These celebrities have demonstrated that their influence can extend beyond the entertainment industry, shedding light on causes that need support and attention. Whether through social media, donations, or direct involvement in policy, they encourage fans and followers to engage with pressing social issues. These artists, actors, musicians, and public figures have used their fame to spotlight social and political causes, from environmental activism to voting rights.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Cause: Environmental activism, climate change
Notable Efforts: Founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, focused on global conservation efforts. He also produced Before the Flood, a documentary on climate change, and regularly speaks at the UN and other international forums on environmental issues.
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Emma Watson
Cause: Gender equality, women’s rights
Notable Efforts: Ambassador for UN Women and launched the HeForShe campaign, which encourages men to support gender equality. She’s a vocal advocate for feminism and women’s rights and has delivered impactful speeches globally.
Edward Berthelot
Kerry Washington
Cause: Voter rights, racial justice
Notable Efforts: Washington is an advocate for voting rights and co-founded the Voto Latino initiative. She has campaigned for civil rights issues, using social media to mobilize voter turnout, especially among communities of color.
Aaron J. Thornton/Getty
Mark Ruffalo
Cause: Environmental justice, anti-fracking
Notable Efforts: Co-founded The Solutions Project, which promotes renewable energy. Ruffalo has been outspoken against fracking, speaking at events and testifying before Congress about environmental justice and clean energy.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Taylor Swift
Cause: LGBTQ+ rights, voter turnout
Notable Efforts: Swift has become more vocal on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, endorsing political candidates, and encouraging young people to vote. Her social media posts have spurred massive voter registrations.
Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty
Oprah Winfrey
Cause: Education, civil rights, voter mobilization
Notable Efforts: Winfrey has championed causes ranging from education reform to civil rights and has campaigned for candidates she supports, using her platform to reach millions.
MANDEL NGAN | Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Cher
Cause: LGBTQ+ rights, humanitarian issues
Notable Efforts: Cher has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her voice to address various social justice issues, from immigration reform to veteran support. She’s also raised money for humanitarian crises around the world.
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Lady Gaga
Cause: Mental health, LGBTQ+ rights
Notable Efforts: Gaga co-founded the Born This Way Foundation to support mental health resources. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and the importance of mental well-being.
Samir Hussein | Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage
Rihanna
Cause: Climate action, women’s rights
Notable Efforts: Through her Clara Lionel Foundation, Rihanna focuses on climate resilience, health, and education in underserved communities. She has also spoken up for women’s rights and systemic change.
Kevin Mazur | Getty Images
John Legend
Cause: Criminal justice reform, education
Notable Efforts: Legend started the FREEAMERICA campaign, which aims to reform the prison system. He is active in political circles, discussing the need for change in criminal justice and voter rights.
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Beyoncé
Cause: Racial justice, police reform
Notable Efforts: Through her music and activism, Beyoncé advocates for Black empowerment and social justice. She has supported initiatives against police brutality and donated to Black Lives Matter.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Jaden Smith
Cause: Environmental sustainability, water access
Notable Efforts: Co-founded JUST Water, a sustainable water company. He’s focused on accessible, clean water and recently brought water to Flint, Michigan, to address the community’s water crisis.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Alyssa Milano
Cause: #MeToo movement, women’s rights
Notable Efforts: Milano helped spark the #MeToo movement on social media, which went viral globally, empowering survivors to share their experiences. She remains outspoken on women’s rights and reproductive issues.
Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP file
George Clooney
Cause: Humanitarian issues, Sudan conflict
Notable Efforts: Clooney founded Not On Our Watch with other celebrities to prevent mass atrocities. He has advocated for intervention in Sudan, including speaking to government bodies about human rights abuses.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage
Natalie Portman
Cause: Animal rights, veganism
Notable Efforts: A passionate vegan and advocate for animal rights, Portman produced Eating Animals, a documentary on factory farming. She has spoken at events on the importance of ethical food choices.
Jamie McCarthy | Credit: Getty Images
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cause: Puerto Rico relief, immigrant rights
Notable Efforts: Miranda raised millions for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He advocates for immigrants’ rights, appearing in campaigns for Dreamers and DACA protections in the United States.
Neilson Barnard | Credit: Getty Images
Sean Penn
Cause: Disaster relief, humanitarian causes
Notable Efforts: Founded the organization CORE, which provides disaster relief. Penn was actively involved in Haitian earthquake relief and recently COVID-19 response efforts in underserved communities.
Greta Thunberg (honorary mention for her youth status but significant influence)
Cause: Climate change
Notable Efforts: Thunberg began the global climate strike movement, “Fridays for Future.” Though not traditionally a celebrity, her activism has made her globally recognized.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY | Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Jane Fonda
Cause: Environmental activism, political activism
Notable Efforts: Fonda launched “Fire Drill Fridays” to protest climate inaction. She’s been arrested multiple times to highlight her commitment to climate action, dating back to the Vietnam War protests.
Richard Shotwell | Credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Zendaya
Cause: Racial justice, gender equality
Notable Efforts: Zendaya has been a vocal advocate for Black Lives Matter, using her platform to address racial justice and gender equality. She’s also supported campaigns for voter engagement and youth activism.
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
