From show business to politics: 10 famous actors who managed to become successful politicians

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

In recent decades, more and more actors, at the peak of their popularity, decide to go into politics and achieve significant success in this field. For some, politics is a way to help people solve pressing issues, for others, politics becomes the goal and meaning of life. The example of some former actors confirms: they can not only speak beautifully, but also run the state. In our today's selection there are representatives of show business who have become politicians.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan began his artistic career as a radio host, signed a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. Studios in 1937 and starred in 19 films in the first two years. In total, the actor's filmography includes 54 films, the best of which critics consider the film "King's Row" in 1942.

The desire to act in films did not at all interfere with another hobby of Ronald Reagan. Throughout his life, he took an active civic position. At Eureka College, where the future president studied, he even headed a student organization at one time, and in 1941 he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Film Actors Guild, and later became its president. Reagan took a significant political post in 1967, becoming governor of California. In 1980 he was elected the 40th President of the United States.

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Vladimir Zelensky

The non-professional comedian began his career as a member of the KVN team, where at first he was a choreographer, and later began to appear on stage. On account of the newly elected President of Ukraine, more than 15 acting works, the same amount - script, he is also a producer of over 20 films, and in the film "I, you, he, she", together with David Dodson, he became a director.

It should be noted that participation in the presidential elections was preceded by the release of the first part of the Servant of the People series in 2015, where Vladimir Zelensky played the main role. The speaker was the slogan of the picture: "The story of the next president." In the second round of elections on April 21, 2019, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected President of Ukraine.

READ ALSO: "Servant of the people" Volodymyr Zelensky: How a simple Ukrainian comedian became the favorite of the presidential elections >>

Arnold Schwarzenegger

A simple boy from a poor family, who in his youth was most happy with the purchase of a refrigerator, managed to reach incredible heights in sports, cinema and politics. The actor enjoyed well-deserved popularity all over the world, and in 1990 he decided to start his political activities, agreeing to become the adviser on physical education and sports to the 41st President of the United States. In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to the post of Governor of California, which he held until 2011. His political decisions in this position did not always find full approval among the voters, and sometimes caused a flurry of criticism.

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Mikhail Evdokimov

The famous Russian comedian and actor began his political career back in 1995, when he ran for the State Duma. Then the actor was defeated, but Mikhail Evdokimov prepared much more thoroughly for the 2004 election campaign. He announced his intention to become the governor of the Altai Territory and campaigned under the slogan "Jokes aside!"

Having won the second round, Mikhail Evdokimov received a huge credit of confidence from the people. It was very difficult for him, but the actor was determined to do everything for the development of the Altai Territory. However, a year after the election, the governor died in a car accident near Biysk.

Clint Eastwood

The famous American actor never left the profession, but throughout his life he skillfully combines his professional career and social activities. In 1986, he became mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He stayed in this position for only two years and at that time really tried to improve the life of the city and ordinary citizens. Residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea still fondly remember the short reign of Clint Eastwood.

READ ALSO: "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" Clint Eastwood: Why Hollywood's main cowboy is called a "serial womanizer" >>

Elena Drapeko

The actress made her film debut as Liza Brichkina in Stanislav Rostotsky's The Dawns Here Are Quiet and immediately became a star. Today, the filmography of Elena Drapeko has more than 50 works, and since 1999 the actress has been a deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. Elena Grigorievna began her political activities as the chairman of the Committee for Culture and Tourism at the St. Petersburg City Hall. It is the issues of culture and art that Elena Drapeko pays most attention to in her deputy activities.

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Jimmy Morales

The Guatemalan comedian, born into a poor family and forced to work as a child, managed to get an economic education, become a famous actor in Guatemala, and then make a dizzying political career. In 2001, he took part in the elections for the first time, running for the post of head of the district administration of the capital, but was only the third. And already in 2016, Jimmy Morales took over as President of Guatemala.

Mariya Kozhevnikova

The Russian actress, whose filmography includes more than 40 works, decided to go into politics after the death of her childhood friend under the wheels of the car. The driver, guilty of the accident, managed to leave the country, fleeing justice, and Maria Kozhevnikova seriously thought about what needs to be done to improve life in the country.

In 2011, she became the youth organization "Young Guard of United Russia" and in the same year was elected a deputy of the State Duma of the VI convocation, where she was a member of the Committee on Culture.

Bogdan Stupka

A talented Soviet and Ukrainian actor became the Minister of Culture and Arts of Ukraine in 1999 and held this position for 17 months. During his work in this position, Bogdan Stupka had a very difficult time. He was used to working at full strength and was always indignant, seeing how many officials refused to take responsibility and make decisions. While working as minister, Bogdan Stupka tried to achieve an increase in funding for cultural institutions in the country and opposed the reduction of staff in culture. However, in 2001, unable to withstand the pressure, he left the post of minister and continued to do what he loved.

Cynthia Nixon

"Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon is just beginning her political career. In 2018, the actress nominated herself for the post of Governor of New York, but as a result she lost to the incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo. She was supported by almost 35% of voters, which is a good result for a novice politician.

When the famous Icelandic stand-up comedian Jon Gnarr ran for mayor of Reykjavik in 2009, it was clear to everyone that this was just a performance. Moreover, the comedian's party was called "The Best Party" and its election program included such things as free towels in the pools, Disneyland at the airport and a fundamental failure to fulfill election promises. When Gnarr was elected mayor, it is difficult to say who in Iceland was not surprised. He himself was very surprised.