SEATTLE — It is not uncommon for celebrities to invest their time in charitable causes. However, many often question whether their generosity is for the well being of humanity or for their publicity. Nevertheless, despite possible criticism, many celebrities still sacrifice their time and money. With their dedication, they are able to highlight crucial domestic and international social issues, inspiring many of their fans. Here are the top 10 Celebrity Humanitarians.
10. Shakira
Shakira is the first South American artist to have a number one hit song in the U.S. She has won numerous awards throughout her career and has sold over 60 million records worldwide. With all her fame and fortune, Shakira has been able to successfully support countless numbers of charities, including ONE Campaign, ALAS, UNICEF and Habitat For Humanity.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: Shakira Media
9. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is a famous American actor, film director, screenwriter and producer. Despite being busy with his family of five, the star still makes time to support numerous charities and foundations. Affleck has made it a priority to not only attend benefits and donate but to also address Congress in regards to global issues.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: A Cup of Jo
8. Demi Moore
Demi Moore is an American Actress, film producer, film director, songwriter and model. Throughout the years, Moore has supported an endless number of charities and causes, one of which being the Demi and Ashton Foundation (DNA). Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher created the foundation in hopes of raising awareness and eliminating child sex trafficking worldwide.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: E Online
7. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron is a South African and American actress, producer, director and model. She was raised on a small farm in South Africa. Witnessing the need for help in Africa, Theron founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. CTAOP works with community-engaged organizations to help educate and prevent HIV/AIDS. In addition, Theron has also supported 25 charities and 24 different causes.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: dosomething.org
6. Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan’s high-speed action does not stop on set. Chan is a passionate supporter of over hundreds of charities including Operation Smile, UNICEF and his very own Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. Chan not only spends countless hours personally helping others, but he has also been able to raise millions of dollars to help those in need. He is always one of the first celebrities ready to take action after disaster strikes.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: ZIMBIO
5. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie, an Oscar-winning actress and mother of six, has been named one of the “most beautiful women” on Earth. She has been given the label not only for her physical beauty but also for her exquisitely beautiful heart. Jolie has been on countless field missions to some of the most remote countries in the world. She has dedicated a lot time to eradicating extreme poverty, conserving wildlife and protecting natural resources. The actress is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR and a member of the board of advisors for Yéle Haiti Foundation. As for the number of Charities, causes and foundations she’s supported, the list is endless.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: Female First
4. George Clooney
Throughout his career as an American actor, producer, film director and screenwriter, Clooney has received three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards. He also seems to have one of the most charitable hearts in Hollywood. Clooney famously founded Not On Our Watch, an organization to stop the genocide in Sudan. The awarded-winning star has also supported the ONE Campaign, United Way, Oxfam and countless other charities and foundations. He continues to be a huge inspiration to many other Hollywood stars and fans.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: Frost Magazine
3. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey has always been known as one of the most benevolent and giving Hollywood stars. She has taken advantage of her talents as a media proprietor, producer, talk show host, actress and philanthropist to help various charities and organizations. Oprah has also founded quite a few foundations, including the Angel Network and The Oprah Winfrey Foundation. Aside from her own work, Oprah has also volunteered her time and money for many other charities and organizations.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: Missrepresentation
2. Sean Penn
Sean Penn is an American actor, film director, politician and activist. He is well known for his social and left-wing activism. He is most famous for his US$56,000 advertisement in the Washington Post, requesting President Georage W. Bush end a cycle of violence. Penn has also traveled to Louisiana to help Hurricane Katrina victims, as well as to Iraq where he witnessed humanitarian work. Penn continues to dedicate his time to supporting various charities and continuing his activism.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: The New York Times Style Magazine
1. Bono
Nothing stops the Irish star of U2 from fighting poverty and hunger. He works directly with world leaders and policy makers in his mission to eradicate poverty and improve the world’s living conditions. Bono was inspired to become an activist in 1960 after seeing The Secret Policeman’s Ball. Ever since, Bono has been supporting a never-ending list of charities, foundations and causes, while inspiring millions of his fans. No wonder he has been ranked the top celebrity humanitarian.
Source: Look To The Stars
Photo: ZIMBIO
Sources: Listosaur, Matador Network
Photo: Center for Living Peace