Those that made their name on the big or small screen have occasionally made the decision to swap the red carpets of Hollywood for the Washington D.C. halls of power. Ronald Reagan was a radio announcer who became a famous Hollywood actor due to his starring role in Knute Rockne: All-American (1940) and then progressed in politics as California governor before going on to take the role of the U.S. President.
The 2003 California gubernatorial recall election resulted in incumbent Democratic Governor Gray Davis being replaced by former bodybuilder and action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Finally, Donald Trump’s transition from media personality, famous for The Apprentice and professional wrestling appearances, to 45th president of the United States is still fresh in the memory and an indication that a future president may, once again, be another A-lister.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
So many people have been calling for Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to run for president that he’s had to respond with an official statement. Excitingly, he hasn’t ruled out a run for the White House. There’s clearly a lot of support from fans and bookmakers too, as politics betting markets have him priced at 33/1, at the time of writing.
There’s little doubt that he could win, but could he win standing as an independent or by forming a new third party?
Intense week of production on BLACK ADAM⚡️ Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of playing some great (fun) characters, but none speak to my DNA more than this antihero known as the man in black, Teth Adam. Rage against the dying of the light. #BlackAdam⚡️ October 21 🌍 pic.twitter.com/HwK2fXlkcv — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 9, 2022
Oprah Winfrey
After her inspiring 2018 speech at the Golden Globes, there was a great deal of noise about a possible presidential run in 2020. The media mogul ruled out making a run at the time, but the rumble of President Oprah Winfrey continues.
Possibly the fact that she doesn’t want to be nominated or serve as president has made her a more desirable candidate as people recollect the Plato quote “Those who seek power are not worthy of that power.” As a trusted source of information and North America’s first black multi-billionaire, she is currently also priced at odds of 33/1 to be the next POTUS, but these odds seem to be based on people’s hopes rather than any actual movement towards taking the Oval Office.
What if I told you the biggest indicator of how long you’re going to live is your zip code? #TheColorOfCare chronicles how people of color suffer from systemically substandard healthcare in the United States and how COVID-19 exposed the tragic consequences of these inequities. pic.twitter.com/uDe64Z8HvW — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 30, 2022
Kanye West
Many might have forgotten that Kanye West made a late bid to become president during the 2020 race. He seems set to make another attempt and is apparently seeking Kardashian support for 2024, though the prospects aren’t looking good, especially as his previous attempt floundered and he eventually secured fewer than 60,000 votes. His unsuccessful run and lack of support see him presently on odds of 50/1 and very much an outsider to be the next celebrity president.
Celebrities are a step ahead of other contenders due to voter recognition: while these three celebs might remain outsiders to win the race in 2024, we know that stranger things have happened in the past…