Celebrities We Liked Before They Got Too Political

Many celebrities used to avoid sharing their opinions publicly, but they’ve increasingly become vocal advocates for various issues. This list highlights famous individuals who started speaking out about elections, policies, and causes, and details the key moments and projects that led to this change.

You’ll find specific instances of each person’s support – what they championed and when they got involved. This includes the campaigns they publicly endorsed, the organizations they financially or otherwise supported, and the actions they took that connected their public image to political issues.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift started speaking out about politics in 2018 by publicly supporting candidates in Tennessee and encouraging her fans to register to vote. She’s continued to share information about voting in subsequent elections, using her concerts and social media to remind people about registration deadlines and how to vote.

Videos and detailed posts revealed why she began speaking out after a period of silence. She’s openly talked about LGBTQ and women’s rights, and has championed laws designed to better protect those groups.

Ye

In 2020, Ye ran for president as an independent candidate, officially registering in multiple states. His campaign focused on a blend of socially conservative views alongside plans for education and programs supporting faith-based organizations.

He actively campaigned by holding events, giving interviews, and using social media to get his message out. He also worked to get on the ballot in each state, which involved gathering signatures under different, state-specific deadlines.

LeBron James

In 2020, LeBron James co-founded More Than A Vote, an initiative dedicated to protecting voting rights and encouraging Black voters to participate in elections. The organization worked to recruit people to help at polling places, turned sports venues into accessible voting locations, and provided unbiased information about the voting process.

He’s spoken out about criminal justice reform and police accountability through interviews and press events. At the same time, his foundation has continued its work to support voter registration and ensure smooth election processes.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo helped start The Solutions Project, which encourages a move towards clean energy and supports local efforts to fight climate change. He also actively protested against fracking in New York, participating in demonstrations that helped lead to the state changing its policies.

He consistently backs candidates who champion progressive causes and promotes plans to address climate change, especially during primary elections. He often participates in online discussions with scientists and community leaders to break down complex topics like maintaining a stable power grid and setting goals for renewable energy.

Alyssa Milano

In 2017, Milano played a key role in bringing the MeToo movement to wider attention. She then became involved in campaigning for laws and policies, like the Violence Against Women Act and protections for voting rights. This included participating in discussions with lawmakers in Washington and supporting political candidates who championed these causes.

In 2021, she was arrested while protesting for voting rights near the White House. She still works to mobilize people by organizing phone banking efforts, providing scripts for volunteers, and leading online workshops to teach effective outreach techniques.

James Woods

Woods promotes conservative ideas and supports Republican candidates on social media, often criticizing Democrats in office. He also encourages people to vote in both midterm and national elections.

He frequently offers his opinions on free speech and tech issues during congressional hearings and court cases. He also urges people to follow political debates and primaries, and to get behind certain pieces of legislation.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon has consistently supported progressive political candidates, including Ralph Nader in 2000 and Bernie Sanders in subsequent elections. She’s also a visible advocate for social justice, participating in demonstrations for peace, immigrant rights, and workers’ rights.

She remains dedicated to understanding public perception of the Democratic Party and addressing its biggest hurdles. She shares her insights on topics like campaign funding and international relations through panel discussions and actively supports voter education initiatives at the local level.

Kid Rock

Kid Rock openly backed Donald Trump and briefly thought about running for Senate in Michigan in 2017. He created merchandise and held events that combined his concerts with political speeches and ideas.

He’s spoken about topics like taxes, gun rights, and social issues at public events and in interviews. He frequently combines his tour dates with opportunities to support and promote the candidates he backs.

Ted Nugent

Ted Nugent has been involved with the National Rifle Association as a board member and consistently supports laws protecting gun rights. In 2017, he visited the White House alongside other well-known conservatives, and he’s a longtime proponent of hunting and responsible wildlife management.

I’ve noticed he’s really active in supporting the issues we care about. He shows up at hearings at the statehouse and even at events for outdoorsmen to speak up for certain bills. Plus, he uses his concerts and radio interviews to get gun owners like me involved and make sure we vote! It’s awesome to see him using his platform like that.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro has been vocal about his opposition to Donald Trump, using platforms like award shows, interviews, and campaign videos to express his views and support Democratic candidates. He actively participated in political advertising and public statements during both the 2020 and 2024 election seasons.

He’s spoken at press events held near courthouses and campaign offices to emphasize the importance of following the law and upholding democratic principles. He also continues to help with fundraising and efforts to connect with voters through voiceovers and public appearances.

Gina Carano

In 2021, Gina Carano was let go from a popular TV show because of things she posted on social media about COVID-19 policies and the 2020 election. The situation sparked a debate about how much freedom people have to express their political views online and what companies expect from their actors and performers.

Since being let go, she’s been working with smaller production companies and organizations fighting for fair treatment to protest her firing. She also gives talks on how content is controlled and the importance of different viewpoints in the entertainment industry.

Roseanne Barr

In 2012, Barr ran for president as the Peace and Freedom Party candidate, after first trying to get the Green Party’s nomination. She campaigned by using humor, performing comedy tours and creating online videos to share her views on issues like drug policy, student debt, and voting rights.

In 2018, ABC canceled the reboot of her TV show after she posted a tweet that didn’t meet the network’s guidelines. Since then, she’s stayed engaged with audiences on other platforms and frequently talks about elections and how the media can be biased in interviews.

Nicki Minaj

In 2021, Nicki Minaj shared opinions about COVID vaccines, which prompted reactions from health authorities in Trinidad and the UK. This led to wider conversations about vaccine requirements, false information, and rules for attending events.

She connected with fans through live audio talks, discussing topics like control over one’s own healthcare and how the media reports on it. She’s also spoken about elections, encouraging people to learn about candidates before they vote.

Shailene Woodley

In 2016, Shailene Woodley was arrested while protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock. She filmed her arrest and shared the video to raise awareness about Native American tribal rights and the potential dangers to the environment.

She actively supports environmental and indigenous groups by raising funds and spreading awareness. She also uses her platform at film events to link the entertainment industry with important environmental causes.

Jon Voight

Voight often creates videos supporting Republican ideas and defending Donald Trump. These videos are shared a lot on social media during elections, and usually focus on topics like national security and religious freedom.

In 2019, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts, which has given him a platform to speak at conservative gatherings. He also frequently attends religious events and rallies support by sharing brief, prepared remarks.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea from 1986 to 1988, prioritizing issues like local zoning laws and public access to the beach. He gained significant attention in 2012 when he spoke at the Republican National Convention, delivering a memorable speech that combined entertainment with political commentary.

He went on to support a variety of candidates in both state and national elections, representing different political viewpoints. He also shares his thoughts on government and personal accountability through opinion pieces and occasionally creates short videos explaining ballot initiatives.

Dwayne Johnson

In 2020, Johnson publicly supported a presidential candidate for the first time, and then spoke with that candidate about important issues like public health and bringing the country together. He shared with his audience, in a video, why he decided to step away from his usual practice of remaining neutral.

He’s consistently promoted respectful engagement in civic life and encouraged people to vote. He also frequently discusses support for veterans and disaster relief, connecting these issues to policy debates without taking sides with any particular political party.

George Clooney

George Clooney helped start Not On Our Watch, an organization dedicated to preventing large-scale human rights abuses. This work later became part of The Sentry, which focuses on tracing the money that funds conflicts. In 2012, Clooney was arrested while protesting outside the Sudanese Embassy, advocating for better humanitarian aid access.

He raises significant funds for Democratic campaigns and works with policy professionals to improve how sanctions are enforced. He combines the power of the film industry with in-depth research on how conflicts are funded.

Sean Penn

After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Sean Penn established the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, focusing on providing housing and medical care in Port-au-Prince. He then transitioned to creating documentaries that explore issues of government and how people respond to emergencies.

In 2022, he journeyed to Ukraine to document the invasion, even meeting with President Zelenskyy. The finished film examines what effective leadership looks like in times of war, and how help from other countries and media coverage play a part.

Jane Fonda

As a big movie fan, I was really impressed when Jane Fonda started her Fire Drill Fridays back in 2019. She basically moved to Washington D.C. and held weekly protests to demand action on climate change. It was incredible – she actually got arrested several times at the Capitol, peacefully protesting things like government support for fossil fuels and pushing for more jobs in green energy. It really showed her commitment!

She actively supports young people organizing around climate issues and advocates for political candidates committed to reducing emissions. She also helps educate the public by creating videos that break down how laws are made and how the government creates new rules.

Let us know your choices in the comments! We want to hear who you believe transformed the most after they started being seen as a political figure.

2025-09-20 12:17