Celebs Who Switched to Right-Wing Views After Liberal Fame

Many public figures undergo significant personal and political transformations throughout their careers in the spotlight. While Hollywood is often associated with progressive values, numerous celebrities have shifted from liberal or centrist backgrounds to embrace conservative ideologies. Some of these transitions occurred gradually over decades, while others were sparked by specific cultural moments or policy disagreements. This list explores the actors, musicians, and personalities who famously moved across the political spectrum later in life.

Ronald Reagan

Before becoming the 40th President of the United States, Reagan was a Hollywood actor and a registered Democrat. He served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild, where he initially worked to protect labor rights within the industry. His political views began to shift during the 1950s as he became a corporate spokesman for General Electric and grew concerned about communism. By 1962, he formally switched to the Republican Party, famously stating that he did not leave the Democratic Party, but rather the party left him.

Charlton Heston

Best known for his roles in ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘Ben-Hur’, Heston was originally a committed Democrat who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. He supported Democratic presidential candidates like Adlai Stevenson and John F. Kennedy in his earlier years. However, his views became increasingly conservative during the 1980s, eventually leading him to support Ronald Reagan and the Republican platform. Heston later served as the president of the National Rifle Association, becoming a prominent face of gun rights advocacy.

Frank Sinatra

The legendary crooner was a fervent supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and campaigned for Democrats throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Sinatra actively fought against racial intolerance and supported John F. Kennedy’s presidential bid in 1960. His political allegiance shifted in the 1970s, largely due to his disillusionment with the Democratic Party’s direction and his friendship with Spiro Agnew. By 1980, Sinatra was vigorously campaigning for his friend Ronald Reagan, cementing his transition to the right.

Elon Musk

The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was widely perceived as a moderate liberal or centrist for much of his career, famously voting for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. He championed environmental causes through electric vehicles and expressed concerns about climate change, aligning him with progressive priorities. In recent years, Musk became a vocal critic of “woke” culture and Democratic policies: specifically regarding free speech and government regulation. His purchase of Twitter and subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump marked a complete public pivot to the right.

Joe Rogan

Comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan spent years identifying as a liberal, endorsing Bernie Sanders during the 2020 Democratic primaries. He frequently advocated for universal healthcare and drug legalization on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’. However, his skepticism regarding COVID-19 mandates and his critiques of cancel culture moved him closer to conservative circles. This shift culminated in his formal endorsement of Donald Trump on the eve of the 2024 presidential election.

Russell Brand

British comedian and actor Russell Brand rose to fame as a hedonistic, anti-establishment leftist who advocated for socialist revolution and wealth redistribution. He authored books attacking capitalism and urged his followers not to vote, positioning himself as a radical progressive. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Brand began focusing on government overreach, pharmaceutical skepticism, and censorship: topics that attracted a massive conservative audience. His recent baptism and alignment with figures like Tucker Carlson indicate a spiritual and political migration to the right.

Roseanne Barr

During the original run of her sitcom ‘Roseanne’, Barr was a feminist icon who later sought the Green Party presidential nomination in 2012. Her politics were firmly anti-war and socialist, often criticizing the two-party system from the left. Over the last decade, her views transformed radically as she became a fervent supporter of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Her social media presence now focuses almost exclusively on conservative conspiracy theories and nationalist rhetoric.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Scion of the ultimate Democratic political dynasty, RFK Jr. spent decades as a celebrated environmental lawyer fighting corporate polluters. While always an outsider on certain issues, he remained within the liberal fold until his stance on vaccines alienated him from the mainstream Democratic Party. His 2024 presidential run began as a challenge to Joe Biden but ended with him suspending his campaign to join Donald Trump’s transition team. He now champions a “Make America Healthy Again” platform within the Republican coalition.

Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard served as a Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii and was a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. She ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, campaigning on an anti-interventionist foreign policy platform that appealed to some progressives. After leaving Congress, she became increasingly critical of the “elitist cabal of warmongers” she claimed controlled the Democratic Party. In 2022, she announced her departure from the party and later formally joined the Republican Party, campaigning for Donald Trump.

Jon Voight

Academy Award winner Jon Voight starred in counterculture classics like ‘Midnight Cowboy’ and ‘Coming Home’, the latter of which was a protest against the Vietnam War. In his younger years, he aligned with the liberal activism of the New Hollywood era. However, Voight experienced a political awakening in his later years, becoming one of Hollywood’s most outspoken conservatives. He frequently releases videos praising Donald Trump and warning that the country is in peril under Democratic leadership.

James Woods

Acclaimed for his roles in ‘Casino’ and ‘Videodrome’, James Woods was a registered Democrat for much of his life. He has stated that he was a liberal until the impeachment of Bill Clinton, which he cited as a turning point in his political thinking. Woods eventually became a prolific conservative voice on Twitter, known for his acerbic takedowns of progressive politicians. He remains one of the few actors who openly sacrifices career opportunities to express his hard-right viewpoints.

Dennis Miller

Starting his career as a sarcastic anchor on ‘Saturday Night Live’ Weekend Update, Miller was generally seen as a hip, cynical centrist who mocked everyone. His political commentary shifted noticeably after the September 11 attacks, leading him to support the invasion of Iraq and the policies of George W. Bush. He eventually became a regular commentator on Fox News, where his intricate references served conservative talking points. Miller now identifies as a conservative libertarian.

Rob Schneider

Former ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast member Rob Schneider was a lifelong Democrat who once supported Obama. His move to the right began with his advocacy against vaccine mandates in California, a stance that alienated him from Hollywood liberals. He has since become a vocal critic of woke ideology, transgender rights activism, and the Biden administration. Schneider has stated he would sacrifice his career for his children’s freedom, fully embracing conservative politics.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash became a pop culture icon as Dionne in the 1995 hit movie ‘Clueless’, and she voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 election. Four years later, she shocked fans by tweeting her support for Mitt Romney, citing disappointment with the Obama administration. This sparked a transition that saw her become a contributor for Fox News, where she expressed controversial views on race and politics. Although she has occasionally walked back some rhetoric, her shift from Hollywood liberal to conservative pundit was stark.

Zachary Levi

The star of ‘Shazam!’ and ‘Chuck’ was generally viewed as apolitical or moderate within the Hollywood ecosystem. In 2024, Levi publicly endorsed Donald Trump, stating that his decision was driven by a belief that the former president was the best option to dismantle the “swamp.” He admitted that this endorsement might constitute “career suicide” in the entertainment industry. Levi’s pivot came after he initially supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following him into the Trump coalition.

Amber Rose

Model and activist Amber Rose gained fame for organizing the “SlutWalk,” a feminist protest movement against victim-blaming and rape culture. For years, she was associated with progressive social causes and anti-Trump sentiment. In a surprising turn in 2024, she appeared as a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention to endorse Donald Trump. She cited high grocery prices and safety concerns as the practical reasons for her dramatic political conversion.

M.I.A.

British rapper M.I.A., known for her hit ‘Paper Planes’, built her brand on advocating for refugees and criticizing Western imperialism from a leftist perspective. In recent years, she has pivoted toward conservative Christianity and anti-vaccine rhetoric. She launched a clothing line called “OHMNI” aimed at protecting people from electromagnetic waves and has aligned herself with right-wing conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones. Her social media now frequently attacks liberals and globalist institutions.

Dave Rubin

Dave Rubin began his career as a comedian and a host on ‘The Young Turks’, a prominent progressive news network. He gradually became disillusioned with what he termed the “regressive left,” arguing that liberals had abandoned free speech principles. He launched ‘The Rubin Report’, which evolved into a platform for conservative and libertarian thinkers. Rubin is now a headline speaker at conservative conferences and a fierce critic of the Democratic Party.

Victoria Jackson

Another ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum, Victoria Jackson was known for her quirky ukulele performances in the late 80s and early 90s. Following her time on the show, she underwent a profound religious and political transformation. By the Obama era, she had emerged as a vocal member of the Tea Party movement, claiming the president was a communist. She has since dedicated her platform to Christian conservatism and right-wing activism.

John Lydon

As “Johnny Rotten,” the frontman of the Sex Pistols, John Lydon was the face of anti-establishment anarchy in the UK. His punk ethos was originally interpreted as left-wing rebellion against the monarchy and traditional social order. However, Lydon later expressed support for Brexit and endorsed Donald Trump, viewing him as the ultimate non-politician and disruptor. He argued that the modern left had become the new dogmatic establishment that needed to be challenged.

Morrissey

The lead singer of The Smiths was once a hero of the vegetarian, anti-Thatcher left in Britain. His lyrics often dealt with alienation and criticized the ruling class, endearing him to alternative, progressive subcultures. In recent years, Morrissey has expressed support for far-right political parties in the UK, such as For Britain. His comments on immigration and national identity have alienated many of his original fans while attracting support from the nationalist right.

Dean Cain

Best known for playing Superman in ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’, Dean Cain was once comfortable in the generally liberal environment of 90s television. Over time, he became a stalwart defender of conservative values and a regular guest on Fox News. He has been particularly vocal in his criticism of “woke” comic book writing that changes the identity of classic heroes. Cain served as a reserve police officer and frequently advocates for law enforcement support.

Kevin Sorbo

The star of ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’ claims that his conservative Christian views caused him to be blacklisted by mainstream Hollywood. While he worked steadily in the 90s, his career later pivoted to starring in and producing faith-based films like ‘God’s Not Dead’. Sorbo uses his social media platforms to constantly mock liberals and support the MAGA movement. He has become a fixture on the conservative speaking circuit.

Drea de Matteo

Emmy-winning actress Drea de Matteo, famous for her role as Adriana in ‘The Sopranos’, was a lifelong liberal who felt abandoned by the party due to COVID-19 mandates. She refused to comply with vaccine requirements on sets, which she says cost her acting jobs and forced her to change her career path. This experience led her to launch an OnlyFans account for financial independence and to publicly support Donald Trump. She now speaks out against corporate pharmaceutical influence in politics.

Adam Carolla

Comedian Adam Carolla, co-host of ‘The Man Show’ and ‘Loveline’, was not always explicitly political but operated within the standard liberal comedy scene. As his podcasting empire grew, he began expressing increasingly libertarian and conservative viewpoints regarding taxation, regulation, and personal responsibility. He testified before Congress on free speech on college campuses, aligning himself with conservative concerns about censorship. Carolla now frequently criticizes California’s Democratic leadership and progressive social engineering.

Stephen Baldwin

The youngest of the Baldwin brothers, Stephen started his career in films like ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Bio-Dome’. Following the September 11 attacks, he experienced a religious conversion to evangelical Christianity which shifted his politics rightward. He became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, often clashing with his passionately liberal brother, Alec Baldwin. Stephen’s advocacy now focuses largely on faith-based initiatives and conservative politics.

Isaiah Washington

Known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, Isaiah Washington was a Democrat for years before publicly leaving the party. In 2019, he founded the #WalkAway movement’s entertainment wing, urging African Americans to reconsider their loyalty to the Democratic Party. He criticized the party for failing to address the needs of the black community despite decades of support. Washington has since expressed support for Trump and conservative policies.

Kristy Swanson

The original star of the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ film has become one of the most outspoken female conservatives in the industry. Swanson frequently engages in political debates on social media, defending Donald Trump and criticizing Democratic officials. She claims that being a conservative in Hollywood is like being in a “closet” due to the fear of professional retaliation. She has participated in various conservative stage productions and events.

Jim Breuer

Jim Breuer rose to fame as “Goat Boy” on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and as a stoner icon in the film ‘Half Baked’. In recent years, his stand-up comedy has pivoted to focus heavily on anti-mandate material and criticism of the media narrative around COVID-19. He has stated that he is no longer interested in appealing to the mainstream industry and prefers to perform for audiences that value freedom. Breuer’s tour dates are now popular stops for conservative-leaning crowds.

John Dolmayan

As the drummer for System of a Down, John Dolmayan plays in a band famous for its leftist, anti-war lyrics written by frontman Serj Tankian. Despite this, Dolmayan has emerged as a staunch conservative who called Donald Trump the “greatest friend to minorities.” He frequently engages in public, albeit respectful, disagreements with his bandmates regarding American politics. His Instagram feed is a regular source of right-wing commentary and criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Sammy Davis Jr.

A member of the Rat Pack and a trailblazer for black entertainers, Sammy Davis Jr. was a lifelong Democrat who supported the Civil Rights movement. However, his support for Richard Nixon in the early 1970s shocked many of his fans and colleagues. Davis famously hugged Nixon at a gala, an image that caused a backlash in the black community at the time. He felt Nixon was unfairly treated and appreciated the President’s policies, marking a significant break from his previous political alliances.

Sonny Bono

Sonny Bono gained worldwide fame as the hippie counterculture partner of Cher in the 1960s duo Sonny & Cher. After his music and television career waned, he entered politics not as a liberal, but as a conservative Republican. He was elected Mayor of Palm Springs and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bono became a respected lawmaker who advocated for copyright extension and environmental restoration from a conservative perspective.

Van Morrison

The Northern Irish singer-songwriter behind ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ was never overtly political but was generally associated with the artistic counterculture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morrison released several protest songs attacking lockdowns and claiming the government was enslaving the population. His rhetoric aligned him with right-wing libertarian movements challenging state authority. This stance led to a public feud with the Northern Ireland health minister and a shift in his public perception.

Meat Loaf

The ‘Bat Out of Hell’ singer performed at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration, signaling his initial support for the Democratic establishment. However, his politics shifted later in life, and he endorsed Mitt Romney in 2012, singing ‘America the Beautiful’ at a campaign rally. Meat Loaf expressed distrust of climate change activist Greta Thunberg and aligned himself with conservative viewpoints before his passing. He stated that he had never really fit in with the typical political mold of the rock world.

Jessica Sutta

As a member of the Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Sutta was part of a pop group that championed female empowerment and generally liberal social values. Following a severe adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, she became an activist for the vaccine-injured community. This advocacy led her to appear on conservative platforms and podcasts to share her story, as she felt ignored by the mainstream media. Her focus has shifted toward challenging pharmaceutical companies and government health narratives.

Vincent Gallo

Indie film darling Vincent Gallo, known for ‘Buffalo ’66’, was a staple of the New York art scene, which is overwhelmingly left-leaning. Gallo eventually came out as a staunch conservative, selling merchandise on his website that attacked Democratic leaders and supported Donald Trump. He has stated that he enjoys being an antagonist to the liberal arts community. Gallo considers his conservative views to be the ultimate form of punk rock rebellion in a conformist industry.

Please share your thoughts on these political shifts in the comments.