Intelligence is often associated with success, but fame doesn’t always mean high IQ. Many celebrities have built massive careers despite having lower-than-average IQ scores.
While talent, charisma, and hard work are crucial in their success, intelligence tests don’t always define a person’s capabilities.
Some stars have openly admitted to struggling in school or facing learning difficulties yet thrived in entertainment, sports, and media.
This list explores well-known celebrities rumored to have low IQs, shedding light on how success isn’t solely determined by academic intelligence but also by creativity, persistence, and the right opportunities.
Let’s get into it.
Overview: Top Celebrities With Low IQ
The table below lists all the celebrities with low IQs in descending order. See how high or low your favorite celebrity ranks on the list below:
| Celebrities with low IQ | IQ |
|---|---|
| Britney Spears | 104 |
| Kim Kardashian | 99 |
| Kourtney Kardashian | 95 |
| Tom Cruise | 94 |
| Dan Marino | 92 |
| Maria Carey | 90 |
| Donovan McNabb | 88 |
| Andy Warhol | 86 |
| Chris Brown | 85 |
| Muhammad Ali | 78 |
| David Hasselhoff | 73 |
How I Compiled This List Of Celebrities With Low IQ
Determining which celebrities have low IQs isn’t straightforward, as official scores are rarely available.
I gathered information from various sources and considered multiple factors before putting together this list. Here’s how I approached it:
- Sources Used: I looked at news articles, interviews, and public claims about IQ scores. Some celebrities have shared their IQ, while others have been the subject of speculation.
- Verification Challenges: Most IQ claims are self-reported or based on rumors, with no official record to confirm them.
- Factors Considered: I examined public statements, academic background, and career struggles, but no single factor determined inclusion.
- IQ and Success: A low IQ doesn’t mean a lack of talent. Many celebrities have succeeded through creativity, charisma, and hard work.
11 Celebrities With Low IQ
Are you ready to know who tops the list with the lowest IQ? Let’s start from the bottom:
11. Britney Spears (IQ: 104)
Britney Spears has had her fair share of questionable moments.
She once famously said, “I’ve never really wanted to go to Japan because I don’t like eating fish, and I know that’s very popular out there in Africa.”
This mix-up between Japan and Africa raised eyebrows and fueled discussions about her geographical knowledge.
Statements like these, along with her limited formal education, have fueled speculation about her intelligence.
10. Kim Kardashian (IQ: 99)
Kim Kardashian has built an empire, but her public statements don’t always scream intelligence.
Some of her bizarre quotes include, “Stretch marks are my biggest fear of life” and “I hate it when women wear the wrong foundation color. It might be the worst thing on the planet.”
Her reported IQ is 99, which aligns with her frequent, as some put it, “dumb blonde” moments on TV. Plus, her earlier statements contribute to a perception of her focusing on superficial concerns.
9. Kourtney Kardashian (IQ: 95)
Much like her sister, Kourtney Kardashian isn’t exactly known for her intellectual depth. “I don’t think I have a favorite child, but I do have a least favorite, and it’s pretty clear who that is.” Such statements have led viewers to question her sensitivity and awareness.
With an IQ of 95, she has made headlines for clueless remarks, including being unaware that the U.S. uses the metric system and struggling with basic geography on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”
8. Tom Cruise (IQ: 94)
Tom Cruise might be a Hollywood icon, but intelligence isn’t his strong suit.
With an IQ of 94, Cruise has been criticized for his lack of scientific reasoning, especially in his controversial support of Scientology.
His bizarre claims about psychology and medication make people question his logical thinking.
7. Dan Marino (IQ: 92)
Dan Marino was a phenomenal NFL quarterback, but academics were never his strength.
He reportedly struggled in school and barely met the minimum GPA requirement for college football.
His interviews and public statements often lack depth, reinforcing the idea that his intelligence lies in athletic instinct rather than intellectual ability.
6. Mariah Carey (IQ: 90)
Mariah Carey is known for her voice, not her intellect. She once asked in an interview, “Does Canada have the Fourth of July?”
Her diva-like behavior and lack of general knowledge often make her seem out of touch.
While her music skills are undeniable, her academic intelligence has always been in question.
5. Donovan McNabb (IQ: 88)
Donovan McNabb had a great career in the NFL, but he’s had some head-scratching moments.
He once admitted that he didn’t know NFL games could end in a tie.
That level of misunderstanding from a professional quarterback suggests that book smarts were never his priority.
4. Andy Warhol (IQ: 86)
Andy Warhol may have been a creative genius, but his reported IQ of 86 suggests he wasn’t the brightest academically.
He often played into the idea of being “deeply superficial” and avoided intellectual discussions.
Despite his low IQ, he cleverly marketed himself, proving that intelligence comes in different forms.
3. Chris Brown (IQ: 85)
Chris Brown has shown his talent in music, but his decision-making skills have been questionable.
He has made reckless statements in interviews and social media, often showing a lack of common sense.
His impulsive behavior and history of poor life choices make people doubt his intellectual capacity.
2. Muhammad Ali (IQ: 78)
Muhammad Ali had an IQ of 78, which technically falls in the “borderline intellectual disability” range.
However, he was known for his wit, quick comebacks, and charisma. His low test score came from a military entrance exam, which he likely didn’t take seriously.
Regardless, his intelligence in the ring was undeniable.
1. David Hasselhoff (IQ: 73)
David Hasselhoff became a household name thanks to “Baywatch” and “Knight Rider,” but his IQ score of 73 suggests he wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
His interviews have often been filled with awkward pauses and off-topic responses, making him appear less than intellectually gifted.
Does IQ Score Matter In 2025?
IQ scores have been a big deal for decades, but do they still hold the same weight in 2025? Not really.
- The world values skills over scores. Employers care more about problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence than a number on a test.
- Success isn’t tied to IQ. Many celebrities, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders have average or even low IQ scores, yet they dominate their fields.
- AI and tech have changed the game. With AI handling complex tasks, human intelligence is now about adaptability, learning fast, and making smart decisions, not just raw IQ.
- Social intelligence matters more. Knowing how to connect with people, build relationships, and influence others often leads to more success than having a high IQ.
Intelligence isn’t just about a score. It’s about what you do with what you have.
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Conclusion: David Hasselhoff Has The Lowest IQ Score Out Of All Celebrities At 73
David Hasselhoff tops this list with the lowest reported IQ of 73, but does that define his career? Not at all. Success isn’t just about intelligence. Many celebrities on this list have built empires, won awards, and left a lasting impact in their industries.
Creativity, business acumen, and charisma often matter more than IQ. Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, and Andy Warhol proved that talent and strategy can take you far.
Judging someone solely on IQ overlooks other forms of intelligence. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and social skills are just as important—if not more—in today’s world.
In 2025, IQ scores are less relevant than ever. What you do with your abilities matters far more than a number on a test.
FAQs
Most celebrity IQ scores are just rumors with no solid proof. Unless a celebrity has taken a verified test and shared the results, their IQ claims are mostly guesswork.
Names like Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson often come up, but these claims are based on media perception, not IQ tests.
Talent, charisma, and networking matter more in the entertainment industry than IQ.
Studies suggest excessive celebrity worship can link to lower cognitive ability, but enjoying pop culture doesn’t mean someone isn’t wise.
IQ tests assess logic, problem-solving, and memory, but they can favor specific backgrounds and education levels.
