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.
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]”!
145 - Elizabeth Banks
Though she may often play wild characters on screen, Elizabeth Banks was a serious student when she was studying at the University of Pennsylvania. As a communications and theater arts major, she graduated magna cum laude and even earned a master’s degree at the American Conservatory Theater.
Banks has starred in popular film franchises like “Pitch Perfect'' (which she also produced) and “The Hunger Games” film series. She has also starred in memorable roles in television shows like “30 Rock,” “Modern Family,” and “Scrubs.” It seems that beneath her good looks and bubbly blonde persona, there is a surprisingly book-smart woman!
130 - Allison Williams
It can be hard to follow in the footsteps of your family members when your father is Brian Williams, one of the most well-known news anchors out there, but actress Allison Williams has paved her own way to her own stardom.
Before becoming a television and film star, Williams was an English major at Yale University. Today, she is known for her roles in the acclaimed horror film “Get Out'' and her role as Marnie Michaels on the HBO show, “Girls.” Though having a famous father certainly doesn’t hurt, William’s brain and talent have helped her carve out her own path.