Actors You’d Want To Sit Next to on a Long Flight

Some actors have real life stories and skills that make them especially interesting to learn about during a long trip. From charitable work and multilingual backgrounds to unexpected hobbies and travel experience, these men bring more than famous roles to the table. Here are fifteen with facts and projects that show why a conversation with them could cover everything from movies to music to world travel.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is known for supporting veterans and preserving history through projects like the WWII miniseries he produced and his work with museums. He collects vintage typewriters and has spoken about writing on long journeys. He has narrated documentaries and written fiction that show a love of storytelling beyond acting. His filmography ranges from ‘Apollo 13’ to ‘Cast Away’ and he continues to champion arts education.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has funded creative projects quietly and has a history of hands on support for film crews. He is a trained motorcyclist who co founded a custom motorcycle company and often talks about road trips. He writes and publishes graphic novels and has performed with a rock band. His roles in ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’ sit alongside a reputation for thoughtful reading and low key travel.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and spent part of his childhood in Kansas before building a career that spans ‘Clueless’ and ‘Ant Man’. He co owns a candy shop in New York that donates proceeds to charity. He supports children’s causes through regular fundraising events. He has hosted popular live events and podcasts that show his ease with conversation.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson moved from football to pro wrestling to acting with blockbuster roles like ‘Jumanji’. He founded a nonprofit that supports at risk and terminally ill children and disaster relief. He launched an energy drink and a tequila brand and often discusses training and nutrition routines. He frequently documents his global film locations and long haul travel schedule.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman is a Tony winning performer who moves between film like ‘Logan’ and Broadway musicals. He co founded Laughing Man Coffee which directs profits to community development and education. He is an advocate for fair trade and has visited coffee cooperatives abroad. He speaks about voice work and stage preparation that relates to breathing and wellness on the road.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans is known for ‘Captain America’ and for launching ‘A Starting Point’ which provides civic information from public officials. He has directed films and worked as a producer which gives him a behind the scenes view of filmmaking. He participates in charity fantasy football leagues that raise money for children’s hospitals. He has done extensive press tours across continents and often engages fans about travel and sports.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds stars in ‘Deadpool’ and runs several businesses including a production company. He has owned stakes in a wireless company and a gin brand and uses creative marketing that turns real stories into humor. He and his partners own Wrexham AFC and he documents away matches and community projects through the club’s series. He works with organizations that support sick children and first responders.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal works in both English and Spanish and leads major series like ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He grew up between Chile and the United States which gives him a cross cultural background. He has a strong theater foundation with roles on and off Broadway. He supports refugee and human rights organizations and regularly appears at global fan events.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is known for ‘Luther’ and ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and also works as a DJ and music producer. He has performed at major festivals and releases original tracks that blend genres. He has produced and directed content that highlights African and British stories. He advocates for youth opportunities and creative industry training in the UK and beyond.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel moved from ‘Skins’ to ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and later to directing with an action feature. He trains in martial arts and has discussed the discipline that supports demanding shoots. He supports campaigns focused on clean water and child welfare in India and the UK. He collaborates with independent filmmakers and often champions diverse global stories.

Henry Golding

Henry Golding was a presenter on ‘The Travel Show’ before breaking out in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. He was born in Malaysia and has lived in the United Kingdom which provides a multicultural perspective. He completed a traditional coming of age journey with the Iban people that was filmed for television. He continues to host travel and lifestyle segments that showcase thoughtful exploration.

John Boyega

John Boyega rose from London stage work to ‘Star Wars’ while maintaining ties to local arts programs. He produces films through his own company to support new voices. He works with charities that provide scholarships and creative training for young people. He frequently visits Nigeria and the UK for family and work which reflects a global routine.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu authored the memoir ‘We Were Dreamers’ which covers immigration and early career struggles. He performed as a stuntman and model before landing ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. He speaks at universities and conferences about representation and perseverance. He engages with fans in English and Mandarin and supports Asian diaspora community events.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani created and starred in ‘The Big Sick’ which drew on his life story. He hosted ‘The X Files Files’ podcast and has written stand up material that explores culture and technology. He trained intensively for a superhero role and has shared fitness and nutrition insights. He advocates for immigrant rights and has raised funds through comedy events.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali won Academy Awards for ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’ and records music under the name Prince Ali. He studied at Saint Mary’s College and NYU Tisch and has a background in track. He converted to Islam in adulthood and often discusses faith and craft in interviews. He supports programs that mentor young filmmakers and writers.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. launched a foundation that supports education and technology initiatives and has partnered with environmental projects. He co founded a company focused on robotics and sustainable solutions. He has produced documentaries and series that explore innovation and science. His credits range from ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and he often speaks about mentoring young creators.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch is a patron of several arts charities and supports refugee assistance programs. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has a strong background in theater. He narrates nature documentaries and audiobooks that highlight science and history. His screen work spans ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Doctor Strange’ with frequent international festival appearances.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac studied at the Juilliard School and performs music in addition to acting. He works in English and Spanish and has produced projects that center Latin American voices. He appears in major franchises like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Dune’ while also leading stage productions. He supports organizations that provide arts education to underserved communities.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe funds literacy and theater programs and has supported research for rare diseases. He has acted on Broadway and the West End in challenging roles that require live performance discipline. He writes poetry and contributes to short film projects as a producer. His screen work extends far beyond ‘Harry Potter’ with a mix of independent and television projects.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and maintains an active stage career. He has supported mental health awareness campaigns and youth theater initiatives. He holds dual American and British citizenship and works across both industries. His filmography includes ‘The Amazing Spider Man’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ alongside award winning theater roles.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing acting at Juilliard. He co founded Arts in the Armed Forces which brings theater to military communities around the world. He balances film work like ‘Star Wars’ with stage productions and independent cinema. He participates in international festivals and Q and A programs that discuss craft and service.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt created HitRecord which enables collaborative online creativity with paid opportunities. He directs short films and music videos and has published collections that showcase community made art. He has hosted live events that teach storytelling and editing skills. His acting spans ‘Inception’ and ‘500 Days of Summer’ with ongoing voice and production credits.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover releases music under Childish Gambino and produces television through his own company. He writes and directs for ‘Atlanta’ and develops new series with international settings. He partners with charities that fund education and arts programs. His projects often mix music, film, and immersive live performances that travel globally.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek is a first generation American who speaks Egyptian Arabic conversationally and supports representation initiatives. He gained attention with ‘Mr. Robot’ and won major awards for portraying Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. He collaborates with conservation groups and has narrated wildlife and history content. He participates in global brand campaigns that fund social impact work.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi acts, writes, and directs and has championed indigenous storytelling from New Zealand and beyond. He co founded a production company that develops film and television with underrepresented voices. He supports children’s health charities and literacy programs in Aotearoa. His credits include ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ along with acting roles in series.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal co founded the Ambulante documentary festival which brings nonfiction films to diverse communities. He works in Spanish and English and promotes Latin American cinema through producing and directing. He starred in ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ and ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and continues to support independent filmmakers. He advocates for human rights organizations across the region.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna co founded Ambulante with Gael García Bernal and runs a production company that elevates Mexican stories. He leads ‘Andor’ and appears in international films while directing features and series. He participates in civic education campaigns that encourage voter engagement in Mexico. He has hosted cultural programs that highlight music, food, and community history.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is a rapper and activist who launched an initiative to support Muslim representation in media. He won major awards for ‘Sound of Metal’ and has produced films that center diaspora experiences. He delivers talks at universities and festivals about inclusion and storytelling. He funds fellowships for writers and artists through his philanthropic projects.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe supports disaster recovery efforts in Japan and has organized charity performances for affected regions. He works in both Japanese and English and appears in films like ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘Inception’. He maintains a strong stage presence with roles in musicals and straight plays. He promotes cultural exchange through international theater collaborations.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen is a multilingual actor who publishes poetry and photography books and runs an independent press. He composes music and has scored films while directing and producing his own features. He supports environmental and indigenous rights organizations and exhibits visual art internationally. His screen work includes ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Green Book’ with ongoing festival involvement.

George Clooney

George Clooney serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and co founded the Satellite Sentinel Project to monitor human rights threats. He helped build schools and support refugees through international partnerships. He co created the tequila brand Casamigos and later moved into film production with socially focused projects. His credits include ‘Syriana’, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, and ‘The Descendants’ along with extensive directing and producing work.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci wrote cookbooks and hosted the travel and food series ‘Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy’. He studied acting at SUNY Purchase and has a long stage and screen career. He speaks frequently about Italian regional cuisine and family recipes that connect culture and storytelling. His roles span ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Spotlight’, and ‘The Hunger Games’.

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth launched the fitness and wellness platform Centr and collaborates with researchers on healthy aging initiatives. He supports conservation projects in Australia and documents ocean focused travel. He trains extensively for action roles and shares practical strength routines from location shoots. His filmography features ‘Thor’, ‘Rush’, and ‘Extraction’.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa advocates for ocean conservation and plastic reduction and founded the water brand Mananalu using aluminum bottles. He supports native and indigenous rights initiatives and visits community programs during filming. He began as a model and TV actor before leading large scale productions that shoot internationally. His notable titles include ‘Aquaman’, ‘Game of Thrones’, and ‘Dune’.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan joined the ownership group of AFC Bournemouth and invests in media companies that highlight diverse creators. He directed and starred in ‘Creed III’ after producing multiple films and series. He supports mentorship programs and scholarship initiatives tied to entertainment careers. His work includes ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Black Panther’, and the ‘Creed’ series.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor was born in London to Nigerian parents and trained at the National Youth Theatre and LAMDA. He has been honored for services to drama and charity and supports global health and education causes. He writes and directs alongside acting, adding perspectives from both sides of the camera. His credits include ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘Doctor Strange’.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor is a UNICEF ambassador who travels on field missions focusing on vaccines and child protection. He undertook global motorcycle journeys documented in ‘Long Way Round’, ‘Long Way Down’, and ‘Long Way Up’. He works in film, television, and theater and has produced independent projects. Notable roles include ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Moulin Rouge!’, and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson supports UNICEF Ireland and lends his voice to public service campaigns. He began his career on stage in Belfast and Dublin before moving to international cinema. He has narrated documentaries and historical programs that focus on Ireland and global history. His screen work includes ‘Schindler’s List’, ‘Taken’, and ‘Michael Collins’.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2009 and visits programs in countries affected by conflict and disasters. He participates in clean water and education initiatives and helps raise funds through public campaigns. He trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and continues to work across film and television. His credits include ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, and ‘Carnival Row’.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey co founded the just keep livin Foundation which supports after school fitness and wellness programs. He teaches and guest lectures at the University of Texas at Austin about script to screen production. He authored the memoir ‘Greenlights’ and hosts talks that focus on decision making and resilience. His roles include ‘Dallas Buyers Club’, ‘True Detective’, and ‘Interstellar’.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper studied at Georgetown University and the Actors Studio Drama School and speaks fluent French. He has raised funds for cancer research organizations and veterans’ support programs. He directed, produced, and starred in ‘A Star Is Born’ and later directed ‘Maestro’. His body of work also includes ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and ‘American Sniper’.

John Krasinski

John Krasinski created the feel good news series ‘Some Good News’ and directed the thriller ‘A Quiet Place’ with subsequent installments. He leads the series ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ which films in multiple countries and involves extensive travel schedules. He produces features and television under his company, enabling new writers and directors. His background includes theater training and early work in sketch and commercial voiceover.

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke is a novelist and essayist who publishes fiction and writes about craft and creativity. He directs documentaries and narrative films and collaborates frequently with theater companies. He works closely with the Austin arts scene and supports youth education initiatives. His notable projects include ‘Before Sunrise’, ‘Boyhood’, and ‘Training Day’.

Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong is a British actor of Hong Kong heritage who works across film, TV, and radio drama. He appears in large scale productions such as ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Martian’ while supporting independent films. He contributes voice roles to animation and games and participates in community outreach for representation in the arts. He frequently attends conventions and international festivals that connect performers with fans.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda created and starred in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘In the Heights’ and composes for film and television. He works with the Hispanic Federation and supports disaster relief and arts education in Puerto Rico. He produces projects that showcase Latinx stories across multiple platforms. His screen and stage appearances include acting, songwriting, and voice roles in titles like ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘Encanto’.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which actor you would choose for the seat next to you on your next long flight.