Hollywood Actresses Who Were Active in Politics

The intersection of entertainment and politics has a long history in the United States and abroad. Many performers have utilized their public platforms to advocate for legislative changes or raise awareness for global causes. Some have gone a step further by stepping away from the screen to run for public office or serve in diplomatic roles. This list explores the women who moved beyond acting to make their voices heard in the political arena.

Shirley Temple

The iconic child star of ‘Bright Eyes’ transitioned from Hollywood to a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service. She served as the United States Ambassador to Ghana under President Gerald Ford and later as Ambassador to Czechoslovakia under President George H.W. Bush. Her political involvement began with an unsuccessful run for Congress in California as a Republican candidate in the late sixties. She was also the first woman to serve as US Chief of Protocol.

Glenda Jackson

The star of ‘Women in Love’ took a prolonged hiatus from acting to serve directly in the British government. She was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and served in that capacity for over two decades. Her tenure included serving as a junior transport minister under Tony Blair where she focused on London transport issues. She eventually returned to acting and won a Tony Award before passing away in 2023.

Jane Fonda

This two-time Academy Award winner has spent decades on the front lines of political activism and social justice movements. She famously garnered controversy for her anti-war protests during the Vietnam era and earned the nickname Hanoi Jane. In recent years she has focused intensely on climate change awareness through her Fire Drill Fridays protests. She has been arrested multiple times in Washington while demonstrating for environmental legislative reform.

Cynthia Nixon

Best known for her role as Miranda in ‘Sex and the City’ this actress launched a progressive campaign for public office. She ran for Governor of New York in the Democratic primary against incumbent Andrew Cuomo in 2018. Her platform focused on income inequality and renewable energy alongside universal health care. Although she did not win the nomination she remains a vocal advocate for public education and LGBTQ rights.

Melissa Gilbert

The actress famous for playing Laura Ingalls in ‘Little House on the Prairie’ threw her hat into the ring for congressional office. She ran as the Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district in 2016. Her campaign focused on working families and economic issues within the state. She eventually withdrew from the race due to health issues related to previous spinal injuries.

Roseanne Barr

The comedian and star of ‘Roseanne’ has been involved in politics through various third parties over the years. She sought the presidential nomination for the Green Party in 2012 but eventually ran on the Peace and Freedom Party ticket. Her political views have shifted significantly over time and she has become a vocal commentator on social media. She garnered over sixty thousand votes during the general election.

Stacey Dash

Recognized for her role in ‘Clueless’ this actress became a prominent conservative political commentator. She worked as a contributor for Fox News where she discussed cultural and political issues. She filed paperwork to run for Congress in California’s 44th district as a Republican in 2018. She withdrew from the race a month later after stating that the political system was too polarized.

Angelina Jolie

This Academy Award winner has utilized her fame to influence international policy regarding refugees and human rights. She served as a Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and completed over sixty field missions. Her advocacy has involved briefing the UN Security Council on women and security issues in conflict zones. She has also lobbied the United States government for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Susan Sarandon

The star of ‘Thelma & Louise’ is known for her unyielding support of progressive causes and third-party candidates. She has been an active campaigner for Bernie Sanders and has frequently advocated for the Green Party. Her activism spans decades and includes protests against the Iraq War and advocacy for civil liberties. She often uses her platform to highlight issues regarding mass incarceration and the death penalty.

Eva Longoria

The ‘Desperate Housewives’ star has become a significant power player in Democratic politics and fundraising. She co-founded the Latino Victory Project to increase Latino representation in government at all levels. She spoke at multiple Democratic National Conventions and served as a national co-chair for the Obama reelection campaign. Her academic work includes a master’s degree in Chicano Studies which informs her political advocacy.

Rosario Dawson

This actress has been deeply involved in voter mobilization and political activism for many years. She co-founded Voto Latino to encourage young Hispanic and Latino American professionals to engage in the political process. She was a surrogate for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign and was arrested during a protest against money in politics. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between pop culture and civic engagement.

America Ferrera

The star of ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Barbie’ works extensively to mobilize voters within the Latino community. She serves as the head of the Artist Coalition for Voto Latino and travels the country to speak at colleges and rallies. She was a prominent speaker at the Women’s March on Washington and advocated for immigration reform. She frequently campaigns for Democratic candidates during midterm and presidential election cycles.

Ashley Judd

Known for her roles in ‘Double Jeopardy’ and ‘Divergent’ this actress serves as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNFPA. She famously considered a run for the United States Senate in Kentucky against Mitch McConnell. Her activism focuses heavily on women’s reproductive health and rights in developing nations. She is also a vocal advocate for the Time’s Up movement and speaks regularly on gender violence.

Alyssa Milano

The ‘Charmed’ actress has transformed into a highly visible political commentator and activist on social media. She played a crucial role in popularizing the Me Too movement and consistently advocates for reproductive rights. She famously attended Senate hearings during judicial confirmation processes to protest specific nominees. Her activism includes phone banking and driving people to the polls during critical elections.

Barbra Streisand

This legendary singer and actress has been a major fundraiser for the Democratic Party for decades. She established the Streisand Foundation to support environmental preservation and voter education organizations. Her political involvement includes producing documentaries on climate change and writing op-eds on current events. She was honored by President Bill Clinton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to culture and politics.

Vanessa Redgrave

The British actress and star of ‘Blow-Up’ has a history of radical political activism that often courted controversy. She ran for Parliament as a candidate for the Workers Revolutionary Party multiple times in the seventies. Her acceptance speech at the Oscars famously referenced political conflict in the Middle East. She has spent her life campaigning for human rights and supporting UNICEF.

Mia Farrow

The star of ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ has dedicated her later career to humanitarian efforts in conflict regions. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has traveled extensively to the Central African Republic and Chad. Her activism focused heavily on raising awareness about the genocide in Darfur. She has testified before congressional committees to urge United States intervention in humanitarian crises.

Kerry Washington

The lead of ‘Scandal’ translates her on-screen political savvy into real-world civic engagement. She works with the Creative Coalition to support arts funding and education in public schools. She was highly active in the 2012 and 2020 presidential elections as a surrogate for Democratic candidates. She launched an organization called Influence Change to encourage voter turnout and civic participation.

Scarlett Johansson

This ‘Avengers’ star has been a vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood and women’s healthcare initiatives. She spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention to encourage young voter turnout. Her activism includes publicly defending women’s reproductive rights and supporting local political candidates in New York. She famously pulled her support from a charity after it clashed with her political stance on international relations.

Natalie Portman

The ‘Black Swan’ actress combines her Harvard education with advocacy for animal rights and environmental policy. She campaigned for Barack Obama and participated in voter registration drives in battleground states. Her activism extends to the Middle East where she has commented on the political landscape of Israel. She produced a documentary based on the book ‘Eating Animals’ to highlight the politics of food production.

Emma Watson

The ‘Harry Potter’ actress served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and launched the HeForShe campaign. Her work focuses on gender equality and advocating for policy changes regarding sexual harassment. She has met with world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss gender parity in the G7. She frequently uses her social media platforms to recommend political literature and feminist texts.

Daryl Hannah

Known for ‘Splash’ and ‘Kill Bill’ this actress is a fervent environmental activist who takes direct action. She has been arrested multiple times for protesting against the construction of oil pipelines. Her political work involves sit-ins and blocking heavy machinery to protect indigenous lands and water sources. She serves on the board of the Environmental Media Association to promote sustainable practices.

Shailene Woodley

The ‘Divergent’ star is a dedicated environmentalist and political activist for indigenous rights. She made headlines when she was arrested while protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. She served as a board member for Our Revolution which is a political action organization derived from the Sanders campaign. Her advocacy focuses on the intersection of environmental justice and corporate accountability.

Patricia Arquette

This Oscar winner for ‘Boyhood’ used her acceptance speech to demand wage equality for women in the United States. She has testified before Congress in support of the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution. Her activism includes lobbying for labor rights and fair pay legislation across all industries. She continues to be a vocal presence at rallies for women’s rights and union support.

Elizabeth Taylor

The screen legend became one of the most effective political lobbyists for HIV and AIDS research funding. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research and testified before Congress to demand government action. Her efforts helped secure the Ryan White Care Act which provides resources for HIV patients. She received the Presidential Citizens Medal for her relentless crusade against the epidemic.

Geena Davis

The star of ‘Thelma & Louise’ founded an institute to research gender representation in media and entertainment. She works directly with content creators to improve the portrayal of women and girls in family programming. Her advocacy led to her appointment as a Special Envoy for Women and Girls in ICT for the United Nations. She lobbies for data-driven changes in the entertainment industry to influence cultural perceptions.

Julianne Moore

The Academy Award winner for ‘Still Alice’ is a prominent advocate for gun safety legislation in the United States. She serves as the chair of the creative council for Everytown for Gun Safety. Her work involves organizing marches and lobbying lawmakers to pass background check laws. She frequently writes essays and speaks at rallies to raise awareness about gun violence prevention.

Reese Witherspoon

The ‘Legally Blonde’ actress was a driving force behind the Time’s Up legal defense fund. She advocates for legislation that protects workers from harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Her production company focuses on creating stories that center women and challenge societal norms. She frequently uses her book club and media presence to discuss social issues and civic duty.

Jennifer Lawrence

The ‘Hunger Games’ star serves on the board of RepresentUs which is a non-partisan anti-corruption organization. Her political focus is on passing anti-gerrymandering laws and campaign finance reform at the state level. She released a short film explaining the political system and the need for structural changes. She has taken a break from acting in the past to focus specifically on youth engagement in democracy.

Meghan Markle

Before her marriage into the British Royal Family this ‘Suits’ actress was an advocate for political participation and women’s rights. She served as a UN Women advocate for Political Participation and Leadership. She has lobbied senators in the United States to support paid family leave legislation. Her philanthropic foundation continues to support organizations that focus on digital equity and gender justice.

Viola Davis

The ‘Fences’ star is a powerful voice for social justice and the elimination of childhood hunger. She works with the Hunger Is campaign to raise awareness and funds for food programs in schools. Her political advocacy includes speaking out against systemic racism and the lack of opportunity for women of color. She uses her acceptance speeches to highlight the political nature of art and representation.

Charlize Theron

This South African actress serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a focus on HIV prevention. She founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project to invest in African youth and keep them safe from the epidemic. Her advocacy involves working with global leaders to secure funding for health and education programs. She frequently speaks at world forums regarding gender-based violence and disease prevention.

Salma Hayek

The ‘Frida’ star lobbied the United States Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. She established the Salma Hayek Foundation to support battered women and disadvantaged children on the streets of Mexico. Her political work includes testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on women’s rights. She has also partnered with UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide.

Oprah Winfrey

The actress and media mogul is one of the most influential political endorsers in modern history. Her support for Barack Obama in the 2008 primary is often cited as a decisive factor in his victory. She has campaigned for gubernatorial candidates and funded initiatives for educational equity. Her interviews often serve as a platform for political candidates to reach a massive national audience.

Whoopi Goldberg

The ‘Ghost’ actress and moderator of ‘The View’ engages in daily political debate and commentary. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Her activism includes longstanding support for the homeless and fundraising for Comic Relief. She frequently challenges politicians and pundits directly on her daytime talk show.

Laverne Cox

The ‘Orange Is the New Black’ star is a leading figure in the fight for transgender rights and visibility. She has lobbied for the passage of the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. Her work involves speaking at colleges and legal organizations about the intersection of race and gender identity. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category.

Tippi Hedren

The star of ‘The Birds’ is a tireless advocate for animal rights and legislative reform regarding exotic pets. She lobbied Congress to pass the Captive Wildlife Safety Act to prohibit the interstate trade of big cats. She established the Roar Foundation and maintains a sanctuary for mistreated lions and tigers. Her political work focuses on ending the private ownership of dangerous wild animals.

Katharine Hepburn

This four-time Oscar winner was a staunch supporter of Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights long before it was mainstream. She publicly opposed the House Un-American Activities Committee during the height of the Hollywood blacklist era. Her political stances often put her at odds with the studio system and conservative groups. She narrated a documentary for the American Cancer Society to advocate for public health.

Diane Keaton

The ‘Annie Hall’ actress is a devoted preservationist who lobbies to save historic buildings in Los Angeles. She has been an active member of the Los Angeles Conservancy and advocates for architectural heritage. Her political involvement includes supporting Democratic candidates and environmental causes. She campaigned against the destruction of landmarks and public spaces in California.

Sigourney Weaver

The ‘Alien’ star is an environmentalist who works closely with ocean conservation organizations. She has spoken before the United Nations about the dangers of deep-sea trawling and habitat destruction. Her advocacy includes narrating nature documentaries that highlight the impacts of climate change. She lobbies for policies that protect marine biodiversity and reduce plastic pollution.

Sally Field

The star of ‘Norma Rae’ is a longtime advocate for women’s rights and the LGBTQ community. She has campaigned for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and supports the Human Rights Campaign. Her activism includes protesting for climate action and getting arrested with Jane Fonda. She uses her public profile to fight for legislation that ensures equality for all citizens.

Helen Mirren

The British actress and star of ‘The Queen’ supports various international humanitarian organizations. She serves as an ambassador for Women for Women International to help female survivors of war. Her political advocacy includes visiting refugee camps and urging governments to provide aid. She has also spoken out against the cultural boycotts of artists in conflict zones.

Sharon Stone

The ‘Basic Instinct’ actress has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for AIDS research and peace initiatives. She served as the global campaign chair for the American Foundation for AIDS Research for many years. Her political work includes advocating for peace in the Middle East with the Peres Center for Peace. She received the Peace Summit Award for her commitment to people with HIV/AIDS.

Jessica Chastain

The star of ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is a vocal advocate for pay equity and labor rights in Hollywood. She often negotiates her contracts to ensure fair pay for her co-stars and women in the crew. Her political activism includes supporting Planned Parenthood and the Time’s Up movement. She frequently uses her social media to amplify legislative issues concerning women’s health.

Sheila James Kuehl

Best known as Zelda Gilroy in ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis’ this child star became a formidable politician. She served for years in the California State Assembly and the State Senate as a trailblazing lawmaker. She was the first openly gay person elected to the California legislature and authored numerous bills on civil rights. She later served as a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

What do you think about the impact these actresses have had on the political landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments.