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9 Politicians Who Were Celebrities Once, And Somehow Wound Up Running For Office
When the world of celebrity stardom gets boring, some A-listers decide to pursue a higher calling by raising a family or focusing on charity. But, for the extra ambitious among our favorite entertainers, running for office is at the top of their list.
If you're anything like me, the idea of your favorite stars running for office sounds terrifying (Kardashian – West 2016, anyone?) Still, some of these celebs-turned-politicos might surprise you. These stars' careers range from primary nominations to mayorships of small towns to multiple, prestigious presidential appointments. Here are celebrities who have tried their expertly manicured hands at politics — successfully or otherwise...
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Austrian actor and former professional bodybuilder served two terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011.
Ronald Reagan
The 40th president of the United States and 33rd Governor of California initially began his career as a movie and television actor in 1937.
Clay Aiken
American Idol 2003 runner-up Clay Aiken was the 2014 Democratic nominee in the North Carolina 2nd congressional district election. If he was invisible, he would have recounted those votes.
Clint Eastwood
Though his political career was short, director and actor Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel, California from 1986-1988.
Sonny Bono
Most famous for being Cher’s counterpart, Sonny Bono served as mayor of Palm Springs, California from 1988 to 1992, and congressman for California’s 44th district from 1994 until his death in a skiing accident while still in office.
Jerry Springer
Famous talk show host Jerry Springer served as the Democratic major of Cincinnati, OH from 1977-1978. He also attempted to run for Governor.
Shirley Temple
Considered the most famous child actor of all time, Shirley Temple also had an exciting political career. She was appointed Representative to the 24th United Nations General Assembly by President Richard Nixon in 1969, US Ambassador to Ghana by President Ford in 1976, first female Chief of Protocol of the United States in 1976, and US Ambassador to Czechoslovakia by President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1992.
Jesse Ventura
The former pro-wrestler served as governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003, and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota from 1991-1994.
Image: Wikipedia Commons
Angelina Jolie
Well, OK. This one is wishful thinking, up there with the George Clooney 2020 campaign we’re crossing our fingers for. But Angelina has said she’d consider running for office, so maybe soon we’ll be preparing for a Clooney vs. Jolie showdown.
