Tatyana Ali may be known for her role as the adorable little Ashley Banks on the classic comedy show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” but she is now all grown up and actually extremely intelligent in addition to possessing acting and singing chops.
After starring on the popular show, she enrolled at Harvard University where she majored in political science and earned a BA in African-American studies and government. Though Ali returned to Hollywood with roles on shows like “The Young and the Restless”, she has put her degree to good use by becoming involved with various political campaigns and social issues.
180 - Masi Oka
Before being known for roles in the show “Heroes”, Masi Oka got his first taste of fame on the cover of "Time" magazine at just the age of 10 as part of a feature about highly intelligent children.
A self-proclaimed geek, Oka received a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics with a minor in Theater Arts from Brown University. He found a way to combine his love for computer programming and the arts as a digital-effects artist working on films like “The Perfect Storm.” Oka soon, however, found himself starring in front of the cameras instead of behind the scenes.
Unknown - Mindy Kaling
Proving that some of the funniest people are sometimes also the smartest, Mindy Kaling proves that it takes brains to be that funny. Before creating hilarious shows like “Never Have I Ever” and “The Mindy Project,” Kaling was completing her bachelor’s degree in theater at Dartmouth College.
In addition to acting and writing screenplays, she has written two best-selling autobiographical essay collections, "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and Other Concerns)" followed by "Why Not Me?" Though she may play ditzy characters, this comedy genius is one of the most talented women in show business. We can't wait to see how else she is going to use that spectacular brain of hers.
160 - Jayne Mansfield
Though she was known more for her gravity-defying hourglass figure, actress, performer, and Playboy Playmate Jayne Mansfield was actually quite brainy behind that body. According to her daughter, actress Mariska Hargitay, her glamorous mother had an IQ of 160, though Mansfield herself once said it was actually 163.
Mansfield studied at Southern Methodist University and later at the University of Texas in Austin. Often called Hollywood’s “smartest dumb blonde” not many people now know she reportedly spoke French, German, and Spanish. Unfortunately, the actress often lamented that her brains went unnoticed as the public was “more interested in 40-21-35 [her measurements]”!
Unknown - Connie Britton
Connie Britton is one of the most in-demand actresses in Hollywood. Playing everything from a country music star in “Nashville” to a high-tech millionaire in “The White Lotus,” Britton's real background is even more impressive. Britton attended Dartmouth College where she met her now ex-husband and majored in Asian studies.
Wanting to study Chinese, she even studied abroad at the Beijing Normal University. Though she admits her language skills are “real shaky,” her acting skills seem to have paid off! During her time in China, she roomed with future senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Looks like the two kept in touch as Britton publically endorsed the senator's campaign.