasn’t stopped there! James Franco is now pursuing a Ph.D. in English from Yale.
Mayim Bialik – IQ 163
You simply cannot just pretend to be a whiz on The Big Bang Theory without actually being a genius in real life, too. Well, at least this is the case for actress Mayim Bialik. She graduated from UCLA in 2008 with, get this, a triple major! Aside from learning about Hebrew and Jewish studies, the former Blossom star earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Being dorky definitely pays off (and pays the bills) for childhood-actress-gone-scientist Mayim Bialik! We bet her best friend Six would have been so proud.
Madonna – IQ 140
If you ask Madonna, her IQ score is a whopping 140. Born in Bay City, Michigan, Madonna was a performer since birth. She not only earned all A’s, but she was a cheerleader and superstar singer at a young age. Despite earning a dance scholarship for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance, she dropped out after attending the American Dance Festival. In 1978, Madonna moved to New York City and would soon become the ultimate ‘80s icon for hits like “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Like a Virgin.”
Shakira – IQ 140
Ever since 1990, Shakira has been known for her beautiful singing and exotic dancing. Her electric moves and equally moving voice has earned her two Grammy Awards, eight Latin Grammy Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, and 28 Billboard Latin Music Awards, just to name a few. However, you might not know that Shakira is extremely bright and was a guest speaker at University of Oxford. Previous Oxford honoree speakers include Albert Einstein, The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and a handful of US Presidents.
Shaquille O’Neil – IQ 101
Standing at seven feet and one inch, Shaquille O’Neil is a retired NBA center. He is most known for playing with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 until 2004 and the Miami Heat from 2004 until 2008. He currently is a sports analyst on Inside the NBA. Although he is known for his skills on the court, Shaq also received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Finally, he earned an Ed.D from Barry University in human resources.
Stephen Hawking – IQ 160
Obviously, you have to be a genius if you are a prize-winning physicist, and that is exactly the case for Stephen Hawking. Born in England in 1942, he went on to study at University College in Oxford and Trinity Hall in Cambridge. Despite have a rare case of ALS that has slowly paralyzed his muscles over decades, Stephen Hawking is regarded as a brilliant mind who continues to help the planet. Well, no explanation needed for this prize-winning physicist. He’s regarded as one of the most brilliant minds on the planet.
Quentin Tarantino – IQ 160
Quentin Tarantino has written, directed, and acted in some of the best films throughout the decades. In the ‘80s, it was My Best Friend’s Birthday. Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction were popular in the ‘90s followed by Kill Bill at the turn of the century. In the 2010’s, Quentin Tarantino continued to stun audiences with hits like Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. You would not assume that this high school dropout would end up being so smart and successful.
Sharon Stone – IQ 148
Sharon Stone is a rich and famous actress, film producer, and model. She first became a household name thanks to the international erotic thriller Basic Instinct in 1992. She earned a Golden Globe Award for her role in Casino along with an Emmy Award for The Practice. Although that is common knowledge to most fans, maybe you didn’t realize that she earned a scholarship to Edinburgh University when she was just 15 years old. Sharon Stone studied creative writing and fine arts.
Ashton Kutcher – IQ 160
Ashton Kutcher might seem like a silly guy because of performances on That ‘70s Show, Just Married, or Punk’d, but he is really an intelligent man. Born and raised in Iowa, the twin turned model earned a scholarship to MIT. He lost it due to legal troubles, but went on to study biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa. Ashton Kutcher never did finish because he pursued his dream of acting. He is now married to Mila Kunis and they have two children together.
Emma Watson – IQ 138
You may recognize this youthful face from the Harry Potter series. Emma Watson has been acting since she was nine years old and will portray Belle in Beauty and the Beast soon enough. However, this young lady’s parents are both lawyers, and she could eventually be famous for much more considering the fact that she earned an English degree from Brown University. She will always be Herminie to us, but Emma Watson will go on to do bigger and better things.
Nolan Gould – IQ 150
Nolan Gould plays a goofy kid in the hilarious sitcom Modern Family. Although you cannot tell by his character, Nolan Gould is actually a genius. He was born in the Bronx in 1998 and accelerated ten grades in 2012. He passed the GED at the age of 13 and revealed his IQ Score on Ellen. All this tells us is that Nolan Gould is indeed an acclaimed actor because we had no idea! We image he will be doing amazing things for this world.
Sylvester Stallone – IQ 160
If you don’t know this face, you must have not watched one action movie in the past 30 years. Sylvester Stallone is notorious for his seven Rocky films from 1976-2015, his four Rambo films from 1982-2008 and The Expendables series from 2010-2014. Not only has he written, directed, and acted in the majority of his films, but he has also won Golden Globe Awards. With a net worth of $400 million, Sylvester Stallone could always fall back on his degree from the University of Miami if he ever had financial issues.
Natalie Portman – IQ 140
You probably notice this innocent face from a handful of Star Wars films. If not, maybe you have watched her award-winning performances in V for Vendetta, Black Swan, and Thor. Natalie Portman is much more than an actress; she earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard University in 2003. Yes, you read that correctly. This beauty went to Harvard and has the piece of paper to prove it! Maybe it will come in handy in the future outside of Hollywood.
Steve Martin – IQ 142
Steve Martin is known for his sense of humor. Literally, he has made people of all ages laugh for decades. We seriously find it hard to believe that people haven’t seen at least one of these Steven Martin classics: Three Amigos!, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Bowfinger, The Pink Panther, Father of the Bride, and Cheaper by the Dozen. Aside from making all of us laugh, Steven Martin took the time to study philosophy at Cal State until he transferred and majored in theater at UCLA.
Matt Damon – IQ 160
Here is some trivia for all of you Good Will Hunting fans out there: Did you know that Matt Damon himself actually wrote the first script to the movie? It is true, and he did so as an English assignment in college. Even though he dropped out of Harvard University, Matt Damon went to star in a variety of film from We Bought a Zoo to The Martian. Of course, we cannot forget his epic portrayal of Jason Bourne and the fact that Ben Affleck is his best friend.
Brad Pitt – IQ 126
Brad Pitt is known for his dreamy good looks, critically-acclaimed acting, and rough personal relationships. If you want to see him at his best, check out Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Moneyball, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Aside from the obvious, Brad Pitt studied journalism at the University of Missouri. However, he dropped out two weeks before graduating to move to Los Angeles and start acting. We guess you could say the rest is history.
Michael Jordan – IQ 154
Michael Jordan is arguably the best professional basketball player of all time. He not only has a handful of championship rings, but the larger-than-life athlete also has done dozens of commercials and even tried his hand in acting. Another impression feat of Michael Jordan’s is his dedication to higher education. Despite initially dropping out his junior year at the University of North Carolina (because he was drafted in the NBA), Michael Jordan returned to school and earned his degree in geography in 1986.
Dave Duchovny – IQ 147
David Duchovny might not be a household name, you but certainly recognize his familiar face. He initially earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. He then went to Yale in order to pursue his master’s degree and began his Ph.D. studies, but instead he booked a beer commercial and dropped out before finishing. David Duchovny went on to star in hits like The X-Files and Californication. Not only is he a successful actor, but he is also a published author.
Gene Simmons – IQ 117
Kiss is a rock ’n’ roll band known for its elaborate black and white face paint. Gene Simmons was born in Israel in 1949 and eventually became one of the most well-known singers and guitarists in the United States. His longer-than-life tongue helped pave his way to stardom. We doubt that his former classmates from Sullivan County Community College would recognize him. Gene Simmons received a degree in education prior to jamming out to “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.”
Dexter Holland – IQ 160
Although Dexter Holland is most known for his punk rock band The Offspring, he is literally a genius. Songwriter, singer, and rhythm guitarist, Dexter Holland practically lives a double life, in a sense. He not only earned his master’s degree from the University of Southern California, he is currently a doctoral student for the Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Proteomics Research, Keck School of Medicine. Wow, that is a mouthful! We guess you should never judge a book by its cover.
Conan O’Brien – IQ 160
Born in Massachusetts in 1963, Conan O’Brien was raised in an Irish Catholic family. He has been a late-night talk show host since 1987. Despite his flaming red hair and tongue-and-cheek jokes, he studied history and American literature at Harvard University. Before graduating, he was the president of the Harvard Lampoon. Since earning his degree, he became a writer for Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and more before scoring his own late-night show. He has one of the longest running talk shows ever.
Rowan Atkinson – IQ 178
It always seems as though the silliest characters are played by the smartest actors. At least that is the case for Rowan Atkinson. Although he is best known for portraying the goofy Mr. Bean, he is actually a very intelligent guy. Born in England in 1955, Rowan Atkinson is done it all from stand-up comedy and acting to screenwriting. He has worked in radio, TV, film, and the theater. Unknowingly to some, he also graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in electrical engineering.
Ken Jeong – IQ 130
Ken Joeng has played some crazy characters like Mr. Chow from The Hangover series. Nevertheless, he has also played a handful of doctors on the big screen including his self-titled TV sitcom Dr. Ken. Well, apparently playing a doctor should come natural to him because Ken Joeng actually earned a pre-med degree from Duke before completing his residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We wonder if he makes more money being an actor or being a physician.
Kevin Spacey – IQ 137
Kevin Spacey is so well-rounded that he started achieving academics in high school. He was his valedictorian and went on to study drama at Julliard. Despite having a promising future, Kevin Spacey dropped out to study acting, of course. Obviously it worked out in his favor because he went on to star both on Broadway and the silver screen with hits like The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, Superman Returns, and Horrible Bosses, some of which have earned him top nominations and awards.
Lisa Kudrow – IQ 154
The crazy friend known as Phoebe, Lisa Kudrow is much more than the funny one from Friends. She has played in some of the best cult classics of her time; including Analyze This and Analyze That with Billy Chrystal and Robert DeNiro along with Lucky Numbers alongside John Travolta. Who can forget Romey and Michele’s High School Reunion? Nevertheless, aside from acting, Lisa Kudrow also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in psychobiology.
Kate Beckinsale – IQ 160
Kate Beckinsale has starred in numerous blockbuster films and box office hits including the Underworld series, Van Helsing, Click, 8 Mile, and many, many more over the years! Aside from being beautiful and talented, she is bright, too. Kate Beckinsale studied at Oxford University’s New College. She learned about French and Russian literature and can also speak English, French, Russian, and German fluently. It almost makes us curious why she continues to act rather than pursue other passions throughout the globe.
Edward Norton – IQ 134
Edward Norton is not a famous name, but his work speaks for itself. He might look familiar to you if you watched cult classics like American History X, Birdman, Fight Club, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, just to name a few. He also directed Frida and The Incredible Hulk. However, before Edward Norton became an actor, director, and writer, he earned a degree in history from Yale. His grandfather started the notorious Enterprise Foundation, which he worked at for years after graduating.
Alicia Keys – IQ 154
Unless you have been living under a music-deafening rock for the past two decades, you should know all about Alicia Key. This musical genius began playing the piano when she was just seven years old and wrote her first song at the age of 14. Not only was she the valedictorian of the Professional Performance Arts School of Manhattan, but Alicia Keys went on to study at Columbia University. Naturally, she dropped out to purse her music career, which earned her 15 Grammy Awards and 17 NAACP Image Awards. She has sold over 40 million records.
Colin Firth – IQ 141
Known for his portrayal of King George VI in 2010’s The King’s Speech, Colin Firth was born in England in 1960. Before earning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, he graduated from Barvin Peveril College in the United Kingdom. He even co-authored a noteworthy paper about human brain research. Apparently, he can also quote Lord Byron and Thomas Hardy at the drop of a dime, which is pretty impression in itself. Who knew this Colin in Hollywood was so darn smart?
Jodie Foster – IQ 132
Jodie Foster has an impressive resume both in Hollywood and the realm of academics. You, of course, know her as an actress, director, and producer ever since her breakout performance in Taxi Driver in 1976. She went on to play a handful of powerful roles including The Silence of the Lambs. Besides that, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and even graduated cum laude, which means with a 3.4 grade point average (GPA) or higher for you knuckleheads. Jodie Foster was also the valedictorian of a French-speaking class Lycee Francais de Los Angeles.
Jerry Springer – IQ 150
Since 1991, Jerry Springer’s first name was chanted wildly on live television because of his self-titled daytime drama. His television hit featured crazy themes and antics. However, prior to being a talk show host and acting, Jerry Springer was a lawyer and mayor thanks to his political science degree from Tulane University (and his charismatic personality). He also studied journalism before passing the bar. As we now know, he threw all that away to make millions in a different way.
Cindy Crawford – IQ 154
Cindy Crawford was born in 1966 and was one of the original supermodels. Even though she is in her 50s now, the iconic beauty is still known for her trademark look. Despite signing a modeling contract after graduating as the valedictorian of her high school (and making millions of dollars), she still pursued a higher education. Cindy Crawford earned a degree in chemical engineering thanks to a scholarship at Northwestern University, which helped her create and promote her own beauty and skin care line.
Angela Bassett – IQ 130
Angela Bassett is infamous for her biographical roles as powerful women throughout history including Rosa Parks, Tina Turner, and Coretta Scott King. She has also starred in a variety of films over the years from How Stella Got Her Groove Back to Akeelah and the Bee. Angela Bassett is equally gifted academically. She went to Yale and earned an undergraduate degree in African American Studies. Afterwards, Angela Bassett received her master’s degree in drama from Yale. She continues to dazzle on the silver screen and voice her opinion passionately.
Charles Darwin – IQ 165
Anyone who has a basic understanding of evolution knows all about Charles Darwin. He was born and raised in England from 1809 until his death in 1882. However, he spent plenty of time traveling and testing his theories. After years of analyzing data, he created the Darwin Theory and published it in his book on The Origin Of Species. Best known as a naturalist and geologist, Charles Darwin single-handedly discovered natural selection in accordance with the struggle for existence. His ideas are still studied today.
Leonardo da Vinci – IQ 220
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous painters of all time with creations like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He lived in what is now the present-day area of Italy from 1452 until 1519. During that time, Leonardo da Vinci found success building inventions, creating sculptures, drafting architecture, composing music, and writing scientific journals. Despite his high IQ score and legacy, he also was a bit troubled, which was proven when he cut his own ear off and gave it away as a gift.
Jordana Brewster- IQ 130
Did you know this Fast and Furious actress’s name was Jordana Brewster? Much like beautiful actresses and models before her, she got her first big break on a soap opera. Her lucky gig was with All My Children in 1995. Fast forward a decade or two, and she has successfully landed a role with the reoccurring car thrillers. Prior to that, though, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University. She and her grandfather share the same alma mater.
James Woods – IQ 180
Do you recognize James Woods? He is known for playing villains, one after another. However, his versatile talent also transitions into voices. You can hear him on hits like Family Guy, Grand Theft Auto: San Andres, and Disney’s Hercules. Way before that, he graduated from Pilgrim High School and went on to become one of the highest IQ scores on this list. Initially, he desired to be an eye surgeon and started his higher learning at MIT, but dropped out to become an actor.
Goldie Hawn – IQ 130
For the past six decades, Goldie Hawn has dazzled Hollywood with delightful characters. Because of her superb acting skills, it seems unrealistic that Goldie Hawn has such a high IQ score. Her naïve roles are completely opposite of her intelligence. She is clearly much smarter than people assume. Since has been partnered up with Kurt Russell since 1983, but has equally famous children including actress Kate Hudson. PS: our favorite Goldie Hawn film of all time is The First Wives Club.
Claire Danes – IQ 140
Claire Danes started acting at a young age in timeless hits like Little Women and Romeo + Juliet. She took a break from acting to study at Yale University in 1998. However, only two years later, she dropped out. She has done it all including Broadway. In the meantime she has done it all including TV hit Homeland. Claire Danes has won three Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her IQ score is also impressive!
Robin Williams – IQ 140
The super funny Robin Williams sadly passed away in 2014. Prior to his untimely death, he made the entire world laugh with his comedic performances like Mork & Mindy, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Aladdin, and Jumanji. He also had an abundance of serious, dramatic roles including Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society. Obviously, it takes a smart man to be so clever and witty and he has the IQ to back the theory up! His comedic improve will forever be his legacy.
Scott Levy – IQ 143
Scott Levy is known to the wrestling world as Raven. He earned 32 separate title reigns throughout major wrestling federation’s including ECW, WCW, WWF/E, and TNA. Prior to becoming an infamous professional wrestler, Scott Levy studied criminal justice at the University of Delaware and enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve, where he learned his IQ score. We know; you will never look at Raven the same way again– brawns and brains! It is almost too good to be true.
Aisha Tyler – IQ 156
Aisha Tyler has been acting for decades. Although she hasn’t had a dozen major roles, she has had her share of notable performances including in hits like Criminal Minds, Friends, and the Santa Clause film series. She is most famous for her hosting gigs including Talk Soup, The Talk, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? Despite her spot in Hollywood, most people do not realize that Aisha Tyler is practically a genius, too, with a high IQ score like that.
Reggie Jackson – IQ 160
Reggie Jackson is one of the most famous baseball players of all time. Now retired, he played a right fielder for 21 seasons. Known as Mr. October, he has won dozens of awards and been recognized for his top achievements. Reggie Jackson is notorious for his seasons with the Athletics and the Yankees; he even won the World Series. Aside from that, he studied at Arizona State where he met his first wife and is credited with one heck of an IQ score.
Lupita Nyong’o – IQ 140
Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya. However, she attended Hampshire College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in film and theater studies. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Yale School of Drama. In case you missed 12 Years a Slave, you should know that award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o won’t have to worry about paying off her student loans. In 2015, she took her act to Broadway and continues to impress audience with her talents (and her IQ score).
Bill Gates – IQ 160
It is no secret that Bill Gates is one of the richest men thanks to co-founding a little software company known as Microsoft in 1975. Obviously, he is a genius, but did you know he scored a 1590 out of a possible 1600 on the SATs? He went on to study at Harvard, but left after just two years. In the end, it all worked out! Bill Gates still uses his intelligence to advance the medical field and donate to charity.
Dolph Lundgren – IQ 160
Dolph Lundgren was first discovered for Rocky IV. The Swedish actor has played in a number of iconic roles since then including He-Man in Masters of the Universe. More recently, he appeared in The Expendables. Besides his awesome acting and martial artist skills, he is extremely smart. Dolph Lundgren earned a chemical engineering degree from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He then obtained a master’s degree in the same major from the University of Sydney. He also has a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT.
Kesha – IQ 140
Despite writing and singing hits like “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R,” Kesha earned a nearly perfect score on her SATs. Nevertheless, she dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music. Although she found great success, she has since run into personal and professional troubles her label. At least she can still have a bright future if her music career does not take off again. She has lots of opportunity to go back to school.
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