1

Ray Bradbury

Image: Rod Long

Perhaps the most emblematic name in American science fiction, Ray Bradbury was an author and screenwriter best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 , and his short story collections The Martian Chronicles , and The Illustrated Man .

His works not only imagine what extraterrestrial colonies might be like but also explore how such experiences would affect humans on a deeply personal level. His prose is both poetic and informative, making it accessible to both young and adult readers alike.

2

Philip K. Dick

Image: Filip Filkovic Philatz

If you’ve ever seen the movie Blade Runner or the TV series The Man in the High Castle , then you’ve been exposed to the work of Philip K. Dick. This prolific novelist wrote numerous novels and short stories that explore philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, human nature, and characters struggling against illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, and authoritarian governments.

His novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? was the basis for Blade Runner and his works have earned him countless awards all over the world.

3

William Gibson

Image: Brian McGowan

The creator of the now-ubiquitous term "cyberspace," William Gibson was a speculative fiction writer whose works explore the effects of technology, cybernetics, and computer networks on humans (fans of Black Mirror will likely find this author to their liking).

His first novel, Neuromancer , was credited with revitalizing science fiction literature in the 1980s, and he was described in 1999 as "probably the most important novelist of the past two decades.

4

L. Ron Hubbard

Image: Luna Wang

"While he is now more famous for founding Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard was a genuine science fiction writer who authored works such as Battlefield Earth, To the Stars, Buckskin Brigades, and Death’s Deputy , among other titles.

Hubbard was quite a prolific pulp science fiction and fantasy writer in his early career and, in 1950, he published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health , establishing organizations to promote and practice Dianetics techniques.

5

Theodore Sturgeon

Image: Rod Long

A critic turned writer, Theodore Sturgeon wrote over 120 short stories, 11 novels, and even a handful of scripts for the original Star Trek television series. His first science fiction novel, More Than Human , won the 1954 International Fantasy Award for that year's best novel.

Though he was not as well known to the general public as contemporaries like Isaac Asimov or Ray Bradbury, Sturgeon gained recognition among readers of mid-20th-century science fiction anthologies. At the height of his popularity in the 1950s, he was the most anthologized English-language author alive.

6

Alfred Bester

Image: Steve Johnson

One of the few writers credited with inventing modern science fiction, according to one of his colleagues, Alfred Bester was an author, TV, radio, and comics scriptwriter, and magazine editor. His novel, The Demolished Man , was the first winner of the Hugo Awards in 1953.

While working as a scriptwriter for DC Comics, he created the supervillain Solomon Grundy and also wrote extensively for television, magazines, and radio.

7

H. P. Lovecraft

Image: Alejandro Piñero Amerio

An author whose work is as famous in the science fiction genre as it is in horror, H. P. Lovecraft was a writer of science fiction, fantasy, horror fiction, and a mixture of all these genres. His most notable work is the Cthulhu Mythos .

Some of his more popular works include The Call of Cthulhu, At the Mountains of Madness, The Shadow over Innsmouth , and The Shadow Out of Time . The central theme of his books is cosmicism, a theory dictating that "there is no recognizable divine presence, such as a god, in the universe, and that humans are particularly insignificant in the larger scheme of intergalactic existence."

8

Frank Herbert

Image: Pierre Bamin

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. is best known for writing the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, 1965's Dune , along with its five sequels. He also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

His famous saga, set in the distant future and spanning millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics, sex, and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and colonized thousands of worlds.

9

Ursula K. Le Guin

Image: Karsten Klemme

With a literary career spanning nearly sixty years, Ursula Kroeber Le Guin is another legendary name on this list. She is best known for her works of speculative fiction, including science fiction works set in her Hainish universe and the Earthsea fantasy series.

Frequently described as a science fiction author, Le Guin has also been called a "major voice in American letters," though she once said she would prefer to be known as an "American novelist."

10

Orson Scott Card

Image: Greg Rakozy

The only person to have won a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award in consecutive years, both for his novel Ender’s Game , and its sequel, Speaker for the Dead , Orson Scott Card is a science fiction writer who often features characters with exceptional gifts who make difficult choices with high stakes. Since 1979, he has published over 50 novels and 45 short stories.

During his childhood, Card read children's classics and popular novels, his favorite book being Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper . He often refers to works by Robert A. Heinlein and J. R. R. Tolkien as sources of inspiration.

1

Shaquille O'Neal

Image: Kylie Osullivan

Shaquille O'Neal is definitely one of the biggest stars in sports, nationally and globally recognized. But his talent seems to go beyond the courts!

Shaq is also very good at school: In the 2000s, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in General Studies (Minor in Political Science). A few years later, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. And if that wasn't enough, he completed a Doctorate of Education from Barry University in 2012.

2

Jodie Foster

Image: Antonio Scalogna

Among other unforgettable roles, Jodie Foster is the actress who brought to life the character of Clarice Starling, who interviewed the fearsome Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Do you remember her?

Like her character in that iconic film, Jodie Foster is also very smart. In fact, she graduated with the highest honor from Yale University in 1985 with a Bachelor's degree in Literature.

3

Conan O'Brien

Image: Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov

Conan O'Brien, the famous host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien, is widely recognized for his long career as a comedian, screenwriter, TV host, and producer.

But while his witty humor always gets a laugh, that doesn't mean Conan can't take some things seriously. And he did so with his college career: In 1985, he graduated with high honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in History and Literature.

4

David Duchovny

Image: Brice Cooper

We would all immediately recognize the face of the actor who played the unforgettable Fox Mulder in The X-Files . Of course, we're talking about David Duchovny, who, in addition to playing Mulder, also gave life to other great characters in different series and shows.

Just like his most famous character, David Duchovny also has a brilliant mind that led him to get a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Princeton University and a Master's degree in English Literature from Yale. He was also on his way to earning a Ph.D. when acting entered his life.

5

Lionel Richie

Image: Clo Art

Lionel Richie is the artist we have to thank for unforgettable 80s hits like "Endless Love," "All Night Long (All Night)," and "Hello." But his beginnings were far removed from music and much closer to the world of numbers.

In 1974, he graduated from Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Minor in Accounting.

6

Dwayne Johnson

Image: Victor Freitas

Dwayne Johnson, known to all as "The Rock," isn't just one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors; he's also a former professional wrestling superstar. However, his achievements don't end there!

The Rock isn't just known for his powerful body; he also has a sharp mind, which led him to graduate from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of General Studies and a Dual Major in Criminology and Physiology.

7

Lisa Kudrow

Image: Ilse Orsel

We all fondly remember the endearing Phoebe Buffay, one of the funniest characters on Friends, brought to life by Lisa Kudrow. But before discovering her passion and succeeding in acting, Kudrow had considered pursuing a completely different path.

From a young age, Lisa Kudrow had a strong interest in science, which led her to graduate from Vassar College with a degree in Biology!

8

Natalie Portman

Image: Leon Wu

Natalie Portman is a recognized name for her roles in major films such as V for Vendetta , Black Swan , and also Star Wars. But Portman is not only talented and beautiful; she is also very smart! As her fame grew, she successfully balanced her acting career with her studies. In 2003, she graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Psychology!

9

Mayim Bialik

Image: Ben Griffiths

Mayim Bialik won our hearts playing Amy Farrah-Fowler, the quirky girlfriend of the also quirky Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory .

Her character on the show has a sky-high IQ, and so does she in real life! Mayim Bialik graduated with the highest honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. But that wasn't enough for her: A few years later, she also earned a Ph.D. in the same field.

10

Cole Sprouse

Image: Trnava University

One of the youngest on this list, Cole Sprouse is an actor who, along with his twin brother Dylan, started his career as a child on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.

But acting wasn't Cole's only interest. In addition to demonstrating great skills as a photographer, Cole Sprouse graduated from New York University (NYU) in 2015 with a degree in nothing less than Archaeology!

1

Perry Mason, Defense Attorney

A defense attorney's job is to protect their clients’ rights, making sure they receive a fair trial. They investigate the case, interview witnesses, collect evidence, negotiate pleas, and defend their client in court.

Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) made the L.A. defense attorney’s job look like the work of a real-life hero on the self-titled series, which aired from 1957 to 1966. With a superior mind and strong sense of right and wrong, Mason did whatever it took to get innocent people out of seemingly hopeless situations. He rarely lost a case, and the most thrilling moments came when he exposed the real killer on the witness stand at the last minute.

2

Lieutenant Columbo, Homicide Detective

Columbo originally aired from 1971 to 1978 and later returned with new episodes from 1989 to 2003. Portrayed by Peter Falk, Columbo made us all want to be homicide detectives. He understood how society worked, and everything about his actions and appearance was part of his strategy: with his rumpled coat and beat-up car, he played the fool, deliberately making arrogant high-society suspects underestimate him. The most curious of detectives, he could notice tiny inconsistencies when no one else could. With his signature catchphrase, "Just one more thing...," he persisted until he found the truth, showing us that no detail should ever be overlooked.

3

Indiana Jones, Archaeologist

Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark was the movie franchise’s first installment, premiering in 1981, with four sequels released through 2023. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) actually lived a double life: a quiet, book-loving archaeology professor by day and an explorer whenever trouble knocked on his door. He was truly passionate about discovery. The impact was huge. Indiana Jones inspired generations of students to pursue careers in archaeology, history, and anthropology. He helped spread the idea that ancient artifacts are part of our history and deserve to be protected rather than stolen.

4

James Bond, Secret Agent

Played by six actors and counting across 25 films since 1962, the iconic British secret agent who worked for MI6 under the code number 007 was, of course, James Bond. Bond brought a level of glamour and excitement that few real-life jobs could ever match: his formal suits, high-tech gadgets, and remarkable confidence.

He always stayed calm and in control, even when things got dangerous. His missions were filled with constant risk, yet he always managed to make it out unharmed . Time and again, Bond proved that he was prepared for almost any mission. And after saving the day, there was always time for his favorite martini: shaken, not stirred.

5

Mary Richards, TV News Producer

Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) was the heroine of The Mary Taylor Moore Show, which ran for seven seasons, starting in 1970. She was an independent, single woman of her decade, a TV news producer who showed women could handle demanding careers. She faced everyday office struggles, stood up for equal pay, and even asked for a raise when she realized she earned less than men doing the same work . With her characteristic humor, bravery, spunk, and determination, she helped normalize women’s ambition on television.

6

Ben Cartwright, Rancher

Ben Cartwright showed us that running a ranch in the Old West involved much more than riding horses and handling cattle. Ben, played by Lorne Greene on Bonanza from 1953 to 1973, owned the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada, was a widower, and had three sons. He managed the land and its workers while helping his family face the everyday challenges of frontier life.

Ben showed us that a good rancher needed good judgment to survive. He worked hard to protect the Ponderosa and treated everyone fairly: family, workers, neighbors, and even strangers. As the story is set during and after the Civil War, Ben lived in a dangerous world, but he was still a leader and respected the land.

7

Scotty, Engineer

On a ship traveling through space, the engineer isn’t usually the one who gets the glory. Scotty was the exception. Played by James Doohan, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series , which aired on NBC from 1966 until 1969. The show arrived at the height of the Space Race, three years before the Moon landing, when the idea of exploring distant worlds captured the country’s imagination.

As chief engineer of the Enterprise, Scotty was the man everyone turned to when things fell apart. No matter how impossible the problem seemed, he always found a way to fix it under pressure. His steady, reliable know-how made engineering feel like the most essential job on the entire ship.

8

Mike Brady, Architect

With Mike Brady, architecture found its way into mainstream television. Played by Robert Reed, Brady was the patriarch of The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) and had his own architecture firm. He showed that being an architect could go hand in hand with being a devoted husband and father of six. He sometimes worked from home, long before that became common, blending his career with everyday family life. He also prioritized public safety and honesty over profit in his projects. Mike was an ethical architect who made a complicated profession seem accessible and interesting.

9

Quincy, Medical Examiner

Quincy, played by Jack Klugman on Quincy M.E. (1976-1983), was the medical examiner who refused to let suspicious deaths go unnoticed. With his unwavering ethic, he treated every body as an important story that deserved to be understood and looked after. He constantly fought against bureaucracy and apathy, driven by his principles rather than personal convenience.

As one of the earliest forensic procedurals on TV aired in the 70s, the show made science a powerful tool for truth and justice, paving the way for modern shows like CSI . It also tackled real-world issues most shows avoided at the time, like public health crises, environmental pollution, pharmaceutical greed, and elder care, all wrapped inside a weekly mystery.

10

John-Boy Walton, Writer

Played by Richard Thomas on The Waltons , John-Boy Walton grew up in a large family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression. The show aired from 1972 to 1981. While helping his family through difficult times, he dreamed of becoming a professional writer and carefully recorded his experiences in his journal.

John-Boy treated everyday family struggles, conversations, and memories as stories worth preserving. Even when money was tight and his dream seemed distant, he continued studying and writing. Inspiring many, he proved that curiosity and discipline were the secret powers that could take a young writer far beyond.