Top 10 Celebrities That Would Make Great Presidents
They're pop culture heroes and possibly potential U.S. presidents. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Celebrities that Would Make Great Presidents. For this list, we're eliminating celebrities that aren't American, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, or those who've played presidents in the movies or on TV, like Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey - because a good screen role doesn't necessarily mean you'd actually be a good head of state in real life.
Special thanks to our user MikeyP for submitting this idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest!
#10: Jay Z
While “The American Dream” has long functioned as an ideal for hopeful immigrants, most come to realize that it’s really about “The American Hustle.” In that respect, Jay-Z has a bit of experience, as he’s a born and bred New Yorker from the School of Hard Knocks. Ok, maybe his past transgressions extend beyond smoking a little Mary Jane, but once he got his foot in the door, he became a modern mogul of the music industry. As the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and founder of Roc Nation, he’s a highly regarded entrepreneur with a vast reach across the entertainment spectrum - and oh, the same can be said of his wife Beyoncé, a woman with her own personal brand.
#9: Leonardo DiCaprio
Born and raised in Los Angeles, this man worked his way to the top with charm, patience and natural talent. Once the quintessential “pretty boy” of Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio transcended his image through wise casting choices, all the while lending his financial and political support to raise awareness for global warming and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Through no fault of his own, he often appears in tabloids for dating supermodels, but everyone seems to know that Leonardo DiCaprio’s concerns extend far beyond the luxuries of fame and fortune. He’s a philanthropist who speaks through his actions.
#8: Sandra Bullock
As we’ve seen with Hillary Clinton, it’s important to have a common connection with the general public, and Sandra Bullock has warmed the hearts of Americans for years through her on-screen persona and off-screen philanthropy. Whether it was the Haiti earthquake, the Japanese tsunami or Hurricane Katrina, Bullock has a long history of providing a helping hand, not just within her own country but across international waters. It’s that type of spirit and commitment that makes foreign diplomats pay attention, and with the right team of cabinet members focused on firm policies, Bullock’s influence and charisma would be hard to ignore within the political spectrum.
#7: Dwayne Johnson
Here’s the thing about The Rock. He’s easy to root for AND he’s one bad dude in the best possible way. On the one hand, Dwayne Johnson would easily land the fanboy vote, as he’s arguably the biggest WWE star of all time, yet he’s also a respected Hollywood personality – far more than just a beefed-up, bald-headed wrestler in search of the almighty dollar. OF course, The Rock IS filthy rich, but for one to achieve such international acclaim, one must be a master orator and be able to connect with various demographics. With a background in criminology and vast experience in the public eye, Dwayne Johnson could easily build an even larger following should he pursue a political career.
#6: Kelsey Grammer
One of the rare Hollywood actors to side with the Republican Party, this television star would shake up the establishment if he follows through with his political ambitions. Beyond the obvious fame achieved through his entertainment career, Kelsey Grammer has lived through personal heartbreak that many Americans can relate to, whether it be the 1975 murder of his sister or the death of “Frasier” producer David Angell, who passed away in the 9/11 attacks. The man who played Dr. Frasier Crane has deep connections within his own party, but even so, his own personal history of substance abuse and numerous marriages might cause some skepticism come election time.
#5: Matt Damon
He’s the ass-kicking star of the “Bourne” franchise, but what many don’t realize is that not he only did he attend Harvard University in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he also began writing “Good Will Hunting” during this time as well. Today, he’s a legitimate Hollywood mogul and continues to direct his energy towards fighting disease and destruction around the world. Damon and fellow “Ocean’s 11” co-stars founded the “Not ON Our Watch Project, and he’s also the man behind the H20 Africa Foundation. He’s a well-rounded actor, but most importantly, he’s a well-rounded human – one who places importance in the fundamental aspects of life, whether it’s water, food or personal happiness.
#4: Angelina Jolie
Once the preeminent bad girl of Hollywood, this woman traded in her vices for a life of marital bliss and making the world a better place. The humanitarian accomplishments of Angelina Jolie have overshadowed her acting career, and rightfully so, as she’s become a Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and has even adopted three children from international orphanages. With Brad Pitt at her side, Jolie has retained a career in film but she has simultaneously revitalized lives through both her cultural and personal foresight. She’s a classic beauty, but it’s her disposition and contributions to society that make her a presidential hopeful.
#3: George Clooney
He looks the part with all of his natural charm and distinguished grey, but he’s also one of the most influential people in the world. Like his buddy Matt Damon, Mr. Clooney is part of the Not On Our Watch Project, and though he’s widely known for his international humanitarian work, you can’t say that he’s not interested in domestic causes, as Clooney has raised money for the American Foundation for Equal Rights and 9/11 victims. Sure, it’s easier to donate money when you have money to give, but Clooney makes it a point to fully capitalize on his worldwide reach. He’s in it for the long run, and he more than fits the part.
#2: Jon Stewart
Since he was the host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” from 1999 to 2015, everybody seems to envision this man as a potential president – certainly the millennials. Not only do Jon Stewart’s progressive ideals make sense to many Americans, but he’s also capable of brilliantly deconstructing the bullshit thrown his way. In other words, you better come prepared when verbally engaging with Mr. Stewart, because he can trade barbs with anyone, anywhere, anytime. And most importantly, Americans won’t have to worry about him crossing the proverbial line. No other American male boasts a presidential stature quite like Jon Stewart, and hey – Stephen Colbert would make for a most entertaining VP given the opportunity.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
- Tom Hanks
- Clint Eastwood
- Ben Affleck
- Bill Maher
- Chris Rock
#1: Oprah Winfrey
If Americans can lose their damn minds at a midwestern talk show, just imagine if Oprah Winfrey was calling the shots from the Oval Office? She’s the creator of her own billion-dollar empire, and as one of America’s most beloved TV personalities, Winfrey has a vast history of connecting with people of all backgrounds and races. Of course, she would also set a precedent as not only the first woman to become President, but also the first African-American woman. She’s got the intellect and composure necessary for the job, and as we all know, everybody listens to Oprah.
Do you agree with our list? Which celebrity do you think would make a great president? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.