5 Things You Never Knew About Geena Davis

Lauren Novak Yesterday, 6:00 pm

HERO, Geena Davis, 1992 — Columbia/Everett Collection

Born on January 21, 1956, Geena Davis has spent decades captivating audiences in films such as Thelma & Louise and Beetlejuice. As much as fans admire her iconic roles, there’s so much more to her. Davis leads a life filled with surprising skills and experiences that make her even more fascinating. Let’s take a look at five things you may not have known about Geena Davis — things that make her even more relatable, inspiring and, honestly, downright impressive.

1Fluent in Swedish

GLOW,(aka G.L.O.W.), Geena Davis, 'Up, Up, Up', (Season 3, Episode 301, aired Aug. 9, 2019)

Ali Goldstein/Netflix/Everett Collection

Imagine spending a year of your life in Sweden as a teenager, learning the language and culture. That’s exactly what Davis did when she participated in a high school exchange program, which helped her become fluent in Swedish after growing up in Wareham, Massachusetts. Davis has mentioned in interviews that her time in Sweden broadened her worldview and helped her relate to people from all walks of life as well.

2Olympic Archery

17 Sep 1999: Geena Davis of U.S.A. during today's media conference at International Grammar School, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia. The Academy-award winning actress is in Sydney to compete in the Sydney International Golden Arrow competition - a S.O.C.O.G. test event

Adam Pretty/ALLSPORT/Getty Images

In 2000, Davis threw herself into competitive archery, working toward a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Inspired by her role as a lethal assassin in The Long Kiss Goodnight, where her character was a trained archery expert, she decided to see just how far her skills could take her. After years of intense training, Davis competed in the U.S. Olympic trials and placed 24th out of 300 women participants. While she didn’t make the team, her effort is a testament to her passion and determination — qualities she’s brought to every aspect of her life.

3Mensa Member

Columbia/Everett Collection

Davis doesn’t just play brilliant characters — she’s also incredibly intelligent in real life. With an IQ of 140, Davis is a member of Mensa, the prestigious society for individuals with exceptionally high intellectual abilities. Davis has often spoken about how she’s used her intellectual curiosity to make informed, impactful choices in her career, from choosing the roles she plays to championing women’s representation on screen.

4Former Window Mannequin

Everett Collection

Before she was a household name, Davis worked as a window mannequin. After graduating from Boston University, she took on this unusual job, standing motionless in store windows as part of her modeling work. It may seem odd … but whatever pays the bills, right?

5Musical Talents

THELMA & LOUISE, Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, 1991

MGM/Everett Collection

Before she was a star on the big screen, Geena Davis had a musical side to her as well. Growing up in Massachusetts, she served as the assistant organist at her local church. While she ultimately decided to pursue acting instead of music, it just proves how talented she really is. Now, Davis is 69 years old and continues to act. She was most recently seen in the film Blink Twice.