Hollywood's Most Influential Actors
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The stars on Forbes' list of the most influential actors have proved that, in addition to paparazzi flashbulbs and hefty paychecks, fame breeds power. To determine which actors made the cut, Forbes reached out to E-Poll Market Research, which provides over 45 appeal rankings for more than 4,500 celebrities. Click forward to see if your favorite actor is on the list.
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First Up: Denzel Washington -
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No. 1: Denzel Washington
Influential Score*: 40%
The Academy Award-winning actor has lent skill, credibility and gravitas to the manyroles he's tackled. Off camera, he has funneled some of his fame and fortune into charitable causes and foundations, including the Boys' and Girls' Club of America, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Save Africa's Children.
*Source: E-Poll Market Research, which provides over 45 appeal rankings for more than 3,000 celebrities.
More on Denzel Washington
Next: Tom Hanks -
Aynsley Floyd, AP
No. 2: Tom Hanks
Influential Score: 37%
Over the course of his lengthy and high-profile career, Hanks has proved his power both in front of and behind the camera. Whether he's playing a homosexual AIDS victim in the 1993 tearjerker Philadelphia, a slow-talking Southerner in the 1994 hit Forrest Gump or a heroic captain in Saving Private Ryan, the Academy Award-winning actor has long captured the hearts of -- and thus power over -- his audience.
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Next: George Clooney -
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No. 3: George Clooney
Influential Score: 34%
When the Hollywood heartthrob isn't gracing big screens and tabloid spreads, he's busy flexing his activist muscles. In recent years, Clooney's efforts have been largely focused on the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region. In 2006, he traveled to Darfur with his father, a journalist, to secretly document the genocide.
More on George Clooney
Next: Will Smith -
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No. 4: Will Smith
Influential Score: 33%
Smith has made some of the most successful films in history, but he also finds time to give back. Off-screen, he and his wife Jada have devoted much money and time to the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, an organization focused on inner-city community development, youth educational projects and underprivileged children and their families.
More on Will Smith
Next: Morgan Freeman -
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No. 5: Morgan Freeman
Influential Score: 33%
The Academy Award-winning actor serves up an authoritative voice, a reserved demeanor and plenty of gravitas that he lends to his many silver-screen credits. Off set, Freeman has offered that same sort of passion to causes like environmental and disaster relief.
More on Morgan Freeman
See All 10 Influential Actors
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Recent Comments
Tenischica3 05:51:30 PM Nov 07 2008
great list, many of these actors are favorites of mine. but.....will smith is my favorite actor of all, he always does an amzing job, and he and his son did a FANTASTIC job in "The Pursuit of Happiness." love 'em
NJgirlxxxx 05:05:05 PM Nov 07 2008
I'm just glad they are all going to pay us back for making them rich.
mogson2 04:36:49 PM Nov 07 2008
CHADCLAY720,ur so racist nd Dtn83 ur soooo right.......will smith is da best actor of da year
DaysFan79 04:34:29 PM Nov 07 2008
kkssunny, the majority of Wil Smith films have all been action, sci-fi, comedy types. Men in Black, Wild Wild West, IRobot, I Am Legend, Hancock, Independence Day, etc. None are great, emotional or all that meaningful on a film level. They are just forgetable Hollywood Blockbusters meant to entertain at best. He may be smart with sticking with these kind because they work for him and make money but unfortunately, there is no accounting for taste here. Also, George Clooney? I don't get it. Why is he influential? His films don't make much money (except maybe the all-star ensemble Ocean films), and he is the most overrated actor in the business. His looks are the sole reason he got to where he is. Not very influential unless you are a vain person. I agree with all the rest though. Morgan, Denzel and Tom are all great! Would have liked to see Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford on here as opposed to Wil and George. My favorite modern actresses are easily Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver, Jodie
Dtn83 03:56:09 PM Nov 07 2008
Lampbat- knock if off one has nothing to do with the other. So perhaps if McCain would have won and George Clooney was named most powerful actor if would be okay. Whenver black people are giving credit that they earn it becomes a problem for people, stop being racist. Build and bridge and get over it!
kkssunny 03:49:37 PM Nov 07 2008
will smith is definitely one of the greatest actors, but also most influential. He makes smart choices and that's how he got here today.
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