These 10 Stars Explored the Universe Beyond Showbiz in Their Real Life Roles as Scientists

When celebrities played their part in the scientific realm beyond entertainment

Actors or musicians loved by fans for their on-screen persona, are most likely more than just that. Although having multiple talents isn't uncommon, there's a rare breed among them, contributing not only to entertainment but also advancing science and technology for the greater good of humanity. In this article, we take a look at some of the scientists who we have only known as actors.

1. Natalie Portman

Despite acting from an early age since the 90s, Natalie Portman earned a degree in psychology from Harvard in 2003, which she pursued while shooting the "Star Wars" prequels. Despite being in the midst of her academic journey, she coauthored not one, but two publications, one of which was released prior to her completion of studies at Harvard. Her initial work stemmed from research initiated during her high school years, and her paper argued for the utilization of biodegradable waste for energy generation, while her subsequent piece delved into the activation of the frontal lobe in relation to the brain's recognition of object permanence.

2. Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her role as Phoebe Buffay on "FRIENDS", is not just a talented actress but also an accomplished biologist. The actor who at one point in the show dated a scientist, has herself graduated in biology from Vassar College and holds qualifications as a physician specializing in treating headaches. Before gaining fame with "FRIENDS," Kudrow coauthored a psychology paper titled "Handedness and Headache" in 1991.

3. Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong, widely recognized as a proficient medical doctor, has consistently highlighted his medical qualifications in numerous interviews. Interestingly, it was his portrayal of a doctor in "Knocked Up" that catapulted his acting career. Beyond his medical expertise, many may be unaware that Jeong not only holds medical degrees from Duke University and the University of North Carolina but also a bachelor's degree in Zoology.

4. Terri Hatcher

Hailing from a notably scientific lineage, the "Desperate Housewives" star has roots in a family with intellect and analytical prowess, since her mother is a skilled computer programmer, and her father is a distinguished nuclear physicist. Considering this background, it isn't surprising that the actress chose to pursue her academic journey in alignment with her family's intellectual legacy. Following in the footsteps of her parents, she earned degrees in mathematics and engineering from De Anza College but found her calling in showbiz.

5. Mayim Bialik

Beyond her role on "The Big Bang Theory," Mayim Bialik has done more than just portray the part of a scientist on-screen, since she is one in real life as well. Having earned her Ph.D. from UCLA in 2007, her academic journey delved deep into neuroscience with a graduate thesis, titled "Hypothalamic regulation in relation to maladaptive, obsessive-compulsive, affiliative, and satiety behaviors in Prader-Willi syndrome." Knowing this, one can't help but ponder whether Bialik, with her genuine expertise, ever provided the writers of "The Big Bang Theory" with insightful notes to ensure the accuracy of the show's science-related humor.

6. Brian May

In the iconic Queen anthem "Bohemian Rhapsody," Freddie Mercury's exclamation of "Galileo Galileo!" pays homage to the Renaissance astrophysicist. Interestingly, this lyrical nod takes on added significance given that Queen's guitarist, Brian May, is a trained astrophysicist himself. Although he commenced his studies in 1970, May temporarily set aside his scientific pursuits to immerse himself in music. However, his intellectual journey took a unique turn when, after several decades, he returned to academic endeavors. In 2007, May completed and published his Ph.D. thesis, titled "A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud."

7. Danica Mckellar

The leading actress from the 1980s comedy-drama The Wonder Years deliberately shifted her focus from acting to pursuing a career in STEM. Not only has she authored multiple books encouraging young girls to enter the field of STEM, but she also graduated from UCLA in 1998. Her academic journey culminated in the publication of her thesis, titled "Percolation and Gibbs state multiplicity for ferromagnetic Ashkin–Teller models," showcasing her prowess in complex scientific subjects. Despite her transition, she remains active in the entertainment industry, featuring in shows like "Young Justice" and "How I Met Your Mother."

8. Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr stood out as an iconic figure during the Golden Age of Hollywood, surpassing her sultry on-screen image. Beyond her captivating beauty, she holds multiple patents in wireless and radio technology, which later evolved into the cornerstones of WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems. This trailblazing star played a pivotal role in shaping 21st-century technology, yet she is often remembered merely as a beautiful actress from Austria.

9. Art Garfunkel

The second half of the folk duo Simon and Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel initially entertained a different career trajectory, aspiring to become a teacher. Armed with a master's degree in mathematics from Columbia University, he briefly taught the subject at a Connecticut prep school in 1971. However, Garfunkel ultimately veered towards a different path, channeling his focus into music and occasionally exploring acting.

10. Dolph Lundgren

Despite his imposing appearance, Dolph Lundgren, known for roles in "Aquaman" and "Rocky IV," defies stereotypes. More likely to be seen as a character who might bully scientists, Lundgren holds a degree in chemical engineering from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Further challenging perceptions, he earned a master's degree from the University of Sydney in 1982. Lundgren's academic achievements underscore the importance of not judging someone solely based on their appearance.