Celebrities are often known for their physical beauty or immense acting talent; however, there are a few of the Hollywood elite that have surprisingly high IQs. And this isn't a simple slightly above-average type of IQ, we are talking impressive numbers here. Is MENSA still a thing? If so, we are talking about MENSA candidates.
With celebs such as Snoop Dogg boasting an impressive IQ among others, one can be forgiven for judging a celebrity book by its cover, so to speak. But, these celebs break that particular tradition and then some. Let’s take a look at a few celebs that have the talent and the brain as a backup. Let's do it.
10 James Franco (130)
James Franco is a fairly versatile actor, known for various high to mid-profile roles in such films as Spider-Man and Milk. While Franco is regarded for his acting talent as well as his aesthetically pleasing appearance, it may surprise some to know that he also boasts an IQ of 130, according to celebrityiqs.com. The Pineapple Express actor has 4 master’s degrees from various institutions.
9 Jodie Foster (132)
Jodie Foster has done it all in her chosen field. Successfully transitioning from child to adult actor? Certainly. Academy Award winner? You bet. Acting alongside Robert DeNiro and Anthony Hopkins? Check. Indeed, Foster has been at the top of the acting world for more than 30 years. However, The Silence of the Lambs actress also boasts a sizable IQ to go with her award-winning acting talent. According to purpleclover.littlethings.com, Foster has an IQ of 132 which is almost as impressive as being featured in the same film as both Jared Leto and Dwight Yoakam. There’s an interesting combination.
8 Arnold Schwarzenegger (135)
“The Governator” has demonstrated he is more than an iconic action star. Successfully transitioning from bodybuilding superstar to big screen action hero and finally a career in politics, Schwarzenegger has a sizable resume to go with his sizable IQ. Accoring to marca.com, The Terminator star has an IQ of 135. A fitting IQ from a man who has portrayed a cyborg outfitted with an advanced CPU to do his thinking. Schwarzenegger once said, “Don’t be economic girlie man,” which he now regrets, proves that even the brightest can still have a lapse of judgment.
7 Madonna (140)
“The Material Girl” is far more than one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Madonna has been seen as everything from a sex symbol, fashion icon, and was even cast as Evita Peron in the 1996 film Evita. However, the pop icon has not necessarily been seen as an intellectual, despite having an IQ of 140, according to purpleclover.littlethings.com.
6 Shakira (140)
Shakira began her career belly dancing and singing pop tunes for all the world to enjoy. The pop star is, of course, known for her striking appearance; however, according to marca.com, Shakira also boasts an incredible IQ of 140. Simply put: Shakira is a muy caliente genius. While the Colombian singer has seen her share of controversy (such as these 9 whoppers), the pop star has enough brain juice to not only keep recording hits, but also engineer the studio in which said hits are produced.
5 Conan O’Brien (160)
Extremely funny and pretty tall, Conan O’Brien has two gifts many would love to have. How about 3? You see, in addition to being both funny and standing 6 feet 4, O’Brien also boasts an IQ of 160, according to purpleclover.littlethings.com. This man can literally look down on you while making you laugh and beat you at a Jeopardy 9 out of 10 times. The former Simpsons writer also happens to sport an impressive head of fiery, Irish red hair. 3 0ut of 4 isn't bad.
4 Dolph Lundgren (160)
The man best known for playing one of the fiercest, Cold War-era 80s villains also has a fierce IQ. According to iqtest.net, Dolph Lundgren boasts an IQ of 160. The Universal Soldiers star holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Because, why not? Lundgren also happens to be proficient in judo, Gōjū-ryū, and Kyokushin karate. Simply put: back in his school days, he could kick your ass and do your homework for you afterward.
3 Matt Damon (160)
Matt Damon was once appropriately cast as a secret genius in Good Will Hunting. Portraying Will convincingly surely came due to the actor having an IQ of 160, according to marca.com. A Harvard graduate with a Lesley University professor as a mother, Damon has an IQ and upbringing that somewhat mirrors that of the character he made famous in the mid-90s. Perhaps the character of Will Hunting was slightly (and exaggeratedly) autobiographical, as both he and Ben Affleck penned the script to the successful film.
2 Quentin Tarantino (160)
One of the most innovative filmmakers of his generation, Tarantino’s list of films has covered everything from crime dramas to Westerns, with one film left before he’s done. When the Pulp Fiction director does finally hang up his clapperboard, he may want to utilize his 160 IQ (according to purpleclover.littlethings.com)for whatever he plans to do next. Given how creative Tarantino is, the combination of creative thinking and high intellect is undoubtedly as lethal a combo as Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield.
1 James Woods (180)
James Woods. Usually, taking on the role of a big-screen tough guy is not the first person you might envision when thinking of high IQ. And yet, according to iqtest.net, Woods boasts an IQ of 180. Indeed, the John Carpenter’s Vampires star has an IQ that is considered exceptionally gifted. Woods planned on using that massive intellect of his after graduating from MIT (makes sense), where he studied to become an ophthalmic surgeon. But, making millions as a big screen superstar is ok too.
