When talking about celebrity activists, you might think it’s just one of the many ways to boost a celebrity’s image. After all, a lot of celebrities have been caught helping the needy only in front of cameras.
Luckily, these five men have proven throughout the years that they are more than just household names. They actually stand for something and have been continuously contributing even amidst backlash or behind the scenes.
Take a look at these five male celebrities and what they’re raising awareness for.
Mark Ruffalo
Mark Ruffalo is a famous actor, most known for his role as the Hulk in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. It takes comfort in knowing he is also a real-life hero, spreading awareness of the world’s current environmental issues with his non-profit organization Water Defense.
Aside from advocating for clean and safe water by performing testing in contaminated areas, this environmental activist has also been very vocal against fracking, helping ban hydraulic fracturing in places such as New York and Colorado.
Riz Ahmed
One of the great actors of our time, the first-ever Muslim nominee for best actor at the Oscars, Riz Ahmed is also an activist. He is known for being vocal about raising funds to help Syrian refugees with the help of the Karam Foundation.
Ahmed’s virtual fundraiser has raised over $170,000 to help the nonprofit organization, delivering educational programs and smart aid to the victims of the unfortunate situation. He has also raised funds and awareness to help the crisis experienced by Rohingya refugees. Ahmed being vocal about his advocacies has influenced his friends and fellow celebrities to stand up for what they believe in and help in all the means they can.
Kal Penn
An actor who is lately known for winning Masterchef Celebrity Showdown, Kal Penn, has donated all his cash prize earnings to UNRWA USA in order to aid Palestinian refugees. After encounters with a racist troll telling him he did not belong in America, the actor used the negative attention to help those in need.
Penn’s virtual fundraised has raised over $860,000. He expresses gratitude amidst the hate he has been getting, claiming, the success of his fundraiser is a “great testament to hope and positivity,” amidst the country’s political environment with numerous threats of supporting un-American policies.
Shawn Mendes
Since 2019, the “Treat You Better” singer has started the Shawn Mendes Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps uplift the youth, their organizations, and their work. The project aims to give direct support to young activists who are lacking in proper resources that may aid their advocacy.
Prior to SMF, Mendes also made contributions to various foundations, working on DoSomething.org and the American Red Cross, which is now a partner of his own organization.
George Clooney
Hollywood actor George Clooney, alongside his wife, Amal, has started the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which aims to aid victims of mass human rights abuses, among many others. One of the many services that they offer is free legal support, making sure the perpetrators are held accountable.
Currently, the Clooneys are investigating the war crimes happening in Ukraine, aiding the people and the resources that seek justice alongside them.
These are just a few of the many celebrities who use their platform to raise awareness for their chosen advocacies. These celebrity advocates may be rich and powerful, but anyone can help like them. All we need is a voice, and the courage to stand up for what we believe in.
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