More than likely they ARE smarter, at least in the academic, multiple choice test, sense.
What they have not yet figured out is that this is not a "fair" world, and that while smarts, talent, looks, and ambition are all helpful, the single critical factor is luck.
In the case of the movie stars, for ever actor that makes it big, there are 999 others with the same (or better) talent, eye color, body type, etc. Even though many of the other 999 have a SAG or Actor's Equity card in their purse or wallet, they are still waiting tables, mowing grass, etc. in order to pay the rent, put food on the table and gas in the car.
While chance may favor the prepared mind, it is still chance.
Tell them to get luckier.
Unka' George [George McDuffee]
------------------------------ Watch out w'en you'er gittin all you want. Fattenin' hogs ain't in luck.
Joel Chandler Harris (1848-1908), U.S. journalist. Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings, "Plantation Proverbs" (1880).