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.
Unknown - Mehmet Oz
There aren't many doctors out there who find a way to channel their medical skills into a successful career in the entertainment industry. Dr. Oz is one of those chosen few. Though he may be known for his popular show "The Dr. Oz Show" and his recent foray into politics, Dr. Mehmet Oz is actually one of the most accomplished cardiothoracic surgeons in recent years.
Before becoming known as “America’s Doctor,” Oz received an undergraduate degree from Harvard University followed by an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and an MBA from Wharton Business School. A respected surgeon, he holds a reported 11 patents related to innovative methods and devices used in heart surgery and transplants.
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 - Tatyana Ali
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.
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]”!