When we think of celebrities, we often focus on their talent, charm, or larger-than-life personalities — not necessarily their brainpower. But several well-known figures have intelligence scores that would surprise even the biggest fans. Whether it’s genius-level IQs or academic achievements behind the scenes, here are 10 celebrities with surprisingly high IQs.
1. Natalie Portman (Reported IQ: 140+)
Before becoming an Oscar-winning actress, Natalie Portman was a straight-A student. She graduated from Harvard with a degree in psychology and has published academic research. She once turned down a movie role to focus on high school finals, saying, “I’d rather be smart than a movie star.”
2. James Woods (Reported IQ: 180)
Known for his intense acting roles, James Woods is also known for an off-the-charts IQ. He reportedly scored a perfect 800 on the verbal section of the SAT and a 779 in math. He enrolled in MIT before switching to acting full-time.
3. Mayim Bialik (Reported IQ: 150–160)
Best known for playing a neuroscientist on The Big Bang Theory, Mayim Bialik is also a real-life neuroscientist. She earned a Ph.D. from UCLA and has been vocal about promoting science education, especially for young women.
4. Dolph Lundgren (Reported IQ: 160)
Action star and “Rocky IV” villain Dolph Lundgren has a master’s degree in chemical engineering and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT. Behind the muscles is a seriously sharp mind.
5. Ashton Kutcher (Reported IQ: 160)
Known for comedy roles and prank shows, Ashton Kutcher has a surprisingly analytical side. He studied biochemical engineering in college and later became a successful tech investor, backing companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Skype.
6. Geena Davis (Reported IQ: 140+)
An Oscar-winning actress and former fashion model, Geena Davis is a member of Mensa, the high-IQ society. She’s also an activist for gender equality in media and founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
7. Matt Damon (Reported IQ: 160)
Matt Damon attended Harvard, where he began writing the script for Good Will Hunting. The film earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and cemented his reputation as more than just a pretty face.
8. Shakira (Reported IQ: 140)
In addition to speaking multiple languages and writing her own music, Shakira has a reported IQ of 140. She’s also been invited to speak at prestigious conferences and launched educational initiatives across Latin America.
9. Rowan Atkinson (Reported IQ: 160)
Best known for his bumbling role as Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson is no fool in real life. He has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Oxford and is known for his sharp wit and structured thought process.
10. Lisa Kudrow (Reported IQ: 150+)
Before Friends made her famous, Lisa Kudrow earned a degree in biology and worked on research related to headaches and left-handedness. Her background in science often surprises fans who know her best as the quirky Phoebe Buffay.