We have written a lot about IQ topic and smart people on this website with articles such as:
- Top 10 People With Highest IQ In History
- The Top 10 Smartest People in the World
- Why Is Global IQ Declining?
However, we’ve never focused on celebrities, and you might be surprised to learn that many of them have exceptionally high IQs. Of course, there are also plenty with very low IQs, but we’ll dabble into that topic in some future articles.
So, let’s start – below is the list of the top 10 smartest celebrities.
1. James Woods
James Woods has been famous in Hollywood for decades, but his intellectual ability is not widely known. With an IQ reportedly at an unbelievable 184, Woods operates on a level that most of us can only dream of reaching.
He excelled in math and science from an early age, earning a perfect score on the SAT’s verbal section.
Namely, before starring in films like Casino and Videodrome, Woods was on a very different path. He was awarded a full scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he initially pursued a career in political science.
Even in his acting, Woods’s sharp intellect shines through.
He’s known for playing complex, layered characters, often bringing a depth to his roles that can only come from someone who truly understands the human psyche.
Interesting fact: His sharp mind has also made him a formidable poker player, often participating in high-stakes games in Las Vegas.
2. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is living proof that you can be both extraordinarily talented and astonishingly smart. With an IQ estimated at 140, Portman has consistently pushed boundaries, whether it’s through her acting or her academic pursuits.
Namely, she’s a Harvard graduate with a degree in psychology, a field where she has even published research. Yes, published research.
You can find more information about those published papers here.
Additionally, her language skills are also impressive. Portman is fluent in Hebrew, English, French, and conversational in several others.
Interesting fact: Natalie co-authored a paper titled: Frontal Lobe Activation During Object Permanence: Data from Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. You can find the paper here, where you’ll notice her real name: Natalie Hershlag.
3. Elon Musk
Well, we all know that Elon Musk is the real-life Tony Stark, minus the Iron Man suit (for now). With a rumored IQ of 155, Musk’s name has become synonymous with innovation and forward-thinking.
He’s launching rockets through SpaceX, revolutionizing transportation with Tesla, brainstorming the future of brain-computer interfaces at Neuralink, and doing all kinds of really interesting things.
In fact he will also be the newly appointed co-lead of the Department Of Government Efficiency (cleverly abbreviated D.O.G.E – like a popular DOGE coin.)
What makes Musk’s intelligence really stand out is his persistent curiosity and ability to learn. He taught himself computer programming at 12 and sold his first video game for $500. That entrepreneurial spirit carried through his entire life, but it’s not just raw IQ—it’s the application of that intellect in ways that redefine industries.
Sure, he’s also a bit of a controversial figure, but let’s be real: when you’re juggling space exploration and trying to colonize Mars, you’re bound to ruffle a few feathers.
Interesting fact: Musk famously read two books a day as a child, a habit that helped him build the expansive knowledge base he uses today.
4. Shakira
Yes – that Shakira. She is surely best known for her electrifying stage presence and iconic hits, but her intellect is actually very amazing.
With an IQ of 140, Shakira is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. She speaks multiple languages—Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian.
Her interests are very varied. She has taken courses in ancient philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, proving that she’s not just about writing chart-topping hits.
In addition, she’s deeply committed to philanthropy. Through her foundation, she’s built schools for underprivileged children in Colombia.
Interesting fact: Her sense of rhythm isn’t just instinct—it’s informed by her studies of global music traditions, which she blends into her interesting sound.
5. Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is more than just a pretty face and a comedic actor. Namely, he has an IQ reportedly around 160.
Before making audiences laugh on That ’70s Show, Kutcher was a biochemical engineering student at the University of Iowa. His motivation? To develop a cure for heart disease because of his brother’s heart ailment.
Now that’s something huh?
And while acting might have sidetracked his scientific ambitions, Kutcher’s intellect found other outlets.
He became one of the earliest investors in tech giants like Uber, Airbnb, and Spotify. Kutcher’s ability to spot trends and innovations before they hit the mainstream proves that his engineering mindset never left—it just evolved.
Beyond business, Kutcher has used his intelligence for social good.
He co-founded Thorn, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking through technology.
Interesting fact: Kutcher’s tech investments have earned him millions, making him one of the savviest celebrity investors of his generation.
6. Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow is best known for her (some would say) hilarious portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on Friends, but in real life, she’s completely different.
Namely, Kudrow holds a degree in biology from Vassar College and has an IQ reportedly around 154.
Before Hollywood called, she was deep in research on migraines and headaches, even co-authoring a published scientific paper. You can read this paper here at PubMed.
Interesting fact: Kudrow’s father was a world-renowned headache specialist, and her early research was inspired by his work.
7. Conan O’Brien
Conan O’Brien isn’t just the king of late-night comedy; he’s also a certified genius with an IQ of 160. As a Harvard graduate, Conan studied American history and apparently wrote a senior thesis so impressive that it’s still referenced in academic circles.
O’Brien’s quick wittiness and sharp humor come from a deep well of knowledge. Before hosting his own shows, he wrote for The Simpsons, penning some of the series’ most iconic episodes.
Interesting fact: O’Brien was the president of the Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine that’s launched many comedic careers.
8. Emma Watson
Emma Watson’s transition from child star to global icon is nothing short of remarkable, and her IQ of 138 reflects her intellectual depth.
While starring in the Harry Potter series, Watson balanced her acting career with academic achievements, eventually earning a degree in English literature from Brown University.
Watson’s intelligence isn’t limited to books. She’s a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and played a significant role in the HeForShe campaign, advocating for gender equality.
Interesting fact: Watson was named the "Most Outstanding Woman in the World" by AskMen in 2015—not just for her beauty, but for her intelligence and advocacy.
9. Steve Martin
Steve Martin’s comedy often comes with a brainy edge, which isn’t surprising given his IQ of 142. A member of Mensa, Martin is more than just a comedian; he’s also a playwright, novelist, and accomplished banjo player.
Martin’s humor often blends absurdity with sophistication. His creative versatility, from writing novels to composing music, showcases a mind that really thrives on curiosity and exploration.
Interesting fact: Martin’s banjo playing is so good that he’s won multiple Grammy Awards for his performances.
10. Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik is the ultimate example of blending Hollywood with high-level intellect. With a PhD in neuroscience and an IQ of 150, Bialik really brings authenticity to her roles, especially as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory.
Her academic research focused on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents, and she’s been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness ever since.
Interesting fact: Bialik is also an accomplished author, having written books on food, parenting, and other topics. You can find her books here.
