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.
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.
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Al Franken
Al Franken spent time as a writer and cast member of "Saturday Night Live" and he appeared in films like "When a Man Loves a Woman" and "Stuart Saves His Family." He is currently serving as a United States Senator for the state of Minnesota.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
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.
Ben Stein
Ben Stein played the teacher in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" that utter the famous line, "Bueller? Bueller?" He also was a speech writer for Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Clint Eastwood
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.
Jesse Ventura
Jesse "The Body" Ventura is well known for his experience with professional wrestling as well as his appearances in films like "Predator" and "The Running Man." He served as the governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003.
John Gavin
John Gavin starred in films such as "Psycho" and "Spartacus." He also served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 1981-1986.
Kal Penn
Kal Penn is best known on screen for his pot-smoking character Kumar in the "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" series. Off screen, he served as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement under Barack Obama.
Ronald Reagan
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.
Shirley Temple
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.
Sonny Bono
Sonny Bono worked on the "Sonny and Cher Show" and appeared in films like "Hairspray" and "Airplane II: The Sequel." He served in the United States House of Representatives for California from 1995 until his untimely death in 1998.