Hollywood Stars Who Supported Third Party Candidates and Later Had Regrets

Political endorsements from major celebrities often sway public opinion and generate significant media attention during election seasons. While many actors stick to the traditional two party system, some choose to throw their weight behind independent or third party candidates to challenge the status quo. These decisions can lead to unforeseen consequences when the final vote tallies are announced and the political climate shifts. Several prominent figures in the entertainment industry have looked back on their unconventional endorsements with a sense of disappointment or a change of heart. Their experiences provide a unique look at the complexities of blending Hollywood influence with the unpredictable nature of American politics.

Bill Maher

Bill Maher famously supported Ralph Nader during the 2000 presidential election as a protest against the two party system. The comedian and actor later expressed deep remorse for this decision following the narrow outcome in Florida and the subsequent start of the Iraq War. Maher used his platform on ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ to issue a formal apology to Al Gore for his previous endorsement. He eventually urged his audience to prioritize strategic voting to prevent similar outcomes in future election cycles. This shift marked a significant change in his political commentary regarding the effectiveness of third party candidates.

Michael Moore

Michael Moore was a vocal advocate for the Green Party and Ralph Nader during the 2000 campaign trail. The filmmaker and actor appeared at numerous rallies to encourage voters to reject the mainstream platforms of the era. He later realized that the split in the progressive vote likely contributed to the victory of George W. Bush. In his documentary ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ and several public appearances he admitted his mistake and begged Nader not to run again in 2004. Moore transitioned to supporting mainstream candidates to ensure that his political goals were met through more viable electoral paths.

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone made headlines when she announced her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 election cycle. The actress known for ‘Clueless’ explained that she was disappointed with the Democratic Party and sought a candidate who aligned with her environmental and health views. Her endorsement became complicated when Kennedy suspended his campaign and threw his support behind Donald Trump. Silverstone expressed her sadness and disillusionment on social media regarding the unexpected conclusion of the campaign. This turn of events left her questioning the impact of her public alignment with the independent movement.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr sought the presidential nomination for the Green Party in 2012 after failing to secure the Peace and Freedom Party nod. The star of the hit sitcom ‘Roseanne’ campaigned on a platform of radical economic reform and social justice. She eventually moved away from her third party roots and became a staunch supporter of the Republican ticket in later years. Barr has frequently criticized her former political affiliations and expressed a complete reversal of her previous ideological stances. This total pivot suggests a rejection of her earlier attempts to influence the political landscape through alternative parties.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen publicly endorsed Jill Stein of the Green Party during the 2016 presidential election as an alternative to the major party candidates. The star of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy believed that the political system required a radical shift toward progressive environmental policies. He eventually reconsidered his stance on third party voting when the 2020 election approached and the political landscape shifted. Mortensen stated that he would vote for the Democratic ticket to ensure a change in leadership and avoid another four years of the previous administration. His choice reflected a pragmatic turn away from his earlier support for non mainstream political organizations.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo supported Ralph Nader and the Green Party during the 2000 presidential campaign as a young actor looking for political alternatives. He later admitted that his support for a third party candidate was a mistake given the narrow margins of that specific election. The star of ‘The Avengers’ has since become a very active supporter of the Democratic Party and has participated in numerous get out the vote efforts for mainstream candidates. He frequently speaks about the importance of strategic voting to prevent the division of the progressive base. Ruffalo now uses his platform to advocate for unity within the established political system to achieve environmental and social goals.

Please share your thoughts on celebrity political influence and the impact of third party endorsements in the comments.