Smart is beautiful: 21 geek icons of Hollywood

The interest in science, technology, sci-fi, video games and comic books has long since ceased to be something niche. Geek culture has become part of the mainstream, and with it, the on-screen image of the heroine has changed: smart, ironic, enthusiastic yet charismatic. Hollywood gave audiences many characters who formed entire fan communities and set a new standard for attractiveness.

Below is a list of 21 actresses, writers, directors and authors whose roles and biographies have made them symbols of geek culture.

Olivia Mann is the host of “Attack of the Show!” and correspondent for “The Daily Show.”

Olivia Mann rose to fame as co-host of “Attack of the Show!” on G4, a program about video games, technology and pop culture. Later, she became a correspondent for the satirical news show “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” where she cemented her image as a media personality at the intersection of technology, humor and geek culture.

Olivia Mann is also a contributor to “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” a satirical news show where she became a media personality at the intersection of technology, humor and geek culture.

Felicia Day is Code in the web series “The Guild”

Felicia Day became a key figure in the gamer community thanks to the web series The Guild, which she created, wrote, and starred in herself. Her character Codex showed the daily life of MMORPG players without stereotypes and with plenty of self-irony.

Kristen Bell is Veronica Mars and Elle Bishop in the “Heroes”

Kristen Bell achieved cult status with her role in the detective series “Veronica Mars.” She later appeared in the sci-fi series “Heroes,” where she played Elle Bishop. These roles cemented her reputation as an actress who works seamlessly in the sci-fi and mystery genres.

Olivia Wilde is Quorra in “Tron: Legacy” and Dr. Remy Hadley in “Dr. House.”

Olivia Wilde became particularly visible to geek audiences after her role as Quorra in “Tron: Legacy.” In parallel, she played Dr. Remy Hadley on the TV series “Dr. House,” where her character combined high intelligence and out-of-the-box thinking.

Olivia Wilde’s role as Dr. Remy Hadley in “Tron: Legacy” was a great one.

Eliza Dushku is Faith in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Eliza Dushku is remembered by audiences for her roles in iconic sci-fi series. She played Faith in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” then starred in the series “Dollhouse.” She also appeared in “Death Call,” adding mystical imagery to her portfolio.

She has also appeared in “Death Call,” a project that has added mystical imagery to her portfolio.

Diablo Cody is the screenwriter of the movie “Jennifer’s Body.”

Diablo Cody is primarily known as the screenwriter of the movie Jennifer’s Body. Her journey into film began with blogging and journalism, and her sharp, ironic style has made her one of the most recognizable writers of genre cinema in the early 2010s.

She’s also one of the most recognizable writers of early 2010s genre cinema.

Katie Sackhoff is Starbuck in the TV series “Battlestar Galactica.”

Katie Sackhoff became a science fiction icon thanks to her role as Starbuck in the TV series “Battlestar Galactica.” Her character, a fighter pilot, has become one of the most powerful and memorable female portrayals in sci-fi.

Danica McKellar is Winnie Cooper in “The Wonder Years.”

Danika McKellar is best known for her role as Winnie Cooper on the TV series The Wonder Years. Outside of her acting career, she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in mathematics and co-authored a scientific theorem.

Zooey Deschanel is Jessica Day in the TV series “New Girl.”

Zooey Deschanel solidified her geek image with her role as Jessica Day on the TV series “New Girl.” Her character – eccentric, smart and socially awkward – has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television comedy.

She’s also become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television comedy.

Sarah Michelle Gellar is Buffy Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar will forever be associated with the image of Buffy Summers. The series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” laid the foundation for modern television mysticism and made her character an iconic figure.

Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character will forever be associated with the image of Buffy Summers.

Claire Danes is Angela Chase in “My So-Called Life.”

Claire Danes began her career with the teen drama “My So-Called Life” before moving on to big movies, starring in “Romeo + Juliet” and “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.” In between filming, she studied at Yale University.

Tina Fey is a writer and actress for “Saturday Night Live” and “Studio 30.”

Tina Fey went from being a writer for the show “Saturday Night Live” to the creator of the series “Studio 30.” Her career has been an example of how intelligence and irony can be the foundation of massive success.

She’s also been an example of how intelligence and irony can be the foundation of massive success.

Ivonne Strahovski is Sarah Walker on the TV series “Chuck.”

Ivonne Strahovski gained widespread fame for her role as Agent Sarah Walker on the TV series Chuck. In addition to her work on television, she has done voice work for the Mass Effect video game series.

Sammer Glau is a terminator in “The Sarah Connor Chronicles”

Sammer Glau is remembered by sci-fi fans from the TV series “The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” where she played the cyborg Terminator. Her characters often balance between fragility and lethal menace. And, of course, she played Firefly.

Rashida Jones is an actress on “The Office” and author of the comic book “Frenemy of the State.”

Rashida Jones has starred in the TV series “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation,” as well as the movies “I Love You, Man” and “The Social Network.” She is a Harvard graduate and is the author of her own comic book.

Alison Hannigan is Michelle in “American Pie” and Lily in “How I Met Your Mother.”

Alison Hannigan became known for her role in the “American Pie” film series, and later cemented her success by playing Lily Aldrin in “How I Met Your Mother.”

Kaley Cuoco is Penny in the TV series “The Big Bang Theory.”

Kaley Cuoco gained worldwide popularity for her role as Penny on “The Big Bang Theory,” where her character became a bridge between the world of science and everyday life.

Rosario Dawson is the actress of “Sin City” and “Men in Black 2”

Rosario Dawson has starred in films in a wide variety of genres, including comic book adaptations and sci-fi. Among them are “Sin City,” “Death Proof” and “Men in Black 2.” Then, of course, there’s Ashoko-Tana from Star Wars

Jennifer Garner is Elektra in “Daredevil.”

Jennifer Garner is remembered by geek audiences for her roles in the superhero movies “Daredevil” and “Elektra,” where she played one of Marvel’s most recognizable heroines of the early 2000s.

Natalie Portman is Padme Amidala in “Star Wars.”

Natalie Portman won the hearts of sci-fi fans with her role as Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequels. She later demonstrated her dramatic range in “Black Swan” and played a key role in “V for Vendetta.” Portman graduated from Harvard with a degree in psychology. You may also know her from her small role in the Thor films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Megan Fox is Michaela Baines in “Transformers” and Jennifer Check in “Jennifer’s Body.”

Megan Fox became an icon of late-2000s geek culture thanks to her roles in sci-fi and genre projects. Her portrayal of Mikaela Baines in “Transformers” made her part of one of the biggest franchises of the decade, and the movie “Jennifer’s Body” eventually gained cult status among horror and pop culture fans.