americans American Public Figures Who Are National Treasures
List Rules List includes public figures regarded as being emblematic of America's cultural heritage or identity
American national treasures work in different fields, are of different generations, and all have different stories to tell. But all of their stories are that of America itself. Some are media moguls, others are entertainers that nobody can bring themselves to hate. A few are politicians that have enormous influence and cultural cachet, even if you completely disagree with everything they believe in. But what they have in common is that they exemplify the American spirit, can-do attitude, and our cultural heritage. They also do really great on talk shows. They're US national treasures and are loved by just about everyone.
These likable celebrities and public figures who are national treasures are the ones that, love them or hate them, can't get enough of them or totally sick of them, truly show what it means to be American. To take risks, to give back, to never give up, to be in control of their environment, and to know exactly what to say at the right time.
Here are some of the greatest national treasures the United States has to offer. If you can think of others who qualify as national treasures for the people of the USA, feel free to add them to the list!Tom Hanks
Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks is an American film actor, director, voice-over artist, writer and film producer. Hanks worked in television and family-friendly comedies before achieving success as a dramatic actor portraying several notable roles, including Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia, the title role ...more
Age: 61
Birthplace: Concord, California, United States of America
Also Ranked
#2 on The Coolest Actors Ever
#54 on The Funniest People of All Time
#1 on The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History
#1 on Celebrities Who Should Run for President
ColinBoddy added Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer and musician. Franklin began her career singing gospel at her father, minister C. L. Franklin's church as a child. In 1960, at the age of 18, Franklin embarked on a secular career, recording for Columbia Records only achieving modest success. Following ...more
Age: 76
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
Also Ranked
#45 on Rank the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
#19 on The Top Pop Artists of the 1960s
#18 on The Greatest Musical Artists of All Time
#6 on The Best Singers of All Time
ColinBoddy added Billy Crystal
William Edward "Billy" Crystal is an American actor, singer, writer, producer, director, comedian, and television host. He gained prominence in the 1970s for playing Jodie Dallas on the ABC sitcom Soap and became a Hollywood film star during the late 1980s and 1990s, appearing in the critical and ...more
Age: 70
Birthplace: Upper East Side, New York City, New York, United States of America
Also Ranked
#39 on The Funniest People of All Time
#2 on The Best Oscar Hosts Ever
#30 on The Funniest Stand Up Comedians of All Time
#26 on The Best SNL Cast Members of All Time
ColinBoddy added Tina Turner
Anna Mae Bullock, known by her stage name Tina Turner, is a singer, dancer, actress, and author, whose career has spanned more than half a century, earning her widespread recognition and numerous awards. Born and raised in the Southeastern United States, she is now a Swiss citizen. She began her ...more
Age: 78
Birthplace: Nutbush, Tennessee, United States of America
Also Ranked
#33 on The Top Pop Artists of the 1960s
#88 on The Greatest Live Bands of All Time
#68 on The Greatest Musical Artists of All Time
#29 on The Best Singers of All Time