In normal-life Sunnydale, CA, Willow Rosenberg was a nerdy computer whiz and best friends with Buffy Summers. Channeling her smarts, she harnessed magical powers and transformed into a formidable force with an array of spells at her disposal. You couldn’t help but root for this fearless sidekick of Buffy.
In real life, “Buffy” costar Alexis Denisof scooped up and married the stunning Alyson Hannigan, who portrayed Willow. The actress went on to play Lily in “How I Met Your Mother” and win a People’s Choice Award in 2009, who is very different from Willow. If that’s not cool, we don’t know what is.
Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon Cooper is the quirkiest nerd in the nerdisphere. He out-dorks an all-dork cast and brings a rare blend of humor that is at once adorable and grating but always witty. He just couldn't help but correct everyone all the time!
Jim Parsons played one of the best on TV, but just look at him here! Looks like being one of the highest-paid TV stars in history works wonders on one's appeal. His career has sent him on roles on TV, stage, film, and even video games! He also gets some extra cool points for dubbing an animated character alongside Rihanna in the movie "Home."
Matthew Gray Gubler – Criminal Minds
Dr. Spencer Reid is superhero-smart on "Criminal Minds." With an IQ of 187 and an ability to read at lightning speed, he is one very special asset for the FBI team. Time and time again, he would be able to crack the case in an almost annoyingly predictable way.
Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is not a real-life certified genius, but he is cool nonetheless. His cool credentials include modeling for A-list designers like Tommy Hilfiger, painting, and writing children's books. Just look at those luscious locks. Does that scream out "nerd" to you? We most certainly do not think so!
Mayim Bialik – The Big Bang Theory
Amy Farrah Fowler is married to the nerdiest of them all — Sheldon Cooper, so we know her nerd credentials are solid. From the moment she burst onto the scene during the early seasons of "The Big Bang Theory," she proved to be a real nerd match for Sheldon and the gang.
But Mayim Bialik does not just play a neurobiologist on TV; she is a verifiable scientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Don't believe anything those kids in middle school told you. We all know that advanced degrees instantly make you a cool person. And it only takes some stylish clothes to see she’s beautiful on the outside too.
Wilmer Valderrama – That ‘70s Show
Wilmer Valderrama came of age as Fez on "That ‘70s Show." The out-of-place foreign exchange student amuses with his awkward attempts to fit in with American culture. He was most certainly out-cooled by the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Laura Prepon, that's for sure.
In real life, he’s so cool that he’s dated a virtual catalog of A-listers, including Ashlee Simpson, Mandy Moore, Lindsay Lohan, and Demi Lovato. Not to mention the fact that Valderrama looks nothing like his fictional counterpart in real life. Since his role as Fez, Wilmer has starred in movies such as "Encanto" and "Murder Mystery 2."