Celebrities tend to get a bad reputation, and I totally understand that. A lot of celebrities enjoy flaunting their life of excess for all to see and don't recognize their privilege properly. But there are several female celebrities that I have come to admire both throughout the years and recently, that I believe make great role models. They are talented, hard-working, and use their celebrity status to bring various issues to light. These are some of the women that I look up to:
1. Viola Davis
I knew I had to put Viola Davis at the top of this list in honor of her recent Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress. She has broken down barriers in the acting industry by being the first African-American actress to win an Emmy, Tony, and Oscar. She also is known for her powerful speeches, which typically advocate more acting roles for women of color.
2. Chrissy Teigen
Some people look at Chrissy Teigen and wonder why she's even famous. My answer to that is just to look at her Twitter feed. She is one of the most real celebrities out there, and she is not afraid to be herself. No matter how glamorous her life gets, Chrissy's unapologetic musings on life remind us that the famous are humans too.
3. Brie Larson
Best known for her Oscar-winning performance in the movie "Room", Brie Larson has used her celebrity status to show her support for ACLU, Planned Parenthood, women in general, and various other causes, and isn't afraid to get political. While most celebrities shy away from voicing their opinion on controversial issues such these, she isn't afraid to be outspoken.
4. Melissa McCarthy
Not only is she the gifted actress and comedian that makes us laugh at the movie theater, but Melissa McCarthy is also a top-notch writer and producer. She also has her own women's clothing collection and has spoken out against body shaming women who are plus-sized.
5. Michelle Obama
I can make the former First Lady count as a celebrity, right? Michelle Obama, in my opinion, will always be the perfect example of a strong woman. Though we know her for being the gracious First Lady and advocate for poverty awareness and living a healthy lifestyle, we can't forget that she also graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
6. Emma Watson
I first knew her as Hermione from the "Harry Potter" movies, but Emma Watson has now transformed into a passionate supporter of women's rights. Known for giving eloquent speeches for the UN, she is dedicated to advocating gender equality and supporting feminism.
7. Ellen DeGeneres
This hilarious host of a popular, long-running talk show is held in high-esteem by many. Ellen DeGeneres has been making other people's lives easier for years now through her kindness and generosity. She is also an amazing advocate for LGBT rights and animal rights. She is definitely an inspiration.
8. Jennifer Lawrence
A talented actress known for her sense of humor, Jennifer Lawrence is very vocal in her opinions regarding the unrealistic standards placed on women and actresses. She also isn't afraid to speak out against the significant wage gap between actors and actresses appearing in the same movies.
9. Beyonce Knowles
There's a reason why so many women - and men - adore Beyonce: she's a strong, powerful, and talented women who is not afraid to flaunt it. She's a passionate feminist and promotes a healthy body image. On top of that, she's a supporter of LGBT community and various other causes.
10. Angelina Jolie
Yes, she was formerly one-half of one of the most famous celebrity couples of all-time. But Angelina Jolie should be recognized for her humanitarian work more than her relationships. She is currently the Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, after being Goodwill Ambassador for over ten years.
11. Shailene Woodley
Even though she has made major strides in both TV and films, Shailene Woodley is more than your typical actress. She's a dedicated environmental activist and is known for being an outspoken protestor against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
12. Oprah Winfrey
It would be impossible to sum up all of Oprah's contributions to society in a brief paragraph. A successful talk show host, actress, and writer, Oprah is known for many accomplishments, and her name is commonly associated with philanthropy. Her positive influence on the world is undeniable.
13. Meryl Streep
One of the most talented actresses out there, Meryl Streep also isn't one to shy away from controversial topics. She also isn't afraid to get political in her speeches. I believe that she is a prime example of a celebrity using their fame and influence for the greater good.
So there you have it. While there are definitely a lot more female celebrities out there that make for amazing role models, as well as male celebrities, of course, these are simply thirteen women that I have looked up to the most throughout the years. In my opinion, these women are using their status to help others and draw awareness to various issues. Because of that, they have my admiration.
