List of Actors Who Went Into Politics Ranked by Fame and Popularity. It seems that every actor has an opinion about politics. Several actors actually made the transition to become politicians later in life, while others started their careers in politics. Some actors focused on local governments, while others were elected to national offices. This list includes actors who recently threw in their hat and ran for office, as well as many who got elected.
Who is the most famous actor who went into politics? Ronald Reagan tops our list. To date, Reagan is the only former-actor to make it all the way to the office of the President of the United States, which he held from 1981-1989. Ronald Reagan starred in films such as "Kings Row" and "Bedtime for Bonzo," before entering into politics. He served as the Governor of California from 1967-1975. Arnold Schwarzenegger, best known for playing the title role in “Terminator,” was also the Governor of California from 2003-2011.
Some actors who are also politicians focused on their local governments. Clint Eastwood has directed and starred in Oscar Winning films like "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby." He served as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California from 1986-1988. He also served on the California State Park and Recreation Commission and he spoke at the 2012 National Republican Convention.
Why do you think so many actors go into politics? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Steven Seagal – a man known for his aikido skills and action acting chops – has added politician to his skill set. On August 4, 2018, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Facebook that they appointed Seagal as a "special representative" for "Russian-US humanitarian ties."
In early November 2016, Russian president Vladimir Putin made Seagal an official Russian citizen. Putin, a longtime friend of Seagal, gave him his dual citizenship passport on November 26, 2016.
Age: 71
Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
Ronald Reagan starred in films such as Knute Rockne, All American and Bedtime for Bonzo and was president of the Screen Actors Guild before entering into politics. Reagan was the Governor of California from 1967-1975 and the President of the United States from 1981-1989.
Age: Dec. at 93 (1911-2004)
Birthplace: Whiteside County, Illinois, United States of America, United States, with Territories
As a child star, Shirley Temple appeared in films such as The Little Princess and Bright Eyes. Though she retired from acting at age 22, she ran for the United States House of Representatives in 1967. She also served the US Ambassador to Ghana from 1974-1976 and as the US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989-1992.
Age: Dec. at 85 (1928-2014)
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States of America
Clint Eastwood has directed and starred in Oscar winning films like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. He served as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, from 1986-1988. He also served on the California State Park and Recreation Commission, and he spoke at the 2012 National Republican Convention.
Law & Order: SVU actress Diane Neal announced she was running for Congress on February 6, 2018. She planned to try for the 19th Congressional District seat as an independent. Neal broke down her political views for The Daily Freeman:
"I’m a little Libertarian, I’m a lot liberal, mostly progressive, but I have this amazing ability to be able to take really complicated policy and break it down into edible sound bites, which is something most progressive liberals cannot do."
Arnold Schwarzenegger is well-known for appearing in films like Kindergarten Cop and Terminator. He also has had a successful career as a politician, serving as the Governor of California from 2003-2011.
