12 American Actors Turned Politicians

Actor, Kings Row“ Actor, President of SAG (1947, 1959), Governor of California (1967-1975),President of USA (1981-1989 had run unsuccessfully in 1968 and 1976) Republican ”

Ronald Reagan

Actor, The Terminator“ Actor, Governor of California (2003-2011) Republican ”

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Actor, Predator“ Pro-Wrestler, Actor, Mayor of Brooklyn Park (1991-1994), then Governor of Minnesota (1999-2003). May be Considering a 2016 Presidential run. (formerly Reform; currently Independence Party of Minnesota) ”

Jesse Ventura

Actor, Million Dollar Baby“ Served as Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (1986-1988) Republican, but describes himself as libertarian ”

Clint Eastwood

Self, Jerry Springer“ Was mayor of Cinncinati (1977-1978). Democrat ”

Jerry Springer

Writer, When a Man Loves a Woman“ Actor, Writer, Senator from Minnesota (2009-) Democrat ”

Al Franken

Soundtrack, The Great Gatsby“ Singer, Actor, Mayor of Palm Springs (1988-1992),Congressman from California (1995-1998). Republican ”

Sonny Bono

Actor, Sinister“ Actor, lawyer, Senator from Tennessee (1994-2003), ran for President (2008). Republican ”

Fred Dalton Thompson

Actor, Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay“Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement for the Barack Obama administration (2009- ) Democrat ”

Kal Penn

Actor, The Scarlet Empress“ Served as US Ambassador (various posts from 1955-1985), US House Member (1947-1951) and Governor of Connecticut (1951-1955). Republican ”

John Lodge

Actress, The Little Princess“ Child star, Ambassador (U.S. diplomat; Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, Chief of Protocol of the United States various posts from 1974-1992). Republican ”

Shirley Temple Black

Actor, This Is the Army“ Was a US Senator from California (1965-1971). Republican ”

George Murphy