Numerous big-name Hollywood actors have gone vegan or vegetarian. Their commitment usually comes from their participation in film projects that shine a light on animal rights and cruelty. Joaquin Phoenix got a lot of attention back in 2020 when he used his Oscar acceptance speech to call for an immediate ban on dairy farming. Today, he’s still shaking up the industry—this time, as a passionate supporter of animal welfare.
Phoenix collaborated with director Jon Chu on a recent film, further solidifying his commitment to raising awareness about the ethical treatment of animals. Yet his efforts are felt among a vibrant community of like-minded actors. Woody Harrelson, the alpha-vegan of Hollywood and longtime vegan activist, has managed to convert many of his co-stars to a plant-based lifestyle. He credits converting Sadie Sink during the filming of The Glass Castle and Thandiwe Newton while working on Solo: A Star Wars Story. He says he convinced Liam Hemsworth to go vegan on the set of The Hunger Games.
Other actors known for their commitment to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle include Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, and Zendaya. Their decision speaks to a larger shift happening in Hollywood towards ethical eating that respects animal welfare.
James Cromwell, another prominent figure in the vegan movement, recalls a pivotal moment from his work on the 1995 film Babe. He stated, “All the animals I’d worked with that morning were on the table, cut up, fricasseed, roasted and seared. That was when I decided to become a vegan.” His experience with this trauma has taken Cromwell’s activism to new heights, solidifying him as a powerful voice and ally for animal rights.
As recently as last week, actor and musician Jeff Goldblum opened up about how performing in the Wicked movies has completely changed his diet. Even the cruelty to animals themes throughout the series really got to him. “It’s changed me. You know, after doing this movie, we talked about the animal cruelty, I stopped eating meat and poultry,” Goldblum stated. He further emphasized the importance of compassion for all living beings: “We need the world to work for everybody on Earth and every creature, too.”
Animal-rights themes Wicked stars Ariana Grande as Galinda in the Wicked movie adaptations, which touch on themes of animal rights. With the palpable intersection of art and activism, Hollywood is all abuzz. Actors are taking on more accountability, using their platforms to influence and drive change.