An advocate is someone who fights for a cause. These six people are well known as some of the top advocates in the entertainment industry and have all worked to support a variety of causes, whether they be for people across the globe or for the environment.
Six Top Advocates in the Entertainment Industry
- Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck is not only one of the top advocates among actors, but is also the founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to help people living the eastern Congo, and it firmly believes that local and community-based approaches are essential to improving the region’s communities and people. The Eastern Congo Initiative has also partnered with Starbucks, Theo Chocolate and Falcon Coffees to support farmers in the region. - George Clooney
George Clooney has been in many notable films such as Ocean’s Eleven, Up in the Air and The Descendants. His advocacy, such as helping the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, finding a resolution for the Darfur conflict, Armenian genocide recognition and aiding 9/11 victims may even be more notable. Clooney has also taken part in documentaries; one in particular, Sand and Sorrow, was created to raise awareness about international crises. - Matt Damon
Matt Damon has acted in movies such as the Jason Bourne series, Good Will Hunting and Interstellar but he also can be considered one of film’s top advocates. In 2013, he was awarded the Environmental Media Award by the Environmental Media Association, and in 2014, he received the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum for all of his work done through Water.org. Water.org was founded by Damon and Gary White, and strives to bring safe water and sanitation to all the people of the world through small and affordable loans. Water.org currently works in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. - Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) in 1998, which has helped 50 countries, donated $80.1 million, funded more than 200 projects and supported 132 organizations. LDF is working to promote the long-term health and well-being of every living being and habitat on Earth, including people, animals, oceans and land. In 2014, DiCaprio was designated as the United Nations Messenger of Peace for Climate Change and received the 2014 Clinton Global Citizen Award. He also is on the board of the World Wildlife Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, Oceans 5 and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. - Elton John
Singer and pianist Elton John is considered one of the top advocates in music. John is also the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which works towards ensuring an AIDS-free future. The primary goal of the foundation is to fight discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS, as well as bringing an end to HIV infections and deaths from AIDS. So far, the foundation has donated more than $118 million and supported 1,409 projects. - Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie is known both for her movies such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Salt and Maleficent and her advocacy work. Jolie was appointed a Special Envoy by UNHCR in 2012; between 2001 and 2012 she was a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR and carried out about 60 field missions during that time. In 2005, she started the National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children, which helps children who are fleeing persecution and coming to the U.S. alone obtain services from lawyers free of charge. In 2013, she also opened an all-girls school in Afghanistan.
All of these people have done outstanding work to advocate for individuals who do not have a voice, as well as for the planet itself. Every step they take is working to end preventable diseases, aiding those in need and helping the Earth as a whole. While only six are listed here, many other people are great advocates that are successfully fighting for people, animals and the environment.
– Amber Duffus
Photo: Flickr