If you thought science was uncool, think again. Even our favorite celebrities think it’s amazing. Let’s take a look at some remarkable celebrities you didn’t know are actually scientists as well.
Lisa Kudrow
To kick off our list, we are going to look at actress Lisa Kudrow. She is best known for starring as ditzy Phoebe in the comedy series Friends, the popular sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004. Lisa Kudrow got her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Vassar College. She then helped her father, Lee Kudrow, a well-established neurologist, with research involving migraines. The goal of the project was to find out whether being a left-handed or right-handed person had an effect on migraines.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is a high profile Hollywood actress who made her debut in the film Leon: The Professional in 1994. She has continued to star in number of other movies including Black Swan, Star Wars, V for Vendetta, Thor, and Annihilation. Portman studied psychology at Harvard University. She finished in 2003, earning her a psychology degree. Portman participated in the Intel Science Talent Search in 1998 where she managed to reach the semi-finals. She is also known to have co-authored two scientific papers while studying.
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik is popularly known for her role as Amy Fowler in the sitcom Big Bang Theory, which first aired in 2007. In the sitcom she plays a neuroscientist, and indeed, her character on TV is actually very much like her real self – Bialik is a certified neuroscientist in real life. In 2007, she finished her PhD on obsessive compulsive disorder in people with Prader-Willi syndrome. She is without any doubt a true scientist.
Ken Jeong
If you have watched The Hangover, you’ve probably seen Ken Jeong, whose character goes by the name Leslie Chow. This is one of his most notable performances. He is also popular for starring as a teacher by the name of Ben Chang in the sitcom Community. Ken Jeong is a physician in real life, and graduated from Duke University. He got his Bachelor of Science in zoology while at Duke University, and went ahead to get his medical degree at the University of North Carolina.
Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson is best known for his character Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean was a big hit in the ‘90s and is still watched and recognized all over the world to this very day. Atkinson has also starred in movies such as Johnny English, Blackladder, and Maigret. Rowan Atkinson graduated from the University of Newcastle with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He pursued his studies further at Queen’s College, acquiring an MSc in Electrical Engineering. So next time you watch Mr. Bean, remember he is not as silly as he looks in the film.
George Miller
Wrapping up our list is the film director George Miller. George Miller is known for directing all of the Mad Max series, from the first Mad Max in 1979 to Mad Max: Fury Road in 2015. He is also known for directing the children’s animated movie Happy Feet. George Miller studied medicine at The University of New South Wales. He even practiced medicine in a hospital while still working in the film industry.
