When most people think of celebrities, the first things that come to mind are fame, talent, and influence—not necessarily brainpower. But for Gen Z, intelligence is just as important as looks or social media clout. With this generation valuing authenticity, knowledge, and social awareness, the question arises: who do Gen Zers consider the smartest celebrity today?
EssayAssits.com surveyed 2,000 American Gen Zers on the celebrities they believe have the sharpest minds. From Silicon Valley startups to Hollywood’s red carpets, these are the famous faces who, according to Gen Z, are not just iconic but seriously intelligent.
The Top 9 Smartest Gen Z Celebrities: Who Is the Smartest Celebrity (According to Gen Z)?
Clever CEOs: Which Celebrities Do Gen Z Men Consider the Smartest?
You don’t become the world’s richest person without a high IQ, according to Gen Z men, with 60% ranking Elon Musk as the smartest celebrity. His idea of colonizing Mars may be a little out there, but his business acumen speaks for itself: CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, and owner of the Boring Company, X, and Neuralink. Few others boast such a rich resume.
While Musk tops the list, he’s closely followed by Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg (56%) and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos (53%). Clearly, success in the tech field is a sign of smarts for Gen Zers.
Rounding up the list of smart celebrities? Donald J. Trump. While Democrat voters may have something to say about that, 25% of Gen Z men insist that the President is, in fact, “a very stable genius,” as he previously put it. There’s no denying that amassing a multi-billion-dollar empire takes business acumen, and for Gen Z men, that’s a strong measure of someone’s intelligence.
Why Intelligence Matters to Gen Z
Unlike past generations that often idolized celebrities mainly for their style or charisma, Gen Z places high importance on substance. They admire stars who are outspoken about social issues, have strong educational backgrounds, or show creativity that goes beyond their main craft. To Gen Z, being “smart” isn’t only about academic achievements—it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and using influence to inspire.
Celebrities Often Seen as “Smart” by Gen Z
- Emma Watson – Beyond her fame as Hermione in Harry Potter, Watson is a Brown University graduate and a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, widely respected for her advocacy on gender equality.
- Zendaya – Known for her thoughtful interviews and ability to navigate both Hollywood and activism with maturity, Zendaya is seen as wise beyond her years.
- Elon Musk – Though controversial, Musk’s reputation as an innovator and tech mogul resonates with Gen Z’s admiration for entrepreneurship and bold ideas.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson – Not your typical “celebrity,” but his presence in pop culture makes science accessible and appealing to younger audiences.
- Taylor Swift – Celebrated not just for music, but for her business acumen, strategic career moves, and powerful storytelling.
What “Smart” Means to Gen Z
For many Gen Zers, “smart” goes beyond book smarts. They see intelligence in:
- Emotional intelligence – Handling fame with grace and empathy.
- Cultural awareness – Speaking out on issues that matter, from climate change to equality.
- Business savvy – Building lasting careers and brands instead of fading after short-lived fame.
- Creativity – Using talent to create meaningful art, stories, or solutions.
IQ Icons: Who Do Gen Z Women Consider the Most Intelligent Celebrities in 2025?
When people think of celebrities, fame, fashion, and influence often come to mind. But for Gen Z women in 2025, intelligence has become just as important as talent and star power. In fact, many in this generation admire celebrities who aren’t just entertainers but also strategists, activists, and thought leaders. So, who do Gen Z women consider the smartest celebrities today?
What “Intelligence” Means to Gen Z Women
For Gen Z women, being “smart” isn’t limited to high IQ scores or fancy degrees. Instead, it’s about:
- Emotional intelligence – showing empathy, maturity, and awareness.
- Business acumen – building lasting careers and brands with strategy.
- Advocacy and activism – using influence to push for change.
- Creativity and innovation – thinking outside the box in art, music, or entrepreneurship.
This broader view of intelligence explains why certain celebrities stand out as “IQ icons.”
The Smartest Celebrities According to Gen Z Women
1. Emma Watson
The Harry Potter star turned UN Women Goodwill Ambassador is admired for her Ivy League education and strong advocacy for gender equality. To Gen Z women, Watson represents the perfect mix of academic brilliance and social impact.
2. Taylor Swift
Beyond her songwriting talent, Swift is praised for her business intelligence and career strategy. From re-recording her masters to building a billion-dollar tour, she has proven that being smart in the entertainment industry means knowing your worth.
3. Zendaya
Known for her thoughtful interviews and wise career choices, Zendaya embodies maturity beyond her years. Gen Z women see her as a role model who balances artistry with intelligence and grace.
4. Rihanna
From pop icon to billionaire entrepreneur, Rihanna has transformed herself into a business mogul with Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty. Gen Z women admire her innovative thinking, risk-taking, and ability to dominate industries outside music.
5. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Though not a traditional celebrity, AOC’s cultural influence makes her one of Gen Z’s most admired public figures. Her ability to explain complex issues online while engaging millions has made her a symbol of political intelligence and courage.
Why Gen Z Women Value Smart Celebrities
In 2025, it’s clear that celebrity culture has shifted. For Gen Z women, it’s not enough for stars to be glamorous or talented—they also need to be smart, strategic, and socially aware. Intelligence has become one of the most admired traits among public figures, and it’s shaping how this generation chooses their role models.
Redefining Intelligence in Celebrity Culture
To Gen Z women, intelligence isn’t just about IQ scores or degrees. It’s about how someone uses their platform, makes decisions, and inspires others. They value:
- Emotional intelligence – handling fame with empathy and authenticity.
- Business savvy – turning opportunities into long-term success.
- Advocacy – using influence to raise awareness on global issues.
- Creativity – innovating in music, film, fashion, or entrepreneurship.
The Rise of the “Smart Celebrity”
Stars like Emma Watson, Taylor Swift, Zendaya, and Rihanna represent this new wave of admired figures. They show that success isn’t just about performance—it’s about strategy, awareness, and impact. For example:
- Emma Watson balances acting with activism and education.
- Taylor Swift redefined music ownership with her business moves.
- Zendaya is praised for her thoughtful career choices and maturity.
- Rihanna turned her artistry into a billion-dollar beauty empire.
Why It Matters to Gen Z Women
Gen Z women face a world where knowledge, adaptability, and social awareness are essential. They admire celebrities who embody these qualities because they reflect the traits they want to see in themselves: independence, intelligence, and resilience.
For many, following a smart celebrity isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about inspiration and guidance.
Unlike past generations that often idolized stars mainly for style or charisma, Gen Z women want role models who reflect their values. They admire women who prove that intelligence, strategy, and creativity can be just as powerful as talent or beauty
The Verdict: Smarts Are the New Cool
Celebrities once admired for glamour alone are now judged through a new lens: how they use their platforms and whether they show thoughtfulness, resilience, and depth. For Gen Z, the “smartest” celebrities are those who blend talent with intellect, influence with purpose.
So, whether it’s Emma Watson quoting feminist literature at the UN or Taylor Swift outsmarting the music industry, one thing is clear: in 2025, brainpower is just as much in the spotlight as star power.
Would you like me to make this blog listicle-style with rankings (like “Top 10 Smartest Celebrities According to Gen Z”), or keep it more editorial/opinion-based like the draft above?
Final Thought
In 2025, “IQ icons” aren’t just the people topping charts or red carpets—they’re the ones showing foresight, creativity, and courage. For Gen Z women, the smartest celebrities are those who prove that brilliance is more than just book smarts—it’s about vision, values, and action. In 2025, the smartest celebrities aren’t just the ones topping the charts or ruling the red carpet. They’re the ones using their brains as much as their fame—turning influence into impact. For Gen Z women, true IQ icons are those who show that brilliance and beauty can shine together. The days of valuing fame for fame’s sake are fading. In 2025, Gen Z women are redefining what it means to be a true icon. Smart celebrities—those who combine talent with intellect and impact—are the ones who earn lasting respect.
FAQs: Why Gen Z Women Value Smart Celebrities
1. Why do Gen Z women admire smart celebrities?
Gen Z women admire smart celebrities because they value authenticity, independence, and impact. Intelligence—whether through activism, business skills, or creative innovation—makes celebrities more relatable and inspiring.
2. Who are some celebrities considered smart by Gen Z women?
Popular examples include Emma Watson (for her activism and education), Taylor Swift (for her business and creative strategy), Zendaya (for her maturity and thoughtful career choices), Rihanna (for her entrepreneurial empire), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (for her leadership and influence).
3. What does “intelligence” mean to Gen Z women when it comes to celebrities?
It goes beyond IQ. For Gen Z women, intelligence includes emotional awareness, strategic decision-making, cultural understanding, creativity, and the ability to use influence for positive change.
4. How do smart celebrities influence Gen Z women?
They serve as role models, showing that success can come from brains as well as talent. Their ability to balance fame, advocacy, and entrepreneurship inspires Gen Z women to pursue both personal and professional growth.
5. Is being smart more important than being talented for Gen Z women?
Talent still matters, but for Gen Z women, intelligence gives celebrities long-term relevance. A star who is both talented and smart is far more likely to earn lasting respect than one who only offers entertainment value.
6. Are male celebrities also admired for their intelligence?
Yes, but Gen Z women particularly resonate with female celebrities who demonstrate intelligence, resilience, and independence—qualities that reflect their own values and aspirations.
