Most celebrities have a polarising effect on people … you either love them to bits or hate them with a passion. Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Kim K and Kanye West all come to mind. But there are a special group of celebrities that are universally loved, whether by the average teenybopper or the no-nonsense businesswoman. After extensive research (and by that, I mean an informal poll among my friends), I’ve come up with a list of A-list celebs who are loved by all, as well as the secret to their widespread appeal.
1. Hugh Jackman
Jackman with his loving wife
Why Everybody Loves Him: Let’s face it, this guy is a triple threat – he can sing, act and dance, and he does it all beautifully. But away from the glitz of showbiz, Jackman is a devoted husband to his wife of 17 years, Deborra-Lee Furness (with whom he has two adopted children.) In various interviews, he often credits her for his success – she chose to give up her flourishing acting career in Australia so that he could pursue his in Hollywood. In one interview, Jackman said of his wife, “In any marriage, there are good times and bad times. Whatever happens I know we’re going to tackle it together. Truly, she’s the greatest woman I have ever met.” In the oft-messy world of celeb couplings, his enduring love story is something worth admiring.
Takeaway Trait: Remember your roots and never take your loved ones for granted.
2. Natalie Portman
Picture of poised perfection
Why Everybody Loves Her: From the strong-willed Queen Amidala in Star Wars to the troubled ballerina Nina in The Black Swan and even an ass-kicking warrior in the slapstick comedy Your Highness, Portman excels in every role. (If you have trouble picturing the gorgeous Miss Dior doing comedy, check out this hilarious video of her rapping like a true Bronx princess.) On top of being a stellar actress, the Harvard alumnus is also well-known for being extremely hardworking. Portman did so well in her Psychology degree that one of her professors hired her as a research assistant after she graduated! And when she scooped up the “Best Actress” Academy Award for her role in The Black Swan, her former professor was not surprised. He said, “Natalie is a very determined person and capable of focused effort over a sustained period.”
Takeaway Trait: Give your 100 percent in whatever you do.
3. Ellen DeGeneres
Everybody’s favourite funnywoman
Why Everybody Loves Her: Now that Oprah is no longer on air, Ellen reigns on daytime talkshow TV. But even when Oprah was still on, DeGeneres won over viewers with her down-to-earth personality and sense of humour (check out The Ellen Show’s YouTube channel where she pulls pranks on various celebrities like David Beckham and Jennifer Aniston.) Apart from being so relatable, DeGeneres is also admired for her never-say-die attitude. After she came out on her sitcom Ellen, ratings starting spiraling downward and the show was soon cancelled. Despite the major setback, the gutsy comedienne didn’t let it get her down, and burst back into showbiz bigger and better than ever with The Ellen Show.
Takeaway Trait: Never give up, and with time, your tenacity can win over even the most critical of detractors. And even if you don’t, who cares? You’re fabulous in your own right!
4. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leo looking dashing as usual
Why Everybody Loves Him: Ever since he entered public consciousness as the earnest Jack Dawson in 1997′s mega-blockbuster Titanic, we were sold. And when he started actively campaigning against global warming and the culling of sharks, his position as beloved celebrity was sealed. More importantly, Leo doesn’t just talk the talk … being a passionate environmentalist, he drives an electric car and has installed solar panels all over his house. Can the man get any more admirable?
Takeaway Trait: Stay true to your beliefs, and your passion just might win people over to your cause.
5. Jennifer Lawrence
Can we be your friend, Jen?
Why Everybody Loves Her: Put aside her excellent performances in The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook and Lawrence is the girl-next-door that everybody knows and loves. And therein lies her appeal. Unlike other image-conscious celebrities who throw out rehearsed answers in interviews, Lawrence has a great sense of self-deprecating humour. During her infamous tumble at the recent Oscars, the first thing she said when she got onstage was, “I know you’re all standing because you feel bad that I fell, and that’s really embarrassing. But it’s okay … thank you.” Like!!!
Takeaway Trait: Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Which other universally loved celebrities do you think should be included in the list? Tell us in the Comments section below!
