Celebs Who Switched to Right-Wing Views After Liberal Fame

It’s common for well-known people to change their views over time, both personally and politically. Although Hollywood is often seen as a liberal environment, many celebrities have moved towards more conservative beliefs. These shifts have happened slowly for some, over many years, while others were prompted by current events or disagreements with certain policies. This list highlights famous actors, musicians, and other public figures who became known for changing their political stances later in life.

Ronald Reagan

Before entering politics, Ronald Reagan was a successful actor in Hollywood and initially identified as a Democrat. He even led the actors’ union, working to safeguard the rights of performers. However, his views started to change in the 1950s while working for General Electric, and he became increasingly worried about the spread of communism. By 1962, he officially became a Republican, famously explaining that he hadn’t changed his beliefs, but rather the Democratic Party had moved away from his.

Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston, famous for movies like ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘Ben-Hur’, began his political life as a Democrat. He even participated in civil rights marches with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and supported presidential candidates like Adlai Stevenson and John F. Kennedy. But over time, especially in the 1980s, his beliefs shifted to the right. He eventually became a supporter of Ronald Reagan and the Republican party. Later in life, Heston became well-known as the president of the National Rifle Association and a strong advocate for gun rights.

Frank Sinatra

As a huge Sinatra fan, I always found his life outside of music fascinating. He was a big supporter of FDR and really campaigned for Democratic candidates throughout the ’40s and ’50s. He even stood up against prejudice, which I admire, and was a strong advocate for JFK in 1960. But things changed for him in the ’70s. He started to get frustrated with where the Democratic party was heading, and he became friends with Spiro Agnew. By 1980, he’d completely switched gears and was passionately campaigning for Ronald Reagan – it was a surprising turn, but showed how much he valued his friendships and beliefs.

Elon Musk

For many years, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was generally seen as a moderate or centrist, having voted for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. He supported environmental initiatives like electric cars and often spoke out about the dangers of climate change, which resonated with progressive values. However, in recent years, Musk has become increasingly critical of what he calls “woke” culture and policies from the Democratic party, especially those related to free speech and government oversight. His acquisition of Twitter and later support for Donald Trump signaled a clear shift towards more conservative views.

Joe Rogan

I’ve been watching Joe Rogan for years, and it’s been fascinating to see his evolution. For a long time, he seemed firmly on the left, even supporting Bernie Sanders in 2020 and often talking about things like healthcare for everyone and changing drug laws on his podcast. But then, he started questioning the strict rules around COVID and speaking out against what he saw as ‘cancel culture,’ which led him to connect with people on the right. It really surprised me, but ultimately, he ended up publicly backing Donald Trump right before the 2024 election – a complete turnaround from where he used to be!

Russell Brand

Russell Brand, a British comedian and actor, first became well-known as someone who challenged traditional norms and openly supported left-wing ideas like wealth sharing and a complete overhaul of the economic system. He wrote critically about capitalism and encouraged people not to participate in elections, establishing himself as a strong progressive voice. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, his focus shifted to concerns about government power, questioning the safety of pharmaceuticals, and issues of censorship. This new direction unexpectedly drew in a large conservative audience. Recent events, including his religious baptism and appearances with figures like Tucker Carlson, suggest he’s moved significantly to the right, both spiritually and politically.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr first gained recognition as a feminist icon during her popular sitcom, ‘Roseanne,’ and even ran for president as a Green Party candidate in 2012, advocating for anti-war and socialist policies while often criticizing the traditional two-party system. However, over the past ten years, her political views have dramatically changed. She now strongly supports Donald Trump and the MAGA movement, and her social media is largely dedicated to conservative conspiracy theories and nationalist ideas.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., coming from a prominent Democratic political family, built a reputation as an environmental lawyer by taking on companies that polluted the environment. Though he often held unconventional views, he was generally considered a liberal until his strong opposition to vaccines caused a rift with the Democratic Party. He initially ran for president in 2024, challenging Joe Biden, but later ended his campaign and joined Donald Trump’s team as he transitions into office. Now, he’s promoting a “Make America Healthy Again” message within the Republican party.

Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard was a Democratic Congresswoman representing Hawaii and held a leadership position with the Democratic National Committee. She sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, advocating for a less interventionist approach to foreign policy that resonated with some progressive voters. After leaving Congress, she grew increasingly vocal in her criticism of what she described as a powerful, hawkish group within the Democratic Party. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party and officially became a Republican, actively supporting Donald Trump.

Jon Voight

I’ve always been captivated by Jon Voight’s work, especially those iconic films like ‘Midnight Cowboy’ and ‘Coming Home’ – the latter really resonated with the anti-war sentiment of the time. It’s fascinating to me how he came up during the New Hollywood movement, embracing those liberal ideals. But what really strikes me is his shift later in life. He’s become a very vocal conservative, and you can’t help but notice his strong support for Donald Trump. He often shares his concerns, believing the country is facing serious challenges under the current Democratic leadership. It’s a remarkable transformation for such a talented actor.

James Woods

James Woods, known for his performances in films like ‘Casino’ and ‘Videodrome’, was a Democrat for many years. He says he considered himself a liberal until Bill Clinton’s impeachment, which changed his political views. Later, Woods became a very vocal conservative on Twitter, often sharply criticizing politicians on the left. He’s one of the few actors who continues to risk potential career setbacks by publicly sharing his strong conservative beliefs.

Dennis Miller

Dennis Miller began his career as a witty and sarcastic news commentator on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ known for poking fun at everyone across the political spectrum. After the 9/11 attacks, his views changed, and he publicly supported the Iraq War and the policies of President George W. Bush. He later became a frequent commentator on Fox News, using his sophisticated style to reinforce conservative ideas. Today, Miller describes himself as a conservative libertarian.

Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider, who used to be on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and was a long-time Democrat who once supported Barack Obama, has shifted his political views. This change started when he spoke out against California’s vaccine requirements, which caused friction with many in Hollywood. He’s now openly critical of progressive ideas, activism related to transgender rights, and the Biden administration. Schneider says he’s willing to risk his career to protect his children’s freedom and has fully embraced conservative principles.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash first gained fame playing Dionne in the popular 1995 movie ‘Clueless.’ She initially voted for Barack Obama in 2008, but surprised many in 2012 by publicly supporting Mitt Romney, explaining she was unhappy with Obama’s performance. This marked a turning point for Dash, leading to a role as a commentator on Fox News, where she often shared strong and sometimes controversial opinions on race and politics. While she’s sometimes softened her stance on certain issues, her change from a traditionally Hollywood liberal to a conservative voice was significant.

Zachary Levi

Zachary Levi, known for his roles in ‘Shazam!’ and ‘Chuck,’ was previously seen as someone who stayed out of politics or held moderate views in Hollywood. However, in 2024, he publicly announced his support for Donald Trump, explaining that he believed Trump was the best choice to reform Washington D.C. Levi acknowledged that this decision could harm his career in the entertainment industry. He had initially supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before ultimately aligning with Trump.

Amber Rose

Amber Rose, known as a model and activist who initially championed feminist causes like the “SlutWalk” – a protest against blaming victims of sexual assault – and openly opposed Donald Trump, made a surprising shift in 2024. She unexpectedly spoke at the Republican National Convention to support Trump, explaining that rising grocery costs and concerns about safety led to her change in political views.

M.I.A.

M.I.A., the British rapper famous for her song ‘Paper Planes,’ originally gained recognition for supporting refugees and speaking out against Western imperialism, often from a progressive viewpoint. However, she’s recently shifted her focus, embracing conservative Christian beliefs and expressing opposition to vaccines. She’s also started a clothing brand, OHMNI, designed to shield people from electromagnetic fields, and has connected with controversial right-wing figures like Alex Jones. Now, her social media posts often criticize liberals and international organizations.

Dave Rubin

Dave Rubin started out as a comedian and host on the progressive news network ‘The Young Turks’. Over time, he grew frustrated with what he saw as a shift away from free speech within the liberal left. This led him to create ‘The Rubin Report’, which became a space for conservative and libertarian voices. Now, Rubin is a frequent speaker at conservative events and a strong critic of the Democratic Party.

Victoria Jackson

Victoria Jackson, a former cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ gained popularity in the late 80s and early 90s with her unique ukulele performances. After leaving the show, she experienced a significant shift in her beliefs, both religiously and politically. By the time Barack Obama was president, she had become a prominent voice in the Tea Party movement, even publicly stating her belief that he was a communist. Since then, she’s used her public platform to advocate for Christian conservative views and right-wing causes.

John Lydon

John Lydon, best known as Johnny Rotten, the singer for the Sex Pistols, became the symbol of rebellious anti-establishment energy in Britain. While his punk attitude was initially seen as a left-leaning protest against the government and traditional society, Lydon later surprised many by supporting Brexit and Donald Trump. He believed Trump was an outsider who could shake things up, and he argued that the left had become just as rigid and controlling as the institutions they once opposed.

Morrissey

It’s honestly been a strange journey watching Morrissey. For a long time, he was an icon for those of us on the left – a vegetarian voice railing against Thatcher and the establishment, and his lyrics really spoke to a feeling of being an outsider. He connected with a lot of alternative and progressive fans because of that. But in recent years, he’s taken a really sharp turn. He’s publicly supported far-right groups like For Britain, and his views on immigration and what it means to be British have completely turned off many of his original supporters. It’s a real disappointment, but it’s also brought him a new audience on the nationalist right. It’s a complicated situation, to say the least.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain is best known for his role as Superman in the 90s TV show ‘Lois & Clark.’ While he once felt at home in the typically liberal world of television, he’s since become a strong supporter of conservative viewpoints and often appears on Fox News. He’s been especially critical of recent trends in comic books, particularly changes to the established identities of classic heroes. Cain also has a background as a reserve police officer and is a consistent advocate for law enforcement.

Kevin Sorbo

Kevin Sorbo, known for his role in ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,’ believes his conservative religious beliefs led to him being shut out of major Hollywood productions. After consistently working in the 1990s, his career shifted towards faith-based films such as ‘God’s Not Dead.’ Sorbo frequently uses social media to criticize liberals and voice support for the MAGA movement, and he’s now a regular speaker at conservative events.

Drea de Matteo

Drea de Matteo, the Emmy-winning actress best known for playing Adriana on ‘The Sopranos’, used to be a strong liberal. However, she felt left behind by the Democratic party because of the rules put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wouldn’t follow vaccine rules on movie and TV sets, which she says caused her to lose work and ultimately led her to change careers. To become financially independent, she started an account on OnlyFans and began publicly supporting Donald Trump. Now, she’s a vocal critic of the power that pharmaceutical companies have over politics.

Adam Carolla

Adam Carolla, known for his work on shows like ‘The Man Show’ and ‘Loveline’, initially performed comedy that leaned left. However, as he built a successful podcasting career, his views shifted towards more libertarian and conservative ideas, especially when discussing taxes, government rules, and individual accountability. He’s even spoken to Congress about free speech at universities, siding with conservatives on the issue of censorship. Today, Carolla often publicly criticizes California’s Democratic leaders and their progressive policies.

Stephen Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin, the youngest of the Baldwin brothers, began his acting career with roles in films like ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Bio-Dome’. After the 9/11 attacks, he underwent a religious transformation and became an evangelical Christian, which led him to adopt more conservative political views. He’s since become a strong supporter of Donald Trump, frequently disagreeing with his brother Alec, who holds very liberal beliefs. Today, Stephen primarily focuses his efforts on faith-based projects and conservative causes.

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington, famous for playing Dr. Preston Burke on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, used to be a Democrat but later switched his political affiliation. In 2019, he started the entertainment branch of the #WalkAway movement, encouraging African Americans to question their long-standing support for the Democratic Party. He argued the party hadn’t adequately served the Black community despite receiving consistent support from it. Since then, Washington has voiced support for Donald Trump and policies generally associated with conservatives.

Kristy Swanson

Kristy Swanson, who starred in the original ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ movie, has become a prominent conservative voice in Hollywood. She often shares her political views online, publicly supporting Donald Trump and voicing criticism of Democrats. Swanson says being a conservative in the entertainment industry feels like having to hide your beliefs, fearing it could harm your career. She actively participates in conservative-themed performances and events.

Jim Breuer

Jim Breuer, known for his roles as “Goat Boy” on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and as a memorable character in the movie ‘Half Baked,’ has recently shifted his stand-up comedy to focus on opposing mandates and questioning the way the media covered COVID-19. He’s said he’s no longer trying to appeal to a broad audience and now prefers performing for people who prioritize freedom. As a result, his comedy shows have become popular with more conservative fans.

John Dolmayan

I’ve been a huge System of a Down fan for years, and I always appreciated their politically charged lyrics – Serj Tankian really spoke to my values. But it’s been surprising to see drummer John Dolmayan take such different views. He’s become a pretty vocal conservative, even saying Donald Trump was good for minority groups. It’s interesting because he often publicly, but respectfully, debates his bandmates about politics, and his Instagram is full of right-leaning opinions and critiques of movements like Black Lives Matter. It’s definitely a contrast to the band’s usual messaging, but I respect that he’s open about what he believes.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr., a celebrated entertainer and part of the Rat Pack, was a dedicated Democrat and supporter of the Civil Rights movement throughout his life. However, his decision to back Richard Nixon in the early 1970s surprised and upset many people, including his friends and fans. A now-famous hug between Davis and Nixon at a public event sparked criticism within the Black community. Davis believed Nixon was being treated unfairly and admired his policies, which represented a major shift from his usual political positions.

Sonny Bono

Sonny Bono first became famous in the 1960s as one half of the popular duo Sonny & Cher, known for their connection to the hippie counterculture. After his success in music and television faded, he surprisingly turned to politics, becoming a conservative Republican. He served as Mayor of Palm Springs and later as a U.S. Congressman, where he earned a reputation as a thoughtful lawmaker. He championed issues like stronger copyright laws and environmental protection, all from a conservative viewpoint.

Van Morrison

Van Morrison, the singer-songwriter famous for ‘Brown Eyed Girl,’ wasn’t known for being directly involved in politics, but he was often seen as part of the artistic counterculture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released songs protesting lockdowns, claiming the government was controlling people. This put him in line with right-wing groups who oppose government power. This position caused a public disagreement with the health minister in Northern Ireland and changed how many people saw him.

Meat Loaf

Meat Loaf began his political journey by performing at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, initially showing support for the Democratic party. But his views changed over time, and in 2012, he publicly backed Mitt Romney, even singing ‘America the Beautiful’ at a Romney campaign event. Before he died, Meat Loaf voiced skepticism about climate activist Greta Thunberg and generally leaned towards conservative positions. He often felt like an outsider in the traditionally liberal world of rock music, and his political beliefs reflected that.

Jessica Sutta

Jessica Sutta, known as a member of the Pussycat Dolls, was in a pop group that promoted female strength and progressive ideas. After a serious negative reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, she began advocating for others who experienced similar health issues. Feeling overlooked by major news outlets, she shared her story on more conservative media channels. Now, she primarily focuses on questioning the practices of pharmaceutical companies and official health information.

Vincent Gallo

Vincent Gallo, the independent filmmaker famous for ‘Buffalo ’66’, was a prominent figure in New York’s generally liberal art world. He surprised many by publicly embracing conservative politics, even selling items online criticizing Democratic leaders and supporting Donald Trump. Gallo has said he intentionally provokes the liberal arts community and views his political stance as a rebellious act within the often-conformist film industry – a kind of punk rock statement.

Please share your thoughts on these political shifts in the comments.

2026-01-20 23:19