Throughout history there have been inluencial vegans and vegetarians. Luminaries from varied spheres – be it the arts, sciences, sports, or politics – have opted for a diet free from animal products. Some made this choice driven by compassion for animals, some for health benefits, while others were inspired by environmental concerns.
From ancient thinkers like Pythagoras, who believed in the sanctity of all living beings, to contemporary icons like Joaquin Phoenix, who utilize their platforms to advocate for animal rights, the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle has been embraced by many of history’s most influential figures.
In this article, we delve into a curated list of 50 famous individuals, spanning centuries and continents, who have chosen a life fuelled by plants.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey or simply curious about plant-based living, these stories offer a testament to the enduring appeal and impact of a diet that honours all forms of life.
- Paul McCartney – The former Beatle has been a long-time advocate for vegetarianism and animal rights.
- Joaquin Phoenix – The Oscar-winning actor is a dedicated vegan and often speaks out about animal rights.
- Natalie Portman – Actress and filmmaker who turned vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Eating Animals.” She also produced a documentary of the same name.
- Woody Harrelson – Long-time vegan, the actor often credits his energy and youthful appearance to his diet and lifestyle.
- Peter Dinklage – The “Game of Thrones” star is a committed vegan and animal rights advocate.
- Alicia Silverstone – Actress and author who has been a vegan for years, promoting the lifestyle through her book “The Kind Diet.”
- Ellen DeGeneres – Talk show host who has spoken frequently about her vegan lifestyle, although there have been reports that she might have reintroduced fish into her diet.
- Miley Cyrus – Singer and actress who has been open about her vegan lifestyle, although she mentioned reintroducing fish into her diet for health reasons.
- Liam Hemsworth – Actor who has been vegan for several years and often speaks about the health benefits he’s experienced.
- Jared Leto – Oscar-winning actor and lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars, Leto has credited veganism for his youthful looks.
- Jessica Chastain – Acclaimed actress and producer who’s been a vegan for over a decade, often highlighting the health benefits and ethical reasons.
- Leo Tolstoy – The Russian author of “War and Peace” advocated for vegetarianism later in his life due to ethical and spiritual reasons.
- George Bernard Shaw – Playwright and critic, Shaw was a vegetarian and often wrote about the ethical implications of eating meat.
- Morrissey – The former Smiths frontman is known for his outspoken vegan views and has integrated them into his music.
- Alanis Morissette – Singer-songwriter who adopted a vegan diet for health and wellness reasons.
- Venus & Serena Williams – Tennis champions who have adopted plant-based diets. While they’ve been mostly vegan, it’s worth noting that their diets can vary, especially during tennis seasons.
- Thandie Newton – Actress who transitioned to veganism and has spoken about its health benefits.
- Ariana Grande – Pop superstar who has been a vegan for several years, often citing love for animals as her primary reason.
- Kat Von D – Tattoo artist and entrepreneur, she’s been a vocal advocate for veganism and cruelty-free products.
- Steve-O – Comedian and stunt performer who became a vegan out of concern for animal rights.
- Bill Clinton – The former U.S. president adopted a mostly vegan diet post-presidency for health reasons but has sometimes included fish.
- Pythagoras – Ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher believed to have advocated for and practiced vegetarianism, possibly one of the earliest documented vegetarians.
- Gwyneth Paltrow – Actress and businesswoman known for her lifestyle brand Goop. While she’s often associated with health and wellness trends, she isn’t strictly vegan but has promoted plant-based recipes.
- Casey Affleck – Oscar-winning actor who has been vegan for many years and is an advocate for animal rights.
- Moby – Musician and DJ who has been a long-time vegan and animal rights advocate, even opening a vegan restaurant in Los Angeles.
- Leonardo da Vinci – Often regarded as one of history’s greatest polymaths, da Vinci’s writings suggest he had a deep compassion for animals, leading many historians to believe he followed a vegetarian diet.
- Bryan Adams – Rock musician who has been vegan for decades, attributing his health and youthful looks to his diet.
- Stella McCartney – Fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney, she’s known for her cruelty-free and sustainable fashion line.
- Tobey Maguire – Actor best known for his role as Spider-Man, he’s been a vegan for many years and often speaks about animal rights.
- Rooney Mara – Actress who transitioned to veganism and has since been an advocate for animal rights.
- Sia – The singer-songwriter adopted a vegan lifestyle out of concern for animals.
- Grace Slick – Former lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, she’s been a vegetarian for years and an advocate for animal rights.
- Belinda Carlisle – The lead singer of The Go-Go’s has been a vegan for many years and often speaks out about the health benefits.
- Erykah Badu – Singer-songwriter known for her unique voice, she’s been vegan for many years and has spoken about its health benefits.
- James Cameron – Film director and deep-sea explorer, he transitioned to a vegan diet out of environmental concerns.
- Mayim Bialik – Actress and neuroscientist, best known for her role in “The Big Bang Theory,” she’s been a vegan for years and authored a plant-based cookbook.
- Travis Barker – Drummer for the band Blink-182, he turned vegan following health issues and has since been an advocate for the lifestyle.
- Al Gore – The former U.S. vice president and environmentalist has reduced his meat consumption significantly due to environmental concerns, although he’s not strictly vegan.
- Ruby Rose – Actress and model, she’s been a vegan for years and often speaks about the ethical treatment of animals.
- Ellie Goulding – Singer-songwriter who adopted a vegan diet, often discussing its benefits in interviews.
- Lewis Hamilton – Formula 1 champion who transitioned to a vegan diet and has become an advocate for the environment and animal welfare.
- Ziggy Marley – Musician and son of Bob Marley, he’s been a long-time advocate for veganism and the Rastafarian ital diet.
- Olivia Wilde – Actress and filmmaker, she’s been a vegetarian for years and transitioned to veganism, although she has varied her diet based on her health needs.
- Kevin Smith – Filmmaker who became vegan after a significant health scare, crediting the diet with helping improve his health.
- Evanna Lynch – Actress best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the “Harry Potter” series, she’s been a vegan for years and hosts a podcast dedicated to veganism.
- Daryl Hannah – Actress and environmental activist, she’s been a long-time vegan, advocating for both animal rights and sustainability.
- Forest Whitaker – Oscar-winning actor who adopted a vegan diet, often discussing the positive impacts on his health.
- Corey Booker – U.S. Senator who’s been a vegan for years, often speaking about the ethical, environmental, and health reasons for his choice.
- Alec Baldwin – Actor who became more plant-focused in his diet for health reasons and has advocated for animal rights.
- Albert Einstein – The famed theoretical physicist, known best for his theory of relativity, embraced a vegetarian lifestyle in his later years, often discussing the ethical and health benefits of such a diet.
Of course there are many more but this is just the beginning. Who’s you’re favourite plant-based celebrity?
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