You’ve scrolled through endless photos of them on the red carpet, watched their Hollywood hits on the big screen and stalked them on every social media platform out there until it becomes borderline creepy. With careers just as dedicated to activism as they are acting, we’ve rounded up a list of five A-list celebrities living their best lives – vegan style.
1. Joaquin Phoenix
This Golden Globe winner gave up meat at the age of 3 after witnessing fish being stunned on a family boat trip. Long-time vegan activist and Hollywood A-lister, Joaquin Phoenix has regularly headlined campaigns and starred in short films for animal rights organisation PETA, all the while supporting Mercy for Animals and In Defence of Animals. Executive producing Netflix documentary, ‘What the Health’ in 2017, the Joker star most recently narrated ‘Dominion’ alongside vegan girlfriend and actress, Rooney Mara – a documentary which investigates the dark side of modern animal farming. Explaining that “It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal” – it seems the perfect man really does exist.
2. Alicia Silverstone
This girl’s not clueless! Vegan since 1998, this 90s icon has long advocated for veganism, releasing plant-based cookbook ‘The Kind Diet’ back in 2009. Following up with vegan lifestyle blog, TheKindLife.com, Silverstone’s website is a resource for anyone wanting to “delve deeper into the world of healthy, green, eco-friendly living”. Collaborating with cruelty-free cosmetics brand Juice Beauty – a favourite of Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow – the Hollywood actress has also launched her own line of eco-friendly makeup and skincare products.
3. Woody Harrelson
A vegan veteran of over 20 years, Woody Harrelson originally gave up dairy to combat a case of lactose intolerance. In an interview with Maxim, the True Detective star revealed all: “I was about 24 years old and I had tons of acne and mucus. I met some random girl on a bus who told me to quit dairy and all those symptoms would go away three days later. By God she was right”. Since then, the Cheers actor has opened up the first organic beer garden in the world – talk about overachieving – and is currently producing vegan documentary ‘Wicked Healthy World’ alongside plant-based chefs Derek and Chad Sarno. No biggie.
4. Jessica Chastain
Golden Globe and Academy Award nominee, Jessica Chastain is one to watch. Recently starring in Fox’s X-men: Dark Phoenix and due to appear in the highly anticipated It sequel, this vegan actress gets through her busy schedule with a little help from a plant-based diet. Explaining to W magazine that before making the switch to veganism she was “really low on energy”, Chastain recalled how giving up meat and dairy gave her “more energy than I’d ever had in my life”. A strong believer in using cruelty-free products, the Interstellar actress regularly uses her social media platforms to promote ethical red-carpet looks, animal rescue centres and wildlife sanctuaries.
5. Benedict Cumberbatch
Last year whilst doing press for Avengers: Endgame, Dr Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch announced his decision to take up a plant-based diet. Named PETA’s ‘Most Beautiful Vegan of 2018’, the Sherlock star has since gone on to promote his new vegan lifestyle, turning his attentions towards cruelty-free fashion. Rocking up to this year’s Met Gala in an all-vegan suit made from bamboo and peace-silk, Cumberbatch certainly made a statement with his cruelty-free costume.
To find out more about how you can make the transition to veganism that little bit easier, head over to our vegan supermarket list to discover where you can buy your plant-based produce.
Article written by Megan Bull
Header Photo Credit : Photo by Nathan DeFiesta on Unsplash
