Top 10 Celebrity Nerds

#10: CM Punk

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This mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler kicks off our list at number ten, thanks to a lifelong obsession with the world of comic books. CM Punk - otherwise known as Phil Brooks - is currently transitioning from a lauded career as one of the longest reigning WWE Champions into the world of professional MMA, while also finding time to co-write a run of the legendary Marvel comics series “Thor.” The smart and tough Brooks has also found time to shoot a series of humorous shorts for geek site The Nerdist, dealing with the athlete’s other notable obsession... correcting people’s grammar!

The media man otherwise known as Kevin Smith has his hands in many creative pots out there in the nerd world, from writing and directing feature films to hosting a number of comedy commentary podcasts. Smith rose to prominence back in the mid-nineties, thanks to the breakout success of his indie comedy “Clerks,” but has since become an ambassador of sorts for nerdculture around the world. Comics have continually been a source of passion for the talented Mr. Smith, with his podcast and weekly AMC series “Comic Book Men” entertaining countless comic geeks around the world.

The nerd credentials of comedian and voice over artist Stephen Colbert have been on lock for some time now, thanks to the “Late Show” host’s passionate dedication to the worlds of fantasy and science fiction. Specifically, Colbert has long defended and championed his love of J.R.R Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth, as depicted in the “Lord of the Rings” saga, and has engaged in numerous debates about his other sci-fi obsession with the “Star Wars” universe. Sure, Stephen Colbert may be the suave late show talk show host these days, but it’s nice to know that this old school nerd made it to the big time on his terms.

The next nerd on our list hails from the ever-growing world of gaming, as Olivia Munn first enjoyed media exposure on the popular “Attack of the Show” series on the now-defunct G4 gaming network. Munn has since parlayed her popularity on the show into a pop culture presence that is based largely on her nerdy interests in video games and comic books. Recently, Munn was even announced as the actress who would portray the mutant Psylocke in Marvel’s “X-Men: Apocalypse,” cementing this nerd as a rising star in the industry.

Sure, Nicolas Cage went through a spell where it seemed that he was acting in about ten movies a month, but sometimes it’s pretty easy to forget just how many classics the actor chalked up early in his career, including a rockin’ appearance in director David Lynch’s classic “Wild At Heart.” On the other hand, Cage’s penchant for nerdy, and some might even say “obsessive” personal behavior never seems to be far from the public consciousness. Whether it’s the actor’s unhealthy obsession with Elvis, his diehard desire to play Superman in the aborted Tim Burton piece “Superman Lives,” (as well as subsequently naming his son Kal-El) or the fact that he bought a freakin’ CASTLE, Nicolas Cage ranks high on our list of celebrity nerds.

#5: ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic

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What’s not to love about “Weird” Al Yankovic? With his homegrown parody tunes to his current status as the reigning king of musical satire, this California native has entertained audiences for over thirty years. There aren’t many instruments less cool than the accordion, but that’s exactly the instrument that has led Yankovic and his criminally talented band to success, creating such awesomely nerdy parody songs as “White and Nerdy,” Word Crimes” and “It’s All About the Pentiums.” It’s a formula that hasn’t become stale for us yet, and we honestly doubt we’ll ever tire of “Weird Al’s” own brand of nerdy musical genius.

#4: Chris Hardwick

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The next celebrity nerd on our list wears a multitude of hats in the world of geek media. Chris Hardwick is a podcaster, talk show host, comedian, actor and writer, whose passions often place him front and center at the Nerd Nexus. Whether it’s talking about “The Walking Dead,” San Diego Comic-Con, “Star Wars” or he is in his primary spot over at the immensely popular website The Nerdist, Chris Hardwick is often the go-to guy when it comes to having his finger on the pulse of any and all things nerd.

Talk about the story of a “nerd made good!” Britain’s Simon Pegg is actually something of an anomaly on our list, in that this actor, writer and comedian has been critical of the rising popularity of “nerd culture” in various interviews. Pegg’s talent has kept him in high demand, however, regardless of popular sentiment with his opinions, thanks to a number of high profile appearances in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” reboot franchise, as well as the “Mission Impossible” film series. Add to this Pegg’s fan favorite horror/comedy classic “Shaun of the Dead,” and you have yourself a guidebook on how to make it big as a nerd.

Hollywood star Mila Kunis has a lot of things going for her: beauty, brains, a sense of humor...and a secret gaming habit. Yes, it’s true that this star of “Family Guy,” “Ted” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is an avid gamer, with her particular brand of poison being the highly popular and addictive online role playing game, World of Warcraft. Kunis has often spoken of her gaming fixation during interviews, and is said to spend much of her downtime either engaging in Warcraft raids or butt-kicking battles with the first person shooter series “Call of Duty.” Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions! Elijah Wood Seth Green Felicia Day Patton Oswalt Wil Wheaton Asia Carrera

#1: Vin Diesel

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Talk about appearances being deceiving! Sure, Vin Diesel may be most known for his ass-kicking tough guy roles in such films as “Pitch Black,” “XXX” and the “Fast and the Furious” series, but his not-so-well-hidden secret is that the mighty Vin just looooves Dungeons and Dragons! Indeed, many media outlets have picked up on this gaming fetish of Diesel’s, and it’s proven to be quite the conversation point. Diesel has been a part of tabletop live streams, taped D&D campaigns at conventions and even had a Dungeons Master Guide cake made up for his birthday! Big Daddy Vin...we salute you as king of the nerds!