Hollywood Actors Who Don’t Eat Meat

Many leading men in the entertainment industry have decided to remove meat from their diets for various reasons ranging from animal welfare to personal health. These actors often use their platforms to advocate for environmental sustainability and compassion toward animals. A plant-based lifestyle has become increasingly common on film sets as stars demand cruelty-free catering options. This shift reflects a broader global trend where individuals are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices and their impact on the planet. The following men have all publicly discussed their commitment to vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix is arguably the most famous vegan actor working in the industry today. He made the decision to stop eating animals at the age of three after he witnessed fish being caught and killed. The star of ‘Joker’ frequently collaborates with animal rights organizations to expose cruelty in factory farming. He famously used his acceptance speech at the Academy Awards to highlight the plight of dairy cows and the environment. Phoenix maintains his strict vegan lifestyle even when transforming his body for demanding roles.

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson has been a dedicated vegan and raw food enthusiast for several decades. The actor famously requested a vegan twinkie for his character in the movie ‘Zombieland’ to align with his dietary principles. He attributes his high energy levels and youthful appearance to his diet of raw fruits and vegetables. Harrelson often encourages his co-stars to try plant-based eating while working on long film productions. His commitment to the environment extends beyond food to sustainable living and eco-friendly activism.

Peter Dinklage

Peter Dinklage has been a vegetarian for many years and eventually transitioned to a fully vegan diet. The ‘Game of Thrones’ actor refused to eat real meat during filming and consumed tofu or fake meat products for scenes requiring feasting. He has partnered with PETA as a spokesperson to raise awareness about the treatment of farm animals. Dinklage often speaks about how his love for animals makes it impossible for him to hurt them. He proves that one can maintain a powerful screen presence without consuming animal protein.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto is known for his ageless appearance which he often credits to his long-term vegetarian and vegan diet. The ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ star calls himself a chegan because he occasionally cheats but mostly sticks to plant-based foods. He focuses on high-nutrient foods and strict sleep schedules to support his touring and acting career. Leto has refrained from eating meat for over twenty years and advocates for the health benefits of the lifestyle. His discipline helps him endure significant physical transformations for his various movie roles.

Tobey Maguire

Tobey Maguire adopted a vegetarian diet in the early nineties and later eliminated all animal products to become vegan. The ‘Spider-Man’ actor is known to be very strict about his food choices and avoids leather products in his home. He famously requested that his costume for the superhero film be made without leather to match his ethical stance. Maguire often brings his own food to sets to ensure he maintains his dietary requirements. His dedication shows that leading action stars can thrive on a plant-based regimen.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch adopted a vegan diet and has spoken about the positive impact it has on his work and fitness. The ‘Doctor Strange’ actor was named one of the most beautiful vegans by PETA for his commitment to the lifestyle. He noted during the press tour for ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ that his diet helped him stay in shape for the physical demands of the role. Cumberbatch also promotes sustainable fashion and often wears cruelty-free clothing on the red carpet. He represents a wave of British actors who have embraced plant-based living.

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck is a committed vegan who has worked with animal rights groups to campaign against factory farming. The star of ‘Manchester by the Sea’ believes that veganism is beneficial for both personal health and the welfare of animals. He has appeared in public service announcements to speak out against the abuse of animals in the entertainment industry. Affleck asserts that avoiding meat is a direct way to reduce suffering in the world. His advocacy is a central part of his personal life away from the camera.

James Cromwell

James Cromwell became a vegetarian and later a vegan after his experience filming the movie ‘Babe’. He was so moved by the intelligence and personality of the piglet on set that he could no longer eat animals. The veteran actor is now one of the most outspoken activists in Hollywood and frequently participates in protests. Cromwell has even been arrested during demonstrations for animal rights and environmental causes. He uses his legendary status to amplify the message of compassion.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais is a vocal animal lover who uses his comedy and social media presence to defend animal rights. The creator of ‘The Office’ has stated that he does not eat meat and frequently condemns trophy hunting and animal testing. He donates significant portions of his wealth to animal charities and sanctuaries around the world. Gervais believes that humans have a moral obligation to protect creatures that cannot defend themselves. His advocacy is as sharp and direct as his famous comedic style.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker decided to remove meat from his diet to improve his health and manage his weight. The ‘The Last King of Scotland’ actor focuses on a vegetarian diet to avoid the lethargy often associated with heavy meat consumption. He has spoken about how eating vegetables helps him feel lighter and more energetic for his work. Whitaker partners with PETA to promote the idea that vegetarianism can help prevent heart disease and diabetes. His lifestyle change illustrates the health-focused motivation behind giving up meat.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor who has been vegan for over a decade after years of being vegetarian. The star of ‘The Good Wife’ advocates for the lifestyle because he believes the meat industry is disgusting and cruel. He often hosts events for animal rights organizations and promotes vegan fashion choices. Cumming credits his diet with giving him the stamina needed for his energetic stage and screen performances. He is a prime example of how ethical choices can align with a successful career.

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith suffered a massive heart attack that nearly ended his life and prompted a drastic lifestyle change. The ‘Clerks’ director and actor adopted a plant-based diet immediately after the event to save his health. He lost a significant amount of weight and credited veganism with clearing his arteries and lowering his blood pressure. Smith now frequently discusses how potatoes and vegetables helped him regain his life. His transformation serves as an inspiring health turnaround story for his fans.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a vegan who has used his platform to speak out against environmental racism and animal cruelty. The ‘The Umbrella Academy’ star often tweets support for animal rights and highlights the injustice of the industrial food system. He was voted one of the sexiest vegetarians by PETA before fully transitioning to veganism. Page believes that social justice issues are interconnected with how society treats animals. His activism is a consistent and passionate part of his public identity.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia was raised as a vegetarian and has maintained the diet for his entire life. The ‘This Is Us’ actor was named the Sexiest Vegetarian Alive by PETA in 2009. He credits his parents for instilling the values of kindness toward animals and healthy eating from a young age. Ventimiglia proves that one can build a muscular physique for action roles without consuming animal protein. His lifelong commitment makes him a natural advocate for the vegetarian lifestyle.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere is a practicing Buddhist and has been a vegetarian for many years to align with the principle of non-violence. The ‘Pretty Woman’ star believes in causing the least amount of harm possible to other living beings. He supports various humanitarian and ecological causes that overlap with his dietary choices. Gere maintains a low profile regarding his diet but consistently adheres to meat-free living. His spiritual beliefs are the foundation for his compassionate approach to food.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand changed his diet to vegetarianism as a teenager and later transitioned to veganism. The star of ‘Get Him to the Greek’ motivated his decision through a mix of spiritual beliefs and ethical concerns for animals. He famously convinced his film crews to provide better vegetarian catering options during productions. Brand speaks eloquently about the connection between consciousness and the food we consume. His journey reflects a desire for a purer and more ethical way of living.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson is a vegetarian who famously keeps pot-bellied pigs as pets at his home. The actor known for playing Dwight Schrute in ‘The Office’ decided to stop eating animals after realizing the intelligence of his own pigs. He advocates for climate change awareness and sustainable food systems through his media company. Wilson recently adopted a vegan diet for health and environmental reasons to further reduce his carbon footprint. His transition shows how personal connections with animals can influence dietary ethics.

Jerome Flynn

Jerome Flynn played the mercenary Bronn in ‘Game of Thrones’ but is a peaceful vegetarian in real life. He has been a vegetarian for decades and works closely with animal welfare societies in the United Kingdom. Flynn has spoken out against the factory farming industry and encourages fans to consider the source of their food. He believes that a meat-free diet is essential for the future of the planet. His gentle nature off-screen contrasts sharply with the violent characters he often portrays.

Paul Wesley

Paul Wesley is a vegan who was inspired to change his diet after learning about the impacts of factory farming. The ‘The Vampire Diaries’ actor is an active voice on social media regarding animal rights and environmental protection. He has hosted fundraising events for the Humane Society to support legislation protecting farm animals. Wesley finds it difficult to reconcile loving animals with the act of eating them. His activism helps educate his younger fanbase about compassionate living.

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg became a vegetarian largely due to his love for animals and his desire to avoid contributing to their suffering. The ‘The Social Network’ star has been meat-free for years and occasionally helps rescue organizations. He finds the process of raising animals for food to be inefficient and cruel. Eisenberg often avoids discussing his diet in depth to avoid being preachy but sticks to his principles firmly. His choice is a personal moral stance that guides his daily life.

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman has been a vegetarian for decades because he is uncomfortable with the idea of eating animals. The ‘The Hobbit’ actor admitted that his choice was difficult at first but became easier as he grew older. He ensures that he does not consume meat products while filming on location or at home. Freeman considers the industrial meat complex to be unethical and unnecessary for human survival. His quiet dedication is typical of his understated public persona.

Simon Amstell

Simon Amstell is a comedian and director who wrote the film ‘Carnage’ which imagines a future where the world is vegan. The British actor became vegan after learning about the dairy and egg industries. He uses humor to address the cognitive dissonance people experience regarding eating meat. Amstell believes that empathy will eventually lead society away from animal consumption. His work uniquely blends comedy with hard-hitting ethical questions.

Mena Massoud

Mena Massoud adopted a vegan diet and subsequently founded a project called Evolved Vegan to share his journey. The ‘Aladdin’ star travels to different cities to review plant-based restaurants and promote the lifestyle. He wrote a cookbook to show that vegan food can be culturally diverse and delicious. Massoud wanted to eliminate the stigma that plant-based eating is only for certain demographics. His efforts have helped popularize veganism among a younger generation.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett cut meat out of his diet when he was just twelve years old. The star of ‘Oppenheimer’ made the decision early in life after witnessing a butcher cut up a chicken. He was named one of the Sexiest Vegetarians by PETA early in his career. Hartnett has maintained his vegetarian lifestyle throughout his rise to fame in Hollywood. His early adoption of the diet shows a natural inclination toward animal welfare.

RZA

RZA is a hip-hop legend and actor who actively promotes a vegan lifestyle to the urban community. The ‘The Man with the Iron Fist’ star believes that animal products are harmful to the body and the spirit. He has influenced other members of the Wu-Tang Clan and his fanbase to consider plant-based options. RZA launched a line of vegan clothing and accessories to further his message. He equates refusing meat with achieving a higher level of self-awareness and health.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz maintains his rock star physique through a strict raw vegan diet. The ‘The Hunger Games’ actor grows much of his own food on his farm in the Bahamas. He focuses on eating fruits and vegetables that are uncooked to preserve their nutrients. Kravitz frequently posts images of his harvest to inspire his followers to eat natural foods. His lifestyle is a testament to the anti-aging potential of fresh plant-based nutrition.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn has been a vegetarian for his entire life due to his family upbringing and personal choice. The ‘Harold & Kumar’ actor often jokes about the difficulty of finding good vegetarian food while traveling for work. He has utilized his fame to advocate for more diverse food options in the entertainment industry. Penn showed the world that you can love burgers without meat during his famous film franchise. He remains a steady example of lifelong vegetarianism in Hollywood.

Steve-O

Steve-O became a vegan as part of his journey toward sobriety and health recovery. The ‘Jackass’ star found that caring for animals helped him develop more compassion for himself and others. He is now a fierce activist who protests against marine parks and animal abuse. Steve-O often says that stopping meat consumption was one of the best decisions he made for his well-being. His transformation from a self-destructive stuntman to an animal advocate is remarkable.

Thomas Dekker

Thomas Dekker adopted a vegan diet in his teenage years and has adhered to it ever since. The ‘Heroes’ actor stated that he initially stopped eating meat for health reasons but soon embraced the ethical side. He claims that dairy was the hardest thing to give up but he feels much better without it. Dekker believes that factory farming is one of the most destructive forces on the planet. He continues to be a quiet but firm supporter of the vegan movement.

Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie is a heavy metal musician and horror movie director who is strictly vegan. The creator of the ‘Halloween’ remakes stopped eating meat after seeing the reality of slaughterhouses. He finds the separation between loving pets and eating livestock to be illogical. Zombie often shares images of farm animals he has rescued to his social media accounts. His dark artistic style contrasts with his compassionate dietary choices.

Jason Schwartzman

Jason Schwartzman has been a vegetarian for many years and avoids all meat products. The ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ actor made the choice to support a non-violent lifestyle. He has narrated documentaries that focus on nature and the environment. Schwartzman rarely preaches about his diet but is consistent in his refusal to eat animals. His choices reflect a gentle approach to living that aligns with his indie film persona.

Kunal Nayyar

Kunal Nayyar follows a vegetarian diet which aligns with his personal beliefs and cultural background. The ‘The Big Bang Theory’ actor has mentioned in interviews that he does not consume meat. He often enjoys spicy vegetarian dishes that remind him of home. Nayyar has navigated the Hollywood food scene by sticking to his meat-free principles. His success shows that dietary restrictions are no barrier to landing major television roles.

Johnny Galecki

Johnny Galecki is another cast member from ‘The Big Bang Theory’ who adheres to a vegetarian diet. He bought a large ranch land not to raise cattle for food but to protect the environment. The actor prefers a simpler life away from the city where he can eat fresh produce. Galecki has managed to stay healthy and active in the industry without relying on meat. He joins his co-stars in making the hit show a haven for vegetarian actors.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto has fluctuated between vegetarian and vegan diets throughout his career. The ‘Star Trek’ actor cites the environmental impact of meat production as a primary motivator. He has worked with organizations to promote meat-free Mondays and sustainable living. Quinto believes that small changes in diet can lead to massive changes for the planet. His logical approach to diet fits well with his famous role as Spock.

Moby

Moby is a musician and actor who has been one of the most visible vegans in the world for decades. He has “Vegan for Life” tattooed on his neck to demonstrate his permanent commitment. Moby owns a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles and donates the profits to animal rights organizations. He believes that animal agriculture is a primary driver of climate change and human disease. His entire career is intertwined with his activism and dietary philosophy.

Share your favorite actor from this list and your own experiences with plant-based food in the comments.