Famous Hollywood Actors Who Are Gun-Control Advocates

The debate regarding firearms regulations in the United States often involves prominent figures from the entertainment industry who use their platforms to call for legislative change. Many male celebrities participate in advocacy groups or speak publicly about the need for stricter background checks and bans on certain types of weaponry. This list highlights men in Hollywood who have consistently voiced their support for gun violence prevention measures through interviews and activism. These individuals range from action stars to comedic legends who have all taken a firm stance on this polarizing issue.

Matthew McConaughey

This Academy Award winner became a central figure in the gun reform conversation following the tragic shooting in his hometown of Uvalde in 2022. He delivered an emotional address at the White House where he displayed the green converse shoes of a young victim to emphasize the human cost of violence. McConaughey describes himself as a responsible gun owner who believes in the necessity of raising the age for purchasing assault rifles. His approach focuses on finding common ground between the Second Amendment and public safety requirements.

George Clooney

The star of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ has been a long-time supporter of gun control initiatives and frequently donates to related causes. He and his wife Amal contributed half a million dollars to the March for Our Lives event organized by student survivors of the Parkland shooting. Clooney penned an open letter praising the students for their leadership in demanding legislative changes regarding firearm safety. He has publicly stated that his support for gun reform stems from a desire to protect children and communities from preventable violence.

Mark Ruffalo

Known globally for his role as the Hulk in ‘The Avengers’ franchise, this actor is deeply involved in political activism including gun safety. He frequently collaborates with Everytown for Gun Safety to promote awareness campaigns and encourage voter participation. Ruffalo utilizes his social media platforms to share statistics about gun violence and to challenge politicians who receive funding from gun lobbies. His advocacy emphasizes the need for universal background checks as a standard requirement for all firearm purchases.

Liam Neeson

Despite his fame as an action star in films like ‘Taken’ where he wields weapons, this actor has criticized the proliferation of guns in American culture. During press tours for his action movies, he has expressed shock at the frequency of mass shootings in the United States compared to other nations. Neeson publicly supported the ban on assault weapons and pointed to the stricter laws in the United Kingdom as a model. His comments have occasionally drawn criticism from firearm manufacturers but he remains firm in his personal views.

Matt Damon

This leading man from the ‘Jason Bourne’ series has spoken out about the specific issue of gun control laws in the United States versus Australia. He noted in interviews that Australia successfully implemented strict buyback programs and regulations that virtually eliminated mass shootings. Damon suggests that the American public should look at international examples to understand that legislation can reduce violence. He maintains that it is possible to respect distinct cultures while acknowledging that safety measures need to be updated.

Jim Carrey

The comedic actor known for ‘The Mask’ and ‘Dumb and Dumber’ has used his artistic talents to critique gun culture. He released a satirical song and video titled ‘Cold Dead Hand’ which mocked the obsession with firearms and the lobbying power of the NRA. Carrey frequently engages in debates on social media where he argues that the current laws are insufficient to prevent tragedies. He focuses much of his criticism on the availability of high-capacity magazines and military-grade weaponry for civilians.

Samuel L. Jackson

While he often portrays characters who use firearms in movies like ‘Pulp Fiction’, this actor supports stricter control measures in real life. Following the school shooting in Parkland, he utilized Twitter to express his frustration with the lack of government action regarding gun safety. Jackson joined other celebrities in the No Rifle Association initiative to demand that politicians reject money from gun lobbyists. He emphasizes that his onscreen roles are fiction and should not be confused with the reality of violence in society.

Chris Evans

The actor who embodied Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a vocal critic of current gun laws in the United States. He attended the March for Our Lives protest in Washington and shared videos encouraging youth participation in the democratic process. Evans uses his platform A Starting Point to facilitate bipartisan discussions while making his personal stance on safety regulations clear. He argues that thoughts and prayers are insufficient responses to mass casualty events and calls for concrete policy changes.

Bradley Cooper

This acclaimed actor and director of ‘A Star Is Born’ signed an open letter calling for the entertainment industry to distance itself from gun manufacturing influence. He joined a coalition of celebrities urging political leaders to pass legislation requiring universal background checks. Cooper has participated in public service announcements that highlight the daily toll of gun violence in America. His advocacy focuses on the idea that responsible gun ownership is compatible with laws designed to keep weapons away from dangerous individuals.

Jason Bateman

The star of ‘Ozark’ and ‘Arrested Development’ has consistently supported organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence. He was among the high-profile signatories of the No Rifle Association letter which sought to reduce the political influence of the NRA. Bateman has used his public appearances to urge voters to support candidates who prioritize gun safety legislation. He believes that the safety of schools and public spaces must take precedence over unrestricted access to firearms.

Steve Carell

Known for his role as Michael Scott in ‘The Office’, this actor has lent his name to campaigns demanding stronger gun laws. He signed the open letter addressed to the National Rifle Association that questioned their opposition to comprehensive background checks. Carell supports the idea that common-sense regulations can save lives without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. His involvement highlights the widespread support for reform across different genres of Hollywood talent.

Will Ferrell

The comedian behind ‘Anchorman’ and ‘Elf’ is an active supporter of gun violence prevention efforts. He participated in the No Rifle Association campaign and has attended fundraisers for organizations like the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Ferrell has spoken about the anxiety parents feel sending their children to school in an environment with frequent shootings. He advocates for closing loopholes that allow individuals to purchase firearms without proper vetting.

Paul Rudd

This ‘Ant-Man’ actor is part of the extensive list of celebrities who have demanded action on gun control. Rudd signed public letters urging Congress to expand background checks and ban the sale of assault weapons to civilians. He has appeared in collaborative videos with other entertainers to keep the conversation about gun safety in the mainstream media. His approach is often collaborative as he joins large coalitions of actors to amplify the message for reform.

Edward Norton

The star of ‘Fight Club’ and ‘American History X’ is a vocal advocate for environmental and social causes including gun control. He has publicly criticized the interpretation of the Second Amendment that prevents the implementation of modern safety regulations. Norton supported the March for Our Lives movement and encouraged his followers to listen to the student activists. He argues that the firearm industry bears responsibility for opposing safety features and reasonable sales restrictions.

Mark Hamill

Best known as Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’, this actor is a prolific commentator on political issues on social media. He frequently uses his Twitter account to call out politicians who block gun control legislation after mass shootings. Hamill has donated to campaigns aimed at unseating representatives with strong ties to gun lobbyists. He frames the issue as a matter of public health and moral responsibility rather than just a political debate.

Kevin Bacon

The ‘Footloose’ star has been an active voice in the movement to reduce gun violence for many years. He appeared in public service announcements for the organization Everytown for Gun Safety to demand stronger background checks. Bacon consistently urges his fans to contact their representatives and demand action on federal gun laws. He emphasizes that the majority of Americans support reasonable restrictions and that legislation should reflect that consensus.

Ethan Hawke

This celebrated actor from ‘Training Day’ joined the No Rifle Association campaign to pressure politicians to act on gun safety. He has spoken in interviews about the culture of violence and the need to address the easy accessibility of firearms. Hawke supports measures such as red flag laws which allow temporary removal of guns from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. His advocacy is part of a broader commitment to social justice issues.

Michael Keaton

The actor who played ‘Batman’ in the 1989 film has been a long-time supporter of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. He has expressed frustration with the cycle of violence and the lack of substantive legislative response from government officials. Keaton utilizes his social media presence to share articles and data regarding the effectiveness of gun control laws in other countries. He argues that protecting citizens should be the primary duty of elected leaders.

Sean Penn

Known for his intense roles in films like ‘Mystic River’, this actor is also a dedicated activist who owns a collection of firearms but supports strict regulations. He famously dismantled his own gun collection and turned it into a sculpture to raise awareness for the cause. Penn advocates for a mandatory buyback program similar to the one implemented in Australia. He believes that the sheer number of weapons in circulation is the root cause of the high violence rates in America.

Tim Robbins

The star of ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is known for his progressive activism and support for gun control measures. He has attended rallies and protests demanding that the government reinstate the ban on assault weapons. Robbins argues that military-style weaponry has no place in civilian life or on the streets of American cities. His advocacy often connects gun violence to broader systemic issues within the United States.

Dustin Hoffman

This legendary actor from ‘The Graduate’ has supported gun control initiatives throughout his extensive career in Hollywood. He has criticized the glorification of violence in media while simultaneously calling for stricter laws governing firearm sales. Hoffman helped finance and support the humorous yet poignant ‘reassurance’ campaign that mocked the idea that more guns make people safer. He maintains that reducing the number of firearms is the only logical path to reducing shootings.

Alec Baldwin

Despite the controversy surrounding the accident on the set of ‘Rust’, this actor has been a historical advocate for gun control for decades. He served as a board member for People for the American Way where he campaigned for stricter firearm regulations. Baldwin has frequently written articles and spoken on television about the influence of the gun lobby on American politics. He supports the banning of semi-automatic weapons and the implementation of rigorous licensing requirements.

Ben Stiller

The creator of ‘Zoolander’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’ lends his support to gun safety organizations like Everytown. He signed the open letter from the creative community that demanded political leaders distance themselves from the NRA. Stiller uses his platform to amplify the voices of survivors and to encourage voter registration among young people. He believes that cultural changes must be accompanied by legislative action to be effective.

Adam Scott

Known for his role in ‘Parks and Recreation’, this actor is a firm believer in the necessity of gun reform. He joined fellow comedians and actors in signing the No Rifle Association letter to demand change. Scott has engaged with politicians on social media to question their opposition to universal background checks. He argues that the safety of children in schools should not be a partisan issue.

Bill Hader

The ‘Barry’ star and ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum has publicly supported measures to reduce gun violence in the United States. He was one of the many celebrities who signed the No Rifle Association call to action following the Las Vegas shooting. Hader prefers to let his support for these organizations speak for itself rather than engaging in heated debates. He stands with the majority of Americans who believe that current gun laws are too lax.

Jon Hamm

The leading man of ‘Mad Men’ has used his celebrity status to advocate for sensible gun legislation. He signed the letter urging the entertainment industry and politicians to cut ties with the National Rifle Association. Hamm has stated in interviews that he finds the political inaction regarding mass shootings to be baffling and unacceptable. He supports a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support and stricter access to weapons.

Patton Oswalt

This stand-up comedian and actor is one of the most vocal celebrity advocates for gun control on social media. He frequently deconstructs the arguments of gun rights activists with humor and statistical evidence. Oswalt actively fundraisers for the Brady Campaign and encourages his audience to stay politically active in local elections. He focuses heavily on the absurdity of allowing civilians to own weapons designed for warfare.

John Leguizamo

The actor and playwright known for ‘Moulin Rouge!’ is a fierce critic of the current state of gun laws in America. He uses his Twitter account to constantly highlight the frequency of shootings and to demand legislative reform. Leguizamo has participated in marches and rallies to show solidarity with victims of gun violence. He argues that the interpretation of the Second Amendment has been twisted to prioritize profits over human lives.

Danny DeVito

The star of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ frequently expresses his support for gun control through short and pointed statements. He famously tweeted against the Supreme Court decisions that loosened restrictions on carrying firearms in public. DeVito calls for the banning of assault rifles like the AR-15 and urges his followers to vote for candidates who support these bans. His advocacy is characterized by a direct and often urgent tone.

Michael J. Fox

While best known for his battle against Parkinson’s disease, the ‘Back to the Future’ star has also supported gun control efforts. He appeared in campaigns supporting the Brady Bill in the 1990s and continues to advocate for safety measures. Fox believes that background checks are a fundamental tool for preventing dangerous individuals from acquiring weapons. He frames the issue as a matter of community safety and public health.

George Takei

The ‘Star Trek’ icon is a tireless activist for social justice who frequently addresses the issue of gun violence. He uses his massive social media following to share stories of victims and to criticize the lack of political will to change laws. Takei draws parallels between the internment of Japanese Americans and current civil rights issues while advocating for a safer society. He supports a ban on high-capacity magazines and the implementation of universal background checks.

Patrick Stewart

The British actor famous for ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘X-Men’ has brought his perspective on gun control to the US debate. He has supported Amnesty International and other human rights organizations that view gun violence as a human rights crisis. Stewart has spoken about the difference in gun culture between the UK and the US and advocates for the US to adopt stricter measures. He uses his voice to champion the safety of women who are often victims of domestic gun violence.

Seth MacFarlane

The creator of ‘Family Guy’ frequently uses his show and his personal platform to mock the logic of gun rights absolutists. He has donated to the Democratic party and supports candidates who prioritize gun control legislation. MacFarlane often engages in debates on Twitter where he argues that the availability of guns is the primary factor in American violence rates. He calls for a modernization of laws to reflect the lethality of contemporary firearms.

Don Cheadle

The ‘Hotel Rwanda’ star is an activist who addresses various global and domestic issues including gun violence. He uses his social media platforms to amplify the messages of gun safety organizations and to call for political accountability. Cheadle supports the idea that owning a gun should come with significant training and licensing requirements. He urges the public to look beyond partisan politics and focus on the statistics of gun deaths.

Jeffrey Wright

This actor from ‘The Batman’ and ‘Westworld’ is a thoughtful commentator on social issues and a supporter of gun control. He signed the No Rifle Association letter and frequently discusses the impact of violence on marginalized communities. Wright argues that the gun lobby exploits fear to sell weapons and prevent meaningful legislation. He advocates for policies that address both the supply of guns and the root causes of violence.

Ed Helms

Known for ‘The Hangover’ trilogy, this actor is an active supporter of gun violence prevention organizations. He joined the coalition of celebrities demanding that politicians stop taking money from the NRA. Helms uses his comedic background to highlight the absurdity of opposing background checks that the majority of the country supports. He believes that common-sense reforms are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

Robert De Niro

The legendary actor from ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘The Godfather Part II’ has been very vocal about his disdain for gun deregulation. He has called the situation in America crazy and criticized the government for failing to protect its citizens. De Niro supports the students of the Parkland movement and has praised their efforts to change the conversation. He advocates for strict limitations on the types of firearms available for purchase.

Michael Douglas

This star of ‘Wall Street’ has been involved with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence for decades following the shooting of John Lennon. He has hosted fundraisers and appeared in campaigns to promote safer gun laws. Douglas argues that the right to own a gun is not absolute and must be balanced against the right to live without fear of violence. He continues to call for the banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The former Governor of California and star of ‘The Terminator’ supports gun rights but also advocates for strict gun control measures. He signed legislation in California that banned certain types of .50 caliber rifles and promoted safety tests for handgun purchasers. Schwarzenegger argues that being a Republican does not mean one must oppose reasonable safety laws. He believes in closing loopholes and ensuring that law enforcement has the tools to keep guns away from criminals.

Sylvester Stallone

Although he made his career playing gun-toting heroes like ‘Rambo’, this actor has historically supported significant gun control measures. following the murder of comedian Phil Hartman, he went on record calling for a ban on assault weapons. Stallone has stated that he believes domestic assault weapons are unnecessary for home defense or hunting. He argues that the depiction of guns in movies should not dictate the laws that govern real society.

Bryan Cranston

The ‘Breaking Bad’ actor has spoken publicly about the need for gun safety reform in the wake of mass shootings. He advocates for a system where gun ownership requires similar testing and insurance to car ownership. Cranston believes that the Second Amendment was written in a different era and requires modern interpretation. He supports comprehensive background checks and mental health evaluations for prospective gun owners.

Jason Alexander

Best known as George Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’, this actor is a passionate advocate for gun control who frequently debates the topic online. He wrote a viral tweet thread explaining his position that certain weapons are designed for war and not for civilians. Alexander argues that the Founding Fathers could not have anticipated modern semi-automatic rifles. He calls for a complete ban on military-style assault weapons.

Ron Perlman

The ‘Hellboy’ actor is known for his unfiltered political commentary on social media regarding gun violence. He frequently criticizes politicians who offer prayers instead of policy solutions after shootings. Perlman supports the fundraising efforts of Parkland students and other youth-led activist groups. He argues that the financial influence of the gun lobby is the main obstacle to saving lives.

Henry Winkler

The actor who played the Fonz on ‘Happy Days’ is a gentle but firm advocate for gun safety. He uses his Twitter account to plead for legislative change every time a major shooting occurs in the United States. Winkler supports the ban on assault weapons and believes that background checks must be universal. He focuses on the safety of children and the need to restore a sense of security in public places.

Ashton Kutcher

The star of ‘That ’70s Show’ has used his social media presence to advocate for gun reform following tragedies. He has stated that he is a gun owner who believes that the system needs to be fixed to prevent violence. Kutcher focuses on the importance of background checks and closing the gun show loophole. He encourages responsible gun owners to lead the charge in demanding better safety regulations.

Share your thoughts on these actors’ stances and the broader conversation about gun control in the comments.