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

Printer and newspaper editor

Image: Denny Müller

Benjamin Franklin wanted to be a sailor when he grew up. But his father had lost an older son of his at sea, so he sent him off to learn from his older brother, who was in the printing business. After learning the craft, he left Boston for Philadelphia at age 17 where he became a well-known printer of newspapers and an almanac full of wit and wisdom called Poor Richard’s Almanac , still in print to this day.

Franklin was a prolific author who wrote under several pseudonyms, including Silence Dogood, Polly Baker, and Richard Saunders.

2

Founding father

Image: Dan Mall

A well-known fact about Franklin is his role in the Nation’s foundation. He is the only person in history to have signed all four documents that helped to create the U.S. : the Declaration of Independence, The Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce with France, the Treaty of Peace between England, France, and the U.S., and the U.S. Constitution.

He famously quipped after signing the Constitution to the people that they had created a republic but warned it would only be one "if you can keep it."

3

American representative abroad

Image: Brett Wharton

A major player abroad, Benjamin Franklin spent years representing the colony of Pennsylvania in England and then later representing the U. S. in France . For his actions abroad, he became universally admired and renowned, playing an important role in securing a French alliance during the Revolutionary War. He also helped to negotiate the Treaty of Paris that officially ended the Revolutionary War.

4

Inventor

Image: AbsolutVision

His restless mind urged Franklin to be on the constant lookout for ways to improve the world through new inventions. His most famous creations were the bifocal glasses and the Franklin stove, but he also invented a pair of swim fins for his hands at age 11, and he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968 for his many contributions to the sport.

As for the bifocals, when his vision worsened as he got older, he cut lenses from a pair of glasses that allowed him to see things close up and lenses from another pair of glasses that allowed him to see things far away. He put half of each lens in a single frame to invent bifocals.

5

Scientist

Image: NOAA

The immortal image of Franklin pulling a kite with a key attached to it, while in the middle of a thunderstorm brings us to probably the most famous of all his scientific discoveries: the realization that lightning was an electrical phenomenon . Benjamin Franklin didn’t discover electricity, as some people think, but proved the connection between electricity and lightning.

The whole key-kite-thunderstorm experiment led to his invention of lightning rods for buildings.

6

Musician

Image: Dominik Scythe

Few people know that Benjamin Franklin played several instruments , including the violin, harp, and guitar. He invented the glass armonica after seeing performers make music with glasses of water, which he played by touching the edge of the spinning glass with damp fingers.

In his letters, Franklin recounts many happy evenings playing the armonica alongside his daughter, Sally. "Of all my inventions," Franklin wrote, "the glass armonica has given me the most personal satisfaction."

7

Volunteer Fire Company creator

Image: Sandie Clarke

Worried by the fires that broke out constantly in the area, Franklin founded the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1736. This fire company was the first volunteer fire company of its kind in the U.S.

Soon after this volunteer fire company appeared, more and more fire companies spread across the city and soon all over the country, leading to a safer environment in relation to fires.

8

Postmaster

Image: Joanna Kosinska

Franklin was appointed postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737, holding the office until 1753, when he was named deputy postmaster–general of British North America , the first to hold the office. Franklin reorganized the service's accounting system and improved the speed of delivery between Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the United States Post Office and named Franklin as the first United States postmaster general . He had been a postmaster for decades and was a natural choice for the position.

9

Gulf Stream charterer

Image: Max Okhrimenko

Although it was first observed in 1513 by Ponce de Leon, the Gulf Stream was not charted until 1769 by our friend, Benjamin Franklin . Alexander Agassiz, a preeminent oceanographer of the 19th century, attributed the first scientific basis for exploring this stream to Franklin, who had published a map of the Gulf Stream in the previously mentioned year, 200 years before a submersible named after him drifted below the surface to study this river in the ocean.

10

Ben Franklin Effect

Image: Chris Liverani

The final entry on this list is dedicated to a psychological phenomenon known as the Ben Franklin effect. The basic concept behind this phenomenon is that people like someone more after doing a favor for them , and the reasoning is that people believe that they help others because they like them, even if they do not because their minds struggle to maintain logical consistency between their actions and perceptions.

Benjamin quoted what he described as an "old maxim" in his autobiography: "He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged."

1

Times Square, New York

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Of course, the famous multicolored screen-lit corner of Midtown Manhattan is one of the most concurred spots in the country and the world. It is estimated that over 300,000 people pass through this intersection every day.

Forever buzzing with shiny advertisements and businesses that grant service 24/7, the "Crossroads of the World" and its nearby streets are a hub offering adrenaline, entertainment, history, gastronomy, and museum-like stores. During the New Year's Eve ball drop event, the number of visitors can climb up to one million, although it reached its all-time record on December 31st, 1999. An estimated two million people gathered there to watch the ball mark the end of the year, century, and millennium!

2

Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas

Image: David Vives

The Las Vegas Strip is said to be the brightest spot on the planet when seen from space. This four-mile-long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Nevada concentrates some of the world’s largest and most boastful hotels, casinos, and resorts. No wonder the area attracts approximately 42 million visitors each year.

Although the heart of Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment venues, fine dining establishments, sports events, galleries, and huge shopping centers, it is most famous for being a gambling destination . A 2019 survey concluded that eight in ten adults who visited Las Vegas gambled while they were there.

3

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Image: Chad Stembridge

Visitors in Washington D.C. flock in masses to the National Mall. This open-park area sprawls over two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and is also home to iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument , the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. The Smithsonian museums are another attraction, offering free access to art, history, and science exhibitions.

Approximately 30 million visitors walk the area each year, which makes it a top-tier attraction for people all over the country and the world. Of course, the park is most flooded with attendance on special dates and events, such as the celebrations of Independence Day , Earth Day, or the Blossom Kite Festival.

4

Millennium Park, Chicago

Image: Kevin Olson

Those who travel to Chicago know they should visit Millennium Park, and those who go to Millennium Park know they must approach the iconic bean-shaped Cloud Gate . As a consequence, it is estimated that 25 million people are reflected on the silver surface of The Bean every year.

Millennium Park was opened twenty years ago, in 2004, as an urban development built over a former industrial area to promote art and outdoor recreation in the "city in a garden," which is Chicago’s motto.

5

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Alireza Mirzabegi

Sprawling by the Pacific Ocean is the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. It covers a massive 1,017-acre urban section and includes attractions like the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Japanese Tea Garden. It also offers beautiful gardens , picnic areas, lakes, and iconic structures like the Conservatory of Flowers. Not to mention privileged views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

24 million visitors come to the park each year, with some events gathering over 200,000 attendees, like the annual Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. There are spots in this park to suit all interests : Windmills, boat rentals, observation towers, a Shakespeare Garden, 130 species of birds, and even bison!

6

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando

Image: kaleb tapp

Even though Magic Kingdom Park charges for admission, it’s still one of the most visited places in the country every year. At least 20 million go through the turnstiles annually to walk the quintessential Disney theme park.

Cinderella’s Castle, Main Street, U.S.A., and iconic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion are fan favorites in this land. Special events held for Halloween, Christmas, and Fourth of July are among the park’s largest annual celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors.

7

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Image: Brett Wharton

Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been standing since 1742 when it was established. Historically, it served as a focal point for public discourse and commerce. Today, it is mainly a marketplace that features more than 80 businesses , including eateries, shops, and entertainment venues, all set along charming cobblestone walks.

The area is vibrant all year round, frequented by musicians, magicians, and other performers . Foodie soirees, history tours, and fairs of local enterprises are further reasons to visit the spot. About 18 million do so every year.

8

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Vincent Yuan @USA

Balboa Park in San Diego features stunning gardens and buildings, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo . 1,200-acre wide, it also houses the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum. The park famously boasts Spanish-Renaissance architecture and has become a hub for both locals and tourists.

During the holidays, the December Nights celebration gathers over 350,000 visitors across two days, when museums offer free entry and festive performances are held. EarthFair is another huge event in the park, attracting 60,000 attendees to one of the world’s largest environmental fairs to promote sustainability.

9

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Image: Jack Prommel

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this National Park gathers over 12 million people every year. It is indeed the most visited national park in the U.S. and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site . Its mist-covered peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife fascinate visitors who walk its hiking trails. These include the Appalachian Trail.

Hundreds of thousands choose to visit the park during fall when autumn colors light up the landscape. In spring, the Wildflower Pilgrimage draws botany enthusiasts who come to the guided talks and walks to appreciate the park's unique biodiversity.

10

Pier 39, San Francisco

Image: Deane Bayas

Pier 39 is ideal for a family-friendly promenade. Located on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, this waterfront marketplace is known for its shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay. There’s also a colony of sea lions forever lounging on its docks, who have become one of the dearest attractions of the site.

Another main attraction is the two-tiered carousel sitting towards the end of the pier. The 15 million pedestrians who come yearly can also enjoy its video arcade, 3D rides, shops, and restaurants, and visit the Aquarium of the Bay.