Actors Who Don’t Support Eating Meat

More and more Hollywood actors are choosing to eat plant-based diets for both ethical and health reasons. They’re using their fame to promote animal welfare and a healthier planet, all while continuing to thrive in their careers. Some have followed this lifestyle for years, while others are newer to it, driven by their personal beliefs. Here’s a look at some male celebrities who have openly shared their commitment to vegetarian or vegan eating.

Joaquin Phoenix

This actor is renowned for fully immersing himself in his roles, and has been a dedicated vegan since he was a child. He gained attention for using his Oscar acceptance speech for ‘Joker’ to speak out about animal rights and the dairy industry. He consistently demonstrates his commitment by refusing to wear leather in his costumes and actively participating in demonstrations and films that reveal the realities of factory farming.

Woody Harrelson

I’ve always admired Woody Harrelson, not just for his acting, but for his commitment to a really healthy lifestyle. Years ago, he went fully raw vegan and swears it boosted his energy levels. He’s a big advocate for living green and always talks about how great a plant-based diet is. It’s cool that he even owns a vegan beer garden! He’s actually gotten a bunch of his fellow actors interested in trying plant-based meals too. You can really see how much he cares about sustainability in everything he does, both on and off screen.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage, known for his role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ has followed a vegetarian diet since he was a teenager and now eats vegan. He frequently speaks out for animal rights groups, highlighting issues with how farm animals are treated. Interestingly, his character in the show is also shown eating only plant-based foods during banquet scenes. Dinklage consistently uses his platform to inspire his fans to live more compassionately and avoid products that cause animal suffering.

Tobey Maguire

I’ve always admired Tobey Maguire, and it’s not just his acting. He’s been a vegetarian since the early nineties – that’s dedication! What’s even cooler is that he requests leather-free costumes for his superhero roles, really sticking to his principles. Over time, he actually went fully vegan, meaning no animal products at all in his personal life. He doesn’t often talk about it in interviews, but he definitely lives it, and I think that’s incredibly admirable. He really leads by example with those strict dietary choices.

Jared Leto

I’ve always been amazed by how young and energetic Jared Leto looks! He says a vegan diet is a huge part of it, and he even calls himself a ‘chegan’ – meaning he mostly avoids meat but isn’t super strict. It’s cool to see him encourage everyone on tour – his band and crew – to try plant-based meals too. He’s really passionate about animal rights and protecting the environment, and it definitely shows in his lifestyle.

Benedict Cumberbatch

I was so excited to hear that Benedict Cumberbatch, who I love in ‘Sherlock’ and the Marvel movies, is vegan! He’s talked about how it’s really improved his health and, even more importantly to him, it aligns with his values regarding animal welfare. It’s no surprise he’s been recognized by animal rights organizations as a beautiful and dedicated vegan. Plus, I’ve noticed he always makes really conscious choices about what he wears, prioritizing sustainable fashion, which is awesome.

Casey Affleck

The Academy Award-winning actor has long been a passionate voice for animal rights. He’s appeared in public service campaigns exposing the harsh realities of the meat industry, and believes adopting a plant-based diet is crucial for both reducing animal suffering and protecting the environment. He sees veganism as a fundamental aspect of who he is and what he believes in.

James Cromwell

Following his work on the film ‘Babe’ in the mid-1990s, this well-known actor became a dedicated vegan and advocate for animal rights. He often takes part in nonviolent protests, intentionally disrupting farms and other agricultural businesses to draw attention to animal welfare. As a result of these direct actions, Cromwell has been arrested on several occasions. He firmly believes that compassion towards animals is crucial for human spiritual growth.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais, the comedian behind ‘The Office,’ is a vocal opponent of trophy hunting and animal abuse, often speaking out against it on social media. He’s a committed vegetarian who frequently promotes veganism when he’s in public. Gervais believes animals are aware and feeling creatures who should be legally protected and treated with respect, and his comedy often points out the ways society mistreats them.

Russell Brand

This comedian, now focused on wellness, started eating vegetarian as part of his spiritual journey. He later became vegan and often talks about how our food choices affect the environment. Brand feels that eating with compassion is important for both personal growth and making the world a better place. He shares his views on plant-based living with a large audience through his podcast and videos.

Forest Whitaker

The celebrated actor switched to a plant-based diet, hoping to boost his health and lessen his impact on the environment. Beyond his acting, Whitaker actively supports peace and environmentally friendly practices through his work with various global organizations. He feels that eating vegetarian aligns with his values of peace and believes it can help create a more compassionate world, reflecting his dedication to harmony and kindness on a global scale.

Alec Baldwin

Despite some public controversies, this actor has been a dedicated vegetarian for many years. He frequently discusses the negative environmental impact of raising livestock and large-scale farming. He’s collaborated with PETA, lending his voice to documentaries and participating in campaigns against animal cruelty. He also urges his followers to think about how their diet affects the climate.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia, known for his role in ‘This Is Us,’ has been a vegetarian his whole life, thanks to his parents who taught him to respect all creatures. He’s even been recognized by PETA as one of the sexiest vegetarian celebrities! Ventimiglia feels that eating no meat helps him stay both physically fit and mentally sharp.

Alan Cumming

As a big movie fan, I’ve always admired Alan Cumming as an actor, but I’m even more impressed by his commitment to animal rights. He’s a dedicated vegan and really uses his platform to speak out about it, writing articles and making videos to encourage people to ditch meat and dairy. He genuinely believes – and argues convincingly – that if you love animals, a plant-based diet is the only ethical way to live. It’s amazing to see, and he’s even been recognized with awards for all his humanitarian work and advocacy.

Kevin Smith

Following a serious heart attack, the director and actor adopted a vegan diet to improve his health. His daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, supported his decision, citing both health and ethical benefits. He now regularly shares updates on his weight loss and better health, hoping to motivate others. He’s become a surprisingly passionate advocate for plant-based eating.

Dave Bautista

Okay, so I’ve been following Dave Bautista’s career for a while now, and it’s really impressive how dedicated he is to his health. He’s transitioned from a pro wrestler to a major actor, and a big part of that is how he takes care of himself. He went plant-based, and he swears it’s made a huge difference – less inflammation, faster recovery after those intense workouts he still does. But it’s not just about him; he’s a huge animal lover, really involved in rescue and welfare. And honestly, I appreciate that he’s willing to talk openly about the idea that you don’t need meat to be strong or masculine. It’s a smart, well-rounded approach, and it shows.

Jason Schwartzman

Jason Schwartzman, famous for his work in Wes Anderson’s movies, became a vegetarian because he felt it was the right thing to do. He’s been vegetarian for years and even narrated a film about farm animals. While he generally avoids public displays of activism, he’s committed to his beliefs and consistently supports animal sanctuaries that rescue farm animals.

Jerome Flynn

Jerome Flynn, famous for playing Bronn in ‘Game of Thrones’, has been a vegetarian for many years and is a strong advocate for veganism. He supports the Vegetarian Society and actively campaigns against the practices of factory farming. Flynn believes reducing meat consumption is vital for the health of our planet, and he frequently discusses the deep connection between people and animals.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson, best known as Dwight Schrute, follows a mostly vegan diet and has pot-bellied pigs as pets. Seeing his own animals made him realize it felt wrong to love animals while still eating them. Through his production company, he now focuses on finding solutions to climate change, including encouraging people to consider changing their diets. He believes that even small changes in our habits can make a big difference for the environment.

RZA

RZA, the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan, follows a strict vegan diet and encourages others in the hip-hop world to do the same. He believes eating vegan is beneficial for both physical and mental health, avoiding what he sees as the negative effects of meat and dairy. Beyond his diet, RZA expresses his commitment through a vegan clothing line and partnerships with animal welfare groups, considering it a key element of his personal discipline and spirituality.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere has followed a vegetarian diet for many years, motivated by his Buddhist faith. He believes in eating in a way that minimizes harm to animals and views this as a natural part of living a nonviolent life. He’s a well-known figure in Hollywood for choosing to avoid meat.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page, known for his role in ‘The Umbrella Academy,’ is a dedicated vegan and a passionate advocate for environmental justice. He often uses social media to explain how animal farming contributes to climate change. Shortly after becoming vegan, he was recognized as one of the world’s sexiest vegans. He remains committed to supporting both vulnerable communities and animal welfare.

Mena Massoud

Mena Massoud, the actor who played Aladdin in the live-action film, is a vegan and passionate about plant-based living. He started a company focused on vegan travel and food, and even published a cookbook featuring recipes inspired by his Egyptian roots – all without using any animal products. Massoud believes a plant-based diet is essential for a long and healthy life, and he’s working to make veganism approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

Josh Hartnett

The popular actor from the early 2000s stopped eating meat when he was most famous. PETA readers even voted him the Sexiest Vegetarian! Although he generally keeps to himself, Hartnett has stuck with a vegetarian diet for years and sometimes talks about it when discussing his health and fitness.

Aamir Khan

A leading Bollywood actor adopted a vegan lifestyle after his wife shared a video with him detailing health problems linked to diet. He chose to eliminate all animal products – including meat, eggs, and dairy – from his diet. Khan explained that he was particularly moved by the ethical reasons for avoiding animal products. His choice quickly became a talking point in the Indian media, prompting widespread discussion about veganism.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, a beloved Indian actor, has followed a vegetarian diet for years and has often been named one of the sexiest vegetarian celebrities. He stays healthy and active even in his later years by avoiding meat, rice, and sugary drinks. Bachchan is also a strong advocate for animal rights in India, and his dedication to a healthy lifestyle inspires his many fans.

John Abraham

Though known for his tough-guy roles and muscular build, this actor is actually a vegetarian. He’s a passionate advocate for animal welfare, working to help animals rescued from circuses. He believes you can get strong and fit without eating meat, and he frequently uses his social media to encourage his followers to treat animals with kindness.

Steve-O

Steve-O, known from ‘Jackass,’ turned his life around by getting sober and switching to a vegan diet. He’s now a passionate advocate for animal rights, even protesting against marine parks. He believes his plant-based lifestyle is key to staying sober and maintaining good mental health, and often shares videos highlighting his kindness towards animals.

Jesse Eisenberg

I’ve always been really impressed with Jesse Eisenberg’s commitment to animal welfare. He actually became a vegetarian when he was young, and eventually switched to a fully vegan lifestyle. Beyond that, he’s a huge animal lover – he rescues cats and actively supports farm sanctuaries. Honestly, he makes a really compelling point about how eating animals just doesn’t make sense to him, especially when there are so many delicious plant-based options available. It’s cool that he even points out how easy it is to find vegan food on movie sets – it shows it’s totally doable!

Ed Begley Jr.

A longtime actor and early adopter of green living in Hollywood, he’s been vegan for many years. He actively reduces his environmental impact by living in a home powered by solar energy and driving an electric car. He’s also created his own brand of eco-friendly cleaning supplies. He strongly believes that eating a plant-based diet is the most impactful thing a person can do to help the planet.

Eric Roberts

I’ve always admired Eric Roberts, not just for his incredible range as an actor – being Julia’s brother is just the start! – but for his deep commitment to animal welfare. He’s a dedicated vegan and really throws himself into supporting organizations that rescue bears and other animals from terrible conditions. He often says that how we treat animals says a lot about us as people, and I completely agree. He and his wife are also amazing at using their platform to raise money for animal sanctuaries, which is just fantastic to see.

Lenny Kravitz

As a total film buff, I’m always fascinated by how actors prepare for roles, and this guy really takes it to another level! He’s a musician and an actor, and to stay in incredible shape, he follows a really strict raw vegan diet. What’s even cooler is he grows almost all of his own produce on his farm in the Bahamas. He swears eating live plants gives him the energy he needs for his busy schedule, and he loves sharing pictures of his garden and healthy meals online – it’s inspiring to see!

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto, famous for his role as Spock, became a vegetarian to help the environment. He teamed up with PETA to promote a plant-based diet, believing that factory farming is harmful to both animals and the planet. He’s committed to finding more sustainable and ethical ways to live.

Martin Freeman

The actor known for playing in ‘The Hobbit’ has been a vegetarian for many years, finding it difficult to reconcile eating animals. He generally avoids eggs and highly processed foods as well. While he typically keeps his eating habits to himself, he’s open about them when asked, emphasizing that his vegetarianism stems from his personal beliefs, not a passing fad.

Kal Penn

Okay, let me tell you about this guy – he’s fascinating! Not only did he work at the White House, but he’s a seriously talented cook and a dedicated vegetarian. I’ve seen him on a few cooking competitions, and he absolutely blew me away with the creativity and flavor he brought to plant-based dishes. He’s not just about the food itself, either; he’s really passionate about why he eats the way he does, talking a lot about the cultural and environmental impact of our food choices. Honestly, he completely changed my perception of vegetarian food – it’s clearly not about sacrifice, but about exploring a huge range of delicious possibilities.

Paul Wesley

Actor Wesley, known for his role in ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ is a dedicated vegan and environmental advocate. He’s also co-founder of a liquor brand committed to sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients. Wesley often shares information on social media about the harmful impact of farming animals on the environment, and encourages people to learn more about their food’s origins.

Rob Zombie

The filmmaker and musician has avoided meat since his teenage years, eventually adopting a fully vegan lifestyle. He believes the realities of factory farming are more disturbing than anything he could create on screen. He frequently points out the contradiction of caring for animals while still consuming them. Together with his wife, he operates a farm sanctuary that provides a home for rescued goats and sheep.

Simon Amstell

British comedian Nish Kumar created ‘Carnage’, a funny mockumentary imagining a future where everyone is vegan. Through humor, he highlights the contradictions in how people think about eating meat. Kumar himself has been vegan for a long time and often brings this viewpoint into his comedy, encouraging audiences to think about their choices in a thoughtful, rather than preachy, way.

Mike White

Mike White, the creator of ‘The White Lotus,’ has been a dedicated animal rights advocate since he was young and follows a vegan lifestyle. He frequently explores themes of animal welfare in his work, believing that compassion for animals is linked to compassion for people. He actively supports groups working to end animal cruelty and exploitation.

Shahid Kapoor

This popular Bollywood actor is a dedicated vegetarian, and often brings his own meals to work on movie sets. He learned to live without meat from his father. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has recognized him as one of the sexiest vegetarians in previous rankings. He feels a plant-based diet is essential for staying in top physical condition.

2026-01-24 05:49