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Even famous people break the law. Many celebrities have gone to prison over the years, including comedian Tim Allen and domestic guru Martha Stewart. A good chunk of these stars committed minor offenses involving DUI charges or financial crimes. They typically serve rather short sentences and are often (but not always) able to pick up their lives where they left off. Society can be very forgiving when it comes to those who do their time and repent for their crimes.

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Then there are the celebrities whose criminal activities are on an entirely different level, necessitating several years in prison. They’ve committed crimes that are so bad, it’s next to impossible for fans to forget what they did. The men and women in this list have been involved in sex crimes, trafficked huge amounts of drugs, and even committed murder. Some admitted that they broke the law, while others continue to maintain their innocence. Either way, they’re stuck behind bars for a very long time.

It’s unclear what they will do when they’re released from prison. Some may die while serving out their sentences, while others may disappear from public scrutiny. Regardless, their legacies are forever linked to their poor judgment.

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The following article mentions domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault.

Every actor plants their roots somewhere, from commercials and music videos to community theater and the inevitable rite of passage: Law & Order . But — as this year’s SAG Awards ‘ “Soap Starts” montage reminded us — plenty of Hollywood’s biggest names cut their teeth in the frothy world of soap operas . Some passed through in a brief stint, others fine-tuned their acting skills across hundreds of episodes, and a select few even took home a Daytime Emmy (or a few). See which stars stirred up the pot on daytime TV before making it big.

Elizabeth Banks, All My Children Elizabeth Banks; Inset: Elizabeth Banks on ‘All My Children’. Donato Sardella/Getty Images; Inset: ABC In his very first episode of All My Children (1970–2013), Josh Duhamel charms a waitress into paying for his meal — and that waitress is none other than Elizabeth Banks. When the episode aired in 1999, Banks was just getting started as an actress. Her character only appeared in one scene. Lucky for us, we’d get many more opportunities to see Banks on shows like Scrubs and Modern Family, and on the big screen in The Hunger Games (2012–2015) and Pitch Perfect (2012, 2015, 2017) franchises. —Dylan Kickham

Kathy Bates, The Doctors Kathy Bates; Inset: Kathy Bates on ‘The Doctors’. Amy Sussman/Getty Images; Inset: ABC Before she earned 14 Emmy nominations (and two wins), nine Golden Globe nominations (and two wins), and four Academy Award nods (and one win), Kathy Bates landed her first taste of Hollywood with a four-episode arc on The Doctors (1963–1982). Bates played Phyllis Gillette, a role so small that two of her appearances were uncredited. Don’t worry, Bates did okay after that, going on to star in classic films like Misery (1990) and Titanic (1997). —Matt Sulem

Justin Hartley, Passions Justin Hartley; Inset: Justin Hartley on ‘Passions’. Maarten de Boer/NBC/NBC via Getty Images; Inset: NBC He would eventually hit it big in prime time as one of This Is Us’ Big Three, but Justin Hartley picked up his first onscreen acting credit with a main role on Passions (1999–2008), playing Nicholas Foxworth “Fox” Crane from 2002 to 2006. —Mary Sollosi

Amber Tamblyn, General Hospital Amber Tamblyn; Inset: Amber Tamblyn on ‘General Hospital’. David Livingston/Getty Images; Inset: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images The Joan of Arcadia star and two-time sister of the Traveling Pants, Amber Tamblyn, kicked off her career on General Hospital (1963–present) — where she originated the role of Emily Quartermaine, which she held from 1995 to 2001. —M. Sollosi

Shemar Moore, The Young and the Restless Shemar Moore; Inset: Shemar Moore on ‘The Young and the Restless’. Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Inset: Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images Criminal Minds and S.W.A.T. star Shemar Moore kicked off his TV career starring as Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless from 1994 to 2005 (with a hiatus from 2002 to 2004). He earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for the role, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000. He returned to the soap — which has been airing since 1973 — multiple times since: once in 2014 for a guest appearance; again in 2019 to honor cast member Kristoff St. John (who died that same year); and in 2023 to attend a fictional gala in honor of St. John’s character, Neil. —M. Sollosi

Laurence Fishburne, One Life to Live Laurence Fishburne; Inset: Lauren Fishburne on ‘One Life to Live’. Robin L Marshall/FilmMagic; Inset: ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images Before going on to appear in such iconic films as Apocalypse Now (1979), Boyz N the Hood (1991), and the original Matrix trilogy (1999, 2003), a preteen Laurence Fishburne played Josh West Hall on One Life to Live (1968–2013) from 1973 to 1976. —M. Sollosi

Julianne Moore, As the World Turns Julianne Moore; Inset: Julianne Moore on ‘As the World Turns’. C Flanigan/Getty Images; Inset: CBS via Getty Images Before she starred in films like The Kids Are All Right (2010) and Still Alice (2014) — the latter of which earned her dozens of accolades, including both an Oscar and a Golden Globe — Julianne Moore won a Daytime Emmy for portraying both Frannie and Sabrina Hughes on As the World Turns (1956–2010). From 1985 to 1988, Moore played Frannie, and then did double the work by also playing Frannie’s identical half-sister and cousin Sabrina starting in 1986. Moore reprised her role as Frannie by coming back to appear on the show for a 2010 episode. —D.K.

Josh Duhamel, All My Children Josh Duhamel; Inset: Rebecca Budig and Josh Duhamel on ‘All My Children’. Noel Vasquez/Getty Images; Inset: Virginia Sherwood/ABC via Getty Images From 1999 to 2002, Josh Duhamel ruled the soap world as one-half of the All My Children super-couple, Leo and Greenlee (Rebecca Budig). Duhamel earned a Daytime Emmy for the role, but left the show to pursue other opportunities — leaving his character of Leo to die in a shocking twist. In 2011, Duhamel briefly reprised his role as Leo, visiting Greenlee in a dream. Later on, Duhamel would star in the Transformers franchise (2007, 2009, 2011, 2017) and Love, Simon (2018), among other films, as well as on the TV series Blade Runner: Black Lotus and in season 2 of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. —D.K.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, All My Children Sarah Michelle Gellar; Inset: Sarah Michelle Gellar on ‘All My Children’. Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images; Inset: Ann Limongello/ABC via Getty Images Sarah Michelle Gellar may have become a household name from her titular role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but soap opera fans knew that she had a talent for acting even before she started dusting vampires. From 1993 to 1995, the actress played troubled teen Kendall Hart on All My Children. The performance was well received — and even won Gellar a Daytime Emmy award — but she still decided to leave the show in 1995 to focus on different projects. In 2011, Gellar returned to All My Children for one episode. —D.K.

John Stamos, General Hospital John Stamos; Inset: John Stamos on ‘General Hospital’. Steve Granitz/WireImage; Inset: ABC Well before Uncle Jesse moved into Full House, John Stamos played the streetwise Blackie Parrish on General Hospital. Even back in his early-’80s stint on the soap, Stamos was interested in music: His character formed the band Blackie and the Riff Raff, although they were definitely no Jesse and the Rippers. In 1992, Stamos returned to General Hospital for one episode — this time playing himself. —D.K.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Santa Barbara Leonardo DiCaprio; Inset: Leonardo DiCaprio on ‘Santa Barbara’. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images; Inset: NBC Many fans know of Leonardo DiCaprio’s days as a child actor thanks to Roseanne and Growing Pains, but even before those early-’90s roles, he made appearances in five episodes of the soap opera Santa Barbara (1984–1993). The future Oscar winner (2015’s The Revenant) appeared as the younger version of the character Mason Capwell. —D.K.

Alec Baldwin, The Doctors Alec Baldwin; Inset: Alec Baldwin on ‘The Doctors’. Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic; Inset: NBCU Photo Bank The frequent Saturday Night Live host/guest performer and 30 Rock star’s first television role was that of Billy Aldrich on The Doctors from 1980 to 1982. The storyline of Alec Baldwin’s character marked a more dramatic turn for the show — Billy would die if an older female character (Nancy Stafford) continued using a serum to make herself appear younger. —D.K.

Morgan Freeman, Ryan’s Hope Morgan Freeman; Inset: Morgan Freeman on ‘Ryan’s Hope’. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images; Inset: ABC Morgan Freeman didn’t start his acting career until he was well into his 20s. Before becoming the screen legend we all know today — from films like The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Bruce Almighty (2003) — he used his iconic voice in roles on soap operas like Ryan’s Hope (1975–1989) and Another World (1964–1999) through the early ’80s. —D.K.

Mark Hamill, General Hospital Mark Hamill; Mark Hamill on ‘General Hospital’. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Inset: Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives It’s hard to picture Mark Hamill as any character other than Luke Skywalker, but a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, he actually appeared on General Hospital. In his first regular role, Hamill played Kent Murray from 1972 to 1973 — and, later, referred to the experience as “some of the happiest months of my career.” —M. Sulem

Jensen Ackles, Days of Our Lives Jensen Ackles; Inset: Jensen Ackles on ‘Days of Our Lives’. Phillip Chin/WireImage; Inset: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Jensen Ackles had been a model since the age of 4, and broke into acting at around 18 as Eric Brady on Days of Our Lives (1965–present). He landed the role in 1997 and held it until 2000. Ackles’ soap opera past was referenced in an episode of his show Supernatural, where his character enters a parallel universe and discovers himself to be former daytime soap star Jensen Ackles. —D.K.

Demi Moore, General Hospital Demi Moore; Inset: Demi Moore on ‘General Hospital’. Joe Scarnici/Getty Images; Inset: Erik Hein/ABC via Getty Images Long before Ghost (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), and The Substance (2024) — the latter of which earned her various accolades, including a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award — Demi Moore played investigative journalist Jackie Templeton on General Hospital from 1982 to 1983. —D.K.

Angela Bassett, Ryan’s Hope Angela Bassett on ‘Search for Tomorrow’; Angela Bassett attends 2024 Disney Upfront in NYC. NBC; John Nacion/FilmMagic Among Angela Bassett’s 100-plus screen credits is her TV debut as Nurse Salina McCulla on Search for Tomorrow (1951–1986), a role she played for 10 episodes in 1985. She later made one-episode appearances on other soaps like Guiding Light (1952–2009) and Ryan’s Hope in 1987, just a few years before landing her breakthrough in films like Boyz N the Hood, Malcolm X (1992), and What’s Love Got to Do With It (1993) — the latter of which earned Bassett her first Academy Award nod. Now, the honorary Oscar winner is celebrated for her roles as Queen Ramonda in Marvel’s Black Panther franchise (2018, 2022) and Sgt. Athena Grant-Nash on Fox’s 9-1-1, a character she’s portrayed since 2018. —J.M.

Hayden Panettiere, One Life to Live Hayden Panettiere; Inset: Hayden Panettiere and John Loprieno on ‘One Life to Live’. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Inset: Ann Limongello/ABC via Getty Images Fans may remember Hayden Panettiere’s early acting days from her role in the 2000 film Remember the Titans, but she was acting on soap operas years before that. The young star played Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live from 1994 to 1997, and then went on to play Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light from 1997 to 2000. —D.K.

Kevin Bacon, Guiding Light Kevin Bacon; Inset: Kevin Bacon and Kristen Vigard on ‘Guiding Light’. Mike Pont/WireImage; Inset: CBS via Getty Images Kevin Bacon moved to New York City at 17 to try to make it big. National Lampoon’s Animal House was eyed as his break in 1978, but it didn’t quite launch him to fame, so he went back to waiting tables and taking small roles. From 1980 to 1981, he played Tim Werner, a teenager with an alcohol problem, on Guiding Light. Of course, just a few years later, he would liberate an entire town with his smooth dance moves in Footloose (1984). —D.K.

Taye Diggs, Guiding Light Taye Diggs; Inset: Kevin Mambo and Taye Diggs on ‘Guiding Light’. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic; Inset: NBC Taye Diggs had already shown off his acting (and singing) chops on the stage with performances in Carousel and Rent, before making his television debut on Guiding Light in 1997. Diggs played Adrian “Sugar” Hill, one of the men Dahlia Crede dated. —D.K.

Ryan Phillippe, One Life to Live Ryan Phillippe; Inset: Ryan Phillippe on ‘One Life to Live’. Rachel Murray/Getty Images; Inset: Donna Svennevik/ABC via Getty Images Ryan Phillippe’s first television role was a pretty groundbreaking one. As Billy Douglas on One Life to Live, he portrayed the first out gay teenager on daytime TV. Phillippe was 18 at the time, and would go on to fill his résumé with films like Cruel Intentions (1999) and The Lincoln Lawyer (2011). —D.K. How soap operas pioneered the depiction of LGBTQ characters

Brad Pitt, Another World Brad Pitt; Inset: Brat Pitt on ‘Another World’. Jong-Hyun Kim/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images; Inset: NBC Brad Pitt may be one of the biggest stars in the world, but before he made a name for himself in films like Fight Club (1999) and Inglourious Basterds (2009), Pitt got his first television speaking role on the soap opera Another World. An Oscar winner for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Pitt got his start in 1987 playing a young basketball player named Chris. —D.K.

Nathan Fillion, One Life to Live Nathan Fillion; Inset: Robin Strasser and Nathon Fillion on ‘One Life to Live’. Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Inset: Ann Limongello/ABC via Getty Images Before he played the titular character on Castle, Nathan Fillion booked one of his first roles with a gig on One Life to Live in the mid-’90s, as teenager Joey Buchanan. A large part of Fillion’s time as Joey was involved in a romance with his mother’s (Erika Slezak) nemesis, Dorian Lord (Robin Strasser). Fillion briefly returned to the show as Joey in 2007 for the funeral of his character’s adopted grandfather (Philip Carey). —D.K.

David Hasselhoff, The Young and the Restless David Hasselhoff; Inset: David Hasselhoff and Trish Stewart on ‘The Young and the Restless’. Tim Whitby/WireImage; Inset: CBS via Getty Images David Hasselhoff is famous for his roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch, but to soap opera fans, he is known as Dr. William “Snapper” Foster from The Young and the Restless. Hasselhoff played Snapper throughout the late-’70s and early-’80s. He even reprised his role in several episodes in 2010. —D.K.

Leven Rambin, All My Children Leven Rambin; Inset: Leven Rambin on ‘All My Children’. Dominik Bindl/WireImage; Inset: ABC Leven Rambin first started on All My Children in 2004 when she was just 13 years old. Rambin ended up compiling 161 episodes as Lily Montgomery (and occasionally as her own older half-sister, Ava Benton), and accepted roles on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Grey’s Anatomy while still appearing on the soap. Rambin was in the second season of HBO’s True Detective in 2015. She also landed parts on Hulu’s The Path, NBC’s Gone in 2017, and CBS’ Fire Country in 2024. —M. Sulem

Lauryn Hill, As the World Turns Lauryn Hill; Inset: Lauryn Hill on ‘As the World Turns’. Shahar Azran/WireImage; Inset: CBS Lauryn Hill is most famous for her music, but before she joined the Fugees and embarked on her critically acclaimed solo career, she gave acting a try. In the early ’90s, Hill appeared as Kira Johnson on As the World Turns. —D.K.

Bryan Cranston, Loving Bryan Cranston on ‘Loving’; Bryan Cranston attends PaleyFest L.A. in 2023. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty; Monica Schipper/FilmMagic You may know Bryan Cranston as Walter White on Breaking Bad or Hal on Malcolm in the Middle, but before becoming a four-time Emmy winner, he had his first acting job as Doug Donovan on Loving from the show’s 1983 premiere to 1985 (the series was cancelled in 1995). Since then, Cranston has been everywhere — starring in films like Argo (2012) and Trumbo (2015); leading TV series such as Your Honor; and taking the stage in All the Way and Network (both of which earned him Tony Awards). —J.M.

Jordana Brewster, As the World Turns Jordana Brewster; Inset: Jordana Brewster on ‘As the World Turns’. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images; Inset: CBS Just a few months after making her TV debut in a 1995 episode of All My Children, Jordana Brewster landed a role as Nikki Munson on As the World Turns. Brewster played the police chief’s daughter for more than 100 episodes between 1995 and 2001, before trying her hand at film, including a recurring role in the Fast & Furious franchise. Brewster found success once again on the small screen on Dallas and Lethal Weapon. —M. Sulem

Meg Ryan, As the World Turns Meg Ryan; Inset: Meg Ryan on ‘As the World Turns’. Kevin Winter/Getty Images; Inset: CBS via Getty Images Seven years prior to When Harry Met Sally (1989), Meg Ryan started her acting career with a gig on As the World Turns. Although Ryan initially accepted the job just to earn money while she studied journalism as an undergraduate, the gig turned into a 31-episode run from 1982 to 1984 that saw her Betsy Stewart character wed Steve Andropoulos (Frank Runyeon) in an episode that attracted 20 million viewers. —M. Sulem

Paul Wesley, Another World and Guiding Light Paul Wesley; Inset: Paul Westley on ‘Guiding Light’. Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images; Inset: CBS You might know Paul Wesley as Eddie Longo on the CBS anthology thriller Tell Me a Story, or from his breakthrough role on the CW teen drama The Vampire Diaries, but he actually cut his teeth with a one-off appearance on Another World in 1999. Wesley — who was 19 and still using his birth surname of Wasilewski — quickly parlayed this into a six-episode part on Guiding Light, in which he played an always-on-the-run orphan named Max Nickerson. —M. Sulem

Tom Selleck, The Young and the Restless Tom Selleck; Inset: Tom Selleck on ‘The Young and the Restless’. Ben Gabbe/WireImage; Inset: Archive Photos/Getty Images Soap fans know that Eric Braeden — who has been playing Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless for more than 40 years — looks a bit like actor Tom Selleck, but few remember that Selleck actually had a role on the same soap from 1974 to 1975. On Y&R, Selleck played Jed Andrews, a book editor with a short character arc and no mustache. He briefly reprised the role in 2005. Of course, Selleck (and his stash) would go on to entertain us on shows like Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods. —M. Sulem

Susan Sarandon, A World Apart Susan Sarandon; Inset: Susan Sarandon on ‘A World Apart’. Mike Coppola/Getty Images; Inset: Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Before winning an Academy Award for 1995’s Dead Man Walking (and earning four other Oscar nods for films including 1991’s Thelma & Louise), Susan Sarandon’s early-career role on A World Apart wasn’t just a bit part; she was one of the show’s stars! A World Apart ran for 325 episodes on ABC from 1970 to 1971 — brief, by soap standards — but Sarandon appeared in every one as the character Patrice Kahlman. —M. Sulem

Kevin Kline, Search for Tomorrow Kevin Kline attends the Chicago International Film Festival in 2014. Timothy Hiatt/WireImage In 1991, Kevin Kline starred in — and earned a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination for — the all-star comedy Soapdish, which centered on a fictional soap opera. Kline had some useful experience that prepared him for the role, as the actor’s very first credit was playing Woody Reed on the CBS daytime drama, Search for Tomorrow. —M. Sulem

Chris Hemsworth, Home and Away Chris Hemsworth on ‘Home and Away’; Chris Hemsworth attends the London premiere of ‘Transformers One’ on Sept. 19, 2024. Seven Network; Lia Toby/Getty It’s nearly impossible to imagine Chris Hemsworth without his trusty magic hammer, having wielded it as Thor across multiple Marvel projects since 2011. But before his days as the God of Thunder, he had his first regular gig on the long-running Australian soap Home and Away (1988–present) — playing high school dropout Kim Hyde from 2004 to 2007. Beyond the MCU, Hemsworth has built an impressive filmography, starring in popular movies like The Cabin in the Woods (2012), Rush (2013), Extraction (2020) and its 2023 sequel, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024), among other big-screen hits. —J.M.

Robin Wright, Santa Barbara Robin Wright; Inset: Robin Wright and Stephen Meadows on ‘Santa Barbara’. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images; Inset: Everett Collection Robin Wright is now famous for playing the icy Claire Underwood on House of Cards and for her roles in The Princess Bride (1987) and Forrest Gump (1994), but one of her first acting jobs was playing Kelly Capwell, a protagonist on the soap opera Santa Barbara. In the late ’80s, Wright portrayed Kelly as she struggled to choose between two men, and found out one was a serial killer. She was nominated for three Daytime Emmys for the role. —D.K.

Kelly Ripa, All My Children Kelly Ripa; Inset: Kelly Ripa on ‘All My Children’. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images; Inset: Ann Limongello/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images When Kelly Ripa replaced Kathie Lee Gifford in 2001 as the new cohost of what would become Live With Regis and Kelly (and, presently, Live With Kelly and Mark), she was still acting on All My Children in a role she originated all the way back in 1990. Ripa played hard-partying teen Hayley Vaughan until her 2002 departure, and briefly returned to Pine Valley as Hayley for a pair of episodes in 2010. —M. Sulem

Mark Consuelos, All My Children Mark Consuelos; Inset: Mark Consuelos on ‘All My Children’. Maury Phillips/Getty Images; Inset: Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Mark Consuelos was a regular on Riverdale for four seasons as Veronica’s dad, Hiram Lodge, but he’s best known for his very first role: playing Mateo Santos Sr. on All My Children. Consuelos was only 24 years old when he started on the soap in 1995, and the role not only launched his career, but also introduced him to his future wife (who also played his eventual wife on the show), Kelly Ripa. —M. Sulem From costars to real-life lovers: 15 couples who met on the set of soap operas

James Earl Jones, Guiding Light and As the World Turns James Earl Jones; Inset: James Earl Jones on ‘As the World Turns’. John Atashian/Getty Images; Inset: CBS Way before James Earl Jones took on the iconic voice roles of Darth Vader and Mufasa, he appeared on two soaps in the 1960s: Guiding Light and As the World Turns. Coincidentally, Jones portrayed a doctor on both of the shows: Dr. Jim Frazier on the former and Dr. Jerry Turner on the latter. The actor died at age 93 in September 2024. —M. Sulem

Kathleen Turner, The Doctors Kathleen Turner; Inset: Kathleen Turner on ‘The Doctors’. Cindy Ord/Getty Images; Inset: NBC Several people on this list have credits from The Doctors, but none like Kathleen Turner, who recorded an impressive 243 episodes between 1978 and 1979 as Nola Dancy Aldrich. Turner went on to earn two Tony nominations (for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), one Oscar nod (for 1986’s Peggy Sue Got Married), and two Golden Globe wins (for 1984’s Romancing the Stone and 1985’s Prizzi’s Honor), and is still active on both stage and screen. —M. Sulem

Ricky Martin, General Hospital Ricky Martin; Inset: Ricky Martin and Lily Melgar on ‘General Hospital’. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Inset: Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images Ricky Martin wasn’t always just known for his singing. Back in the mid-’90s, Martin was living la vida drama on General Hospital. He played Miguel Morez, a singer with a troubled past. —D.K.

Brittany Snow, Guiding Light Brittany Snow; Inset: Brittany Snow on ‘Guiding Light’. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Inset: NBC Before scoring roles in teen movies like John Tucker Must Die (2006), Hairspray (2007), and starring in the beloved Pitch Perfect trilogy, Brittany Snow picked up one of her first credits as Susan “Daisy” Lemay on Guiding Light from 1998 to 2000. —M. Sollosi

Lindsay Lohan, Another World Lindsay Lohan; Inset: Tom Eplin and Lindsay Lohan on ‘Another World’. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images; Inset: NBC Before fans fell in love with LiLo in The Parent Trap (1998), she was playing Alli Fowler on Another World from 1996 to 1997. Lindsay Lohan had already been a fashion model with Ford Models since the age of 3, and, at the time of her television debut, was considered a young show-business veteran. —D.K.

Judith Light, One Life to Live Judith Light; Inset: Judith Light on ‘One Life to Live’. Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic; Inset: Steve Fenn/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Technically, Judith Light’s career started on stage — including a 1975 Broadway debut in a revival of A Doll’s House — but her first notable onscreen credit was playing Karen Wolek on One Life to Live from 1977 to 1983. After nabbing Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in back-to-back years for the soap, Light became a household name as Angela on the sitcom Who’s the Boss? and later earned acclaim as Shelly on Amazon’s Transparent. Light has continued to work on Broadway and won Tony Awards in 2012 and 2013, as well as the theater community’s philanthropy-based Isabella Stevenson Award in 2019. —M. Sulem

Anne Heche, Another World Anne Heche; Inset: Anne Heche on ‘Another World’. Cindy Ord/Getty Images; Inset: Alan F. Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Anne Heche amassed an impressive 71 episodes as Vicky Hudson (and, occasionally, her twin sister, Marley Love) on Another World from 1988 to 1992 prior to launching a successful film career. Heche acted in indie films and continued working on TV shows, including the NBC drama Chicago P.D. She also starred in the Lifetime movie Girl in Room 13. Heche died following a tragic car accident in August 2022 at the age of 53. —M. Sulem

Lori Loughlin, The Edge of Night Lori Loughlin; Inset: Lori Loughlin on ‘The Edge of Night’. Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage; Inset: Dianna Whitley/Getty Images Despite her role in a highly publicized college admissions scandal, Lori Loughlin is still best known as Rebecca Donaldson-Katsopolis of Full House and Fuller House fame. However, Loughlin’s breakthrough role — and still her largest to date in terms of episodes — was playing Jody Travis on The Edge of Night (1956–1984) for 543 episodes from 1980 to 1984. —M. Sulem

Kristin Davis, General Hospital Kristin Davis; Inset: Kristin Davis on ‘General Hospital’. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Inset: ‎ABC Although she grew up in Colorado and South Carolina, Kristin Davis is best known for playing characters that live in New York. Davis’ first major role was as Nurse Betsy Chilson in 19 episodes of General Hospital in 1991. But, the actress made a name for herself as Charlotte on HBO’s Sex and the City for six seasons, two movies, and the revival series, And Just Like That. —M. Sulem

Marcia Cross, The Edge of Night Marcia Cross; Inset: Marcia Cross on ‘The Edge of Night’. Tibrina Hobson/WireImage; Inset: Donna Svennevik/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Marcia Cross is best known for the prime-time soap operas Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives, so it’s no surprise she got her start on daytime soaps. Cross had a short stint as Liz Corell on The Edge of Night in 1984; a one-off on Another World in 1986; and occasional appearances as Kate Sanders on One Life to Live from 1986 to 1988. Later, she’d have notable parts on Quantico and The Edge of Sleep. —M. Sulem

Lacey Chabert, All My Children Lacey Chabert; Inset: Lacey Chabert on ‘All My Children’. Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic; Inset: Ann Limongello /Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Seven actresses played Bianca Montgomery at various points on All My Children, including Lacey Chabert, who held the role for 10 episodes from 1992 to 1993, when she was just 10 years old. Chabert got her breakthrough only a year later as a star of Party of Five and made her mark in film as Gretchen Wieners of Mean Girls (2004) fame. She has since become a year-round lead in Hallmark movies. —M. Sulem

Amanda Seyfried, As the World Turns and All My Children Amanda Seyfried on ‘All My Children’; Amanda Seyfried attends the 2024 MoMA Film Benefit in NYC on Oct. 23, 2024. ABC/VIRGINIA SHERWOOD; Taylor Hill/WireImage Another future “Plastic,” Amanda Seyfried kicked off her career on soap operas — having a two-episode arc as Lucinda Montgomery on As the World Turns in 2000, followed by a five-episode stint as Joni Stafford on All My Children from 2002 to 2003. She made her film debut in Mean Girls, which launched a career including movies like Mamma Mia! (2008) and the 2018 sequel, Jennifer’s Body (2009), Les Misérables (2012), and Mank (2020). Seyfried has also frequented the small screen with notable parts on Veronica Mars, Big Love, and The Dropout (for which she won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes). —J.M.

Melissa Fumero, One Life to Live Melissa Fumero; Inset: Melissa Fumero on ‘One Life to Live’. Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images; Inset: Steve Fenn/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Playing Sgt. Amy Santiago on Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been Melissa Fumero’s most famous role, but it hasn’t been her largest. Her eight seasons as Santiago didn’t surpass the 207 episodes Fumero compiled as Adriana Cramer on One Life to Live from 1998 to 2011. She also appeared as Adriana in a pair of episodes of All My Children in 2005. Not only did the actress get her first major TV role on One Life to Live — back when she was known as Melissa Gallo — but the show introduced her to actor and model David Fumero, whom she married in 2007. —M. Sulem

Kyra Sedgwick, Another World Kyra Sedgwick; Inset: Kyra Sedgwick on ‘Another World’. Desiree Navarro/WireImage; Inset: Everett Collection. Before her breakout role in the 1989 war biopic Born on the Fourth of July and her Golden Globe and Emmy-winning role as Deputy Chief Johnson on TNT’s The Closer from 2005 to 2012, Kyra Sedgwick’s very first credit was playing Julia Shearer in 16 episodes of Another World from 1982 to 1983.

Tommy Lee Jones, One Life to Live Tommy Lee Jones; Inset: Tommy Lee Jones on ‘One Life to Live’. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images; Inset: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Before starring in modern classics like Men in Black (1997) and No Country for Old Men (2007), Tommy Lee Jones starred on One Life to Live from 1971 to 1975. He played Dr. Mark Toland, an ultimately troubled character who was shot and killed during a case of mistaken identity while en route to blackmailing Victor Lord. —M. Sulem

Naomi Watts, Home and Away Naomi Watts; Inset: Naomi Watts on ‘Home and Away’. Steve Granitz/WireImage; Inset: ‎Seven Network Although born in England, Naomi Watts spent much of her youth in Australia, where she got her start as an actress. Known best for films like Mulholland Drive (2001), 21 Grams (2003), The Impossible (2012), and Birdman (2014), Watts actually began her career on TV. In 1991, she did a 19-episode stint as Julie Gibson on the Australian soap opera Home and Away. —M. Sulem

Isla Fisher, Home and Away Isla Fisher on ‘Home and Away’; Isla Fisher attends the London premiere of ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ on Jan. 29, 2025. Seven Network; Mike Marsland/WireImage Apart from a few commercials and children’s TV shows, Isla Fisher got her start on Home and Away, where she played Shannon Reed in more than 300 episodes from 1994 to 1997. The Australian actress later made it big in Hollywood, starring in a string of films such as Wedding Crashers (2005), Now You See Me (2013), Blithe Spirit (2020), and more. —J.M.

Ellen Burstyn, The Doctors Ellen Burstyn attends New York Women in Film and Television’s 39th annual Muse Awards in 2018. Mike Coppola/Getty Images Ellen Burstyn had a lot of one-off TV appearances early in her career, but her first substantial role was as Dr. Kate Bartok on The Doctors in 1965. Burstyn won an Oscar nearly a decade later for her moving portrayal of the titular character in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974). She has consistently been on screen since then, in films like Lucy in the Sky (2019) and on TV shows such as House of Cards, The First Lady, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. —M. Sulem

Ted Danson, Somerset and The Doctors Ted Danson attends the FYC event for ‘The Good Place’ in 2019. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images A pair of daytime dramas kicked off Ted Danson’s career. From 1975 to 1976, Danson briefly played Tom Conway on Somerset (1970–1976), and had a longer stint on The Doctors. On the latter soap, Danson initially played Dr. Chuck Weldon for seven episodes in 1975, but returned to the show as a completely different character, Mitch Pierson, in an even longer arc two years later. Over the course of his lengthy career, audiences would come to know and love Danson in roles such as Sam on Cheers and Michael on The Good Place. —M. Sulem

Eva Longoria, General Hospital Eva Longoria; Inset: Eva Longoria and Doug Davidson on ‘General Hospital’. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Inset: Cliff Lipson/CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images Eva Longoria had a flair for the dramatic in her hit show Desperate Housewives, but it all started for her on daytime soaps. The actress landed a guest spot on General Hospital back in 2000 and went on to book a regular role on The Young and the Restless as Isabella Braña from 2001 to 2003. —D.K.

Thousands of movies and TV shows are produced by different companies every year. The massive number has opened opportunities for more talents, including young male actors under 30. Some started acting before their 10th birthday, while others got their first roles in their 20s.

Young male actors under 30. Photo: Gilbert Flores, Jabari Jacobs, Presley Ann (modified by author)

Source: Getty Images

Due to industry changes in production and distribution, the list of the best actors under 30 keeps changing. Also, different celebrities have different abilities. Some can script, while others are talented directors and producers.

Who are the best male actors under 30?

From child celebrities who broke the mode of typecasting to graduates who did not grow in the industry, each has a unique drive, talent and charm that captivates their audience. So, who are good young actors under 30? Explore the list here.

Photo: canva.com (modified by author)

Source: Original

Young male actors under 30

The following is a list of male actors under 30 to watch in 2025. The table is compiled using subjective factors such as their recent performances, industry potential, and public recognition.

No Name Age (as of 2025) 1 Christian Convery 15 2 Iain Armitage 16 3 Owen Vaccaro 19 4 Jacob Tremblay 18 5 Ayden Mekus 19 6 Merrick Hanna 20 7 Noah Schnapp 20 8 Max Charles 21 9 Jahi Winston 21 10 Jaeden Martell 22 11 Finn Wolfhard 22 12 Abraham Attah 23 13 Jace Norman 25 14 Marcus Scribner 25 15 Charlie Plummer 25 16 Jaden Smith 26 17 Tanner Buchanan 26 18 Jharrel Jerome 27 19 Asa Butterfield 27

1. Christian Convery – 15 years

Christian Convery attends “Playing With Fire” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York City. Photo: John Lamparski

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Christian Convery

Christian Convery Date of birth: November 10, 2009

November 10, 2009 Age: 15 years old (as of 2025)

15 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Los Angeles, California

Christian Convery is best known for the role of Gus in the “Sweet Tooth” television series. Other films Christian Convery has appeared in include Playing with Fire and A Snake Marked. Christian is one of the prominent young male actors under 20.

2. Iain Armitage – 16 years

Actor Iain Armitage attends Opening Night for “Sunday In The Park With George” at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California. Photo: Amanda Edwards

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Iain Armitage

Iain Armitage Date of birth: 15 July 2008

15 July 2008 Age: 16 years old (as of 2025)

16 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Savannah, Georgia, USA

Iain Armitage is one of the youngest theatre critics in the USA. His most significant role was playing the Young Sheldon, a critically acclaimed spin-off series. Iain Armitage was also part of the cast in Big Little Lies, playing Ziggy Chapman.

3. Owen Vaccaro – 19 years

Full name: Owen Wilder Vaccaro

Owen Wilder Vaccaro Date of birth: 16 December 2005

16 December 2005 Age: 19 years old (as of 2025)

19 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Owen Vaccaro is known for the blockbuster comedies Daddy’s Home and Mother’s Day. He trained as an actor at M.Z Stageworks. Owen Vaccaro has also appeared in Finding ‘Ohama, Team Marco and Arrested Development.

4. Jacob Tremblay – 18 years

Jacob Tremblay attends the “Cold Copy” premiere during the 2023 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theatre in New York City. Photo: Jamie McCarthy

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jacob Tremblay

Jacob Tremblay Date of birth: 5 October 2006

5 October 2006 Age: 18 years old (as of 2025)

18 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Vancouver, Canada

Jacob Tremblay began acting in 2013 when he played the role of Blue in The Smurfs 2. Jacob Tremblay has also appeared in God’s Brother and My Mother’s Future Husband.

5. Ayden Mekus – 19 years

Actor Ayden Mekus attends the Pinz Bowling ReGrand Opening Party at Pinz Bowling Center in Studio City, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Ayden Mekus

Ayden Mekus Date of birth: 2 August 2005

2 August 2005 Age: 19 years old (as of 2025)

19 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Northern California

Aiden Mekus is an American child performer well known for films like Mr. Strange, Friendzy Friday, and The Lilac Thief. Ayden Mekus appeared in the 2022 television series Dhar and Laura episode.

6. Merrick Hanna – 20 years

Merrick Hanna attends the 24th Annual Party on the Pier Benefitting UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital at Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Vivien Killilea

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Merrick William Hanna

Merrick William Hanna Date of birth: 22 March 2005

22 March 2005 Age: 20 years old (as of 2025)

20 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: San Diego, California, United States

Besides acting, Merrick William Hanna is also a dancer. He appeared in summer Shakespeare runs of Much Ado About Nothing and A Winter’s Tale.

7. Noah Schnapp – 20 years

Noah Schnapp attends Variety Power of Young Hollywood at NeueHouse Los Angeles in Hollywood, California. Photo: Kevin Winter

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Noah Cameron Schnapp

Noah Cameron Schnapp Date of birth: 3 October 2004

3 October 2004 Age: 20 years old (as of 2025)

20 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: New York, New York, United States

Noah Cameron Schnapp is among the most talented young male actors under 30. Noah Cameron made his debut in acting in 2015 and has been featured in films such as Bridge of Spies, The Peanut Movie, The Legend of Hallowaiian, Waiting for Anya, Hubie Halloween, to mention a few.

8. Max Charles – 21 years

Max Charles attends the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films’ 44th Annual Saturn Awards at The Castaway in Burbank, California. Photo: Matthew Simmons

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Max Joseph Charles

Max Joseph Charles Date of birth: 18 August 2003

18 August 2003 Age: 21 years old (as of 2025)

21 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Dayton, Ohio, United States

Max Charles is among the best actors under 30 based on his talent and the TV shows he has appeared in. He was part of the cast for the Three Stooges. He also played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man. His most significant role is in the comedy show The Neighbors.

Besides acting, Max Charles is an accomplished singer and songwriter. He was involved in creating Looking for Asians (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack) as a singer and producer.

9. Jahi Winston – 21 years

Jahi Di’Allo Winston attends Variety Power of Young Hollywood at NeueHouse Los Angeles in Hollywood, California. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jahi Di’Allo Winston

Jahi Di’Allo Winston Date of birth: 30 November 2003

30 November 2003 Age: 21 years old (as of 2025)

21 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Jahi Di’Allo has made several appearances with his roles in Queen & Slim and Charm City Kings. He is also a talented musician. Jahi Di’Allo is currently playing Kevin Presley in We Have a Ghost.

10. Jaeden Martell – 22 years

Jaeden Martell attends the Premiere of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jaeden Martell

Jaeden Martell Date of birth: 4 January 2003

4 January 2003 Age: 22 years old (as of 2025)

22 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Jaeden Martell is one of the young male actors from America. Jaeden starred in Defending Jacob, a 2020 miniseries, and appeared in Knives Out, a 2019 mystery film. Jaeden Martell also played the role of Bill Denbrough in It, a 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.

11. Finn Wolfhard – 22 years

Finn Wolfhard attends the “Hell Of A Summer” premiere during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. Photo: Robert Okine

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Finn Wolfhard

Finn Wolfhard Date of birth: 23 December 2002

23 December 2002 Age: 22 years old (as of 2025)

22 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Vancouver, Canada

Thanks to his ability to act, write, and direct, Finn Wolfhard is one of the best up-and-coming actors under 30. The Canadian star has featured in major productions like Netflix’s Stranger Things.

12. Abraham Attah -23 years

Actor Abraham Attah attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California. Photo: Frazer Harrison

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Abraham Nii Attah

Abraham Nii Attah Date of birth: 2 July 2001

2 July 2001 Age: 23 years old (as of 2025)

23 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Ghana

Abraham Attah is among the young male actors under 30 doing well in the industry. He is famous for his Netflix debut, Beasts of No Nation. Since then, he has been featured on other high-budget TV shows such as Yuki Kaji and Spider-Man: Homecoming: Extras. Unlike most celebrities, Abraham Attah had no background in acting before the Netflix movie.

13. Jace Norman – 25 years

Jace Norman attends the 2022 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jace Lee Norman

Jace Lee Norman Date of birth: 21 March 2000

21 March 2000 Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)

25 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Corrales, New Mexico, United States

Jace Norman is famous for the hit Nickelodeon television series Henry Danger. He has also played in TV shows like The Thunder and Danger Force. Besides acting, Jace Norman has an inspirational personality. He has opened up about his experience as a person with dyslexia.

14. Marcus Scribner – 25 years

Marcus Scribner attends the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Photo: Jamie McCarthy

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Marcus Scribner

Marcus Scribner Date of birth: 7 January 2000

7 January 2000 Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)

25 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Marcus is best recognized for his role in the ABC sitcom Black-ish as Andre “Junior” Johnson Jr. In addition to Dragons: The Nine Realms, Marcus Scribner has appeared in How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Along for the Ride, and Grown-ish.

15. Charlie Plummer – 25 years

Charlie Plummer attends the “National Anthem” premiere during 2023 NewFest at SVA Theater in New York City. Photo: Dominik Bindl

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Charlie Faulkner Plummer

Charlie Faulkner Plummer Date of birth: 24 May 1999

24 May 1999 Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)

25 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Poughkeepsie, New York, United States

Charlie Faulkner Plummer is one of the hot young guys and the youngest American actor. He started his career as a kid actor before transitioning into TV dramas like Granite Flats and Boardwalk Empire. Charlie Plummer was featured in David Chaser’s drama Not Fade Away in 2012 before landing a lead role in King Jack in 2015.

16. Jaden Smith – 26 years

Jaden Smith attends the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France. Photo: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith

Jaden Christopher Syre Smith Date of birth: 8 July 1998

8 July 1998 Age: 26 years old (as of 2025)

26 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Malibu, California, United States

Jaden Smith is among the most famous male actors under 30, thanks to his previous works and association with Will Smith. Jaden Smith has lived in Hollywood, which gave him more acting roles than his peers. His biggest movie to date was 2010’s The Karate Kid.

17. Tanner Buchanan – 26 years

Tanner Buchanan attends SCAD Fashion 2023 at SCAD Forty in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Derek White

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan

Tanner Emmanuel Buchanan Date of birth: 8 December 1998

8 December 1998 Age: 26 years old (as of 2025)

26 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Ottawa, Ohio, United States

Tanner Buchanan is another one of the youngest male actors. He is best known for his role in Designated Survivor, the ABC political drama series. Tanner Buchanan debuted in 2010 in Modern Family by playing a child role.

18. Jharrel Jerome – 27 years

Jharrel Jerome at the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Photo: Bryan Bedder/Variety

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome Date of birth: 9 October 1997

9 October 1997 Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)

27 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: The Bronx, New York, United States

Jharrel Jerome is a cute and talented young male actor under 30. Even though he is not the first Afro-Latino celebrity to get a significant role, he is the first to win an Emmy. He played the teenage Kevin and was part of Netflix’s When They See Us cast. Jharrel Jerome has also starred in major productions such as The Moonlight.

19. Asa Butterfield – 27 years

Asa Butterfield attends the “Your Christmas Or Mine?” Special Screening at The Curzon Mayfair in London, England. Photo: Dave J Hogan

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield

Asa Bopp Farr Butterfield Date of birth: 1 April 1997

1 April 1997 Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)

27 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Islington, London, United Kingdom

Asa Butterfield is a London Film Critics Circle Award nominee and one of the best young male actors under 30. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas was Asa Butterfield’s breakout project 2008.

20. Hero Fiennes Tiffin – 27 years

Hero Fiennes Tiffin attends the photocall for “After” at Hotel Palazzo Naiadi in Rome, Italy. Photo: Elisabetta A. Villa

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Hero Beauregard Faulkner Fiennes Tiffin

Hero Beauregard Faulkner Fiennes Tiffin Date of birth: 6 November 1997

6 November 1997 Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)

27 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: London, United Kingdom

Hero Fiennes Tiffin is an English TV star, producer and model. He is famous for his starring role as Hardin Scott in the After film series. Hero Fiennes Tiffin portrayed 11-year-old Tom Riddle, the young version of the antagonist Lord Voldemort, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 2009.

21. Lucas Hedges – 27 years

Lucas Hedges attends the AMPAS New Members Event at Freemasons Hall in London, England. Photo: Dave J Hogan

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges Date of birth: 12 December 1996

12 December 1996 Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)

28 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Brooklyn Heights, New York, United States

Lucas Hedges is an actor and child of Peter Hedges, an award-winning filmmaker. Lucas Hedges is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has been part of major productions such as Manchester by the Sea, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Let Them All Talk.

22. Tom Holland – 28 years

Tom Holland attends the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations – “The Crowded Room” at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Screening Room in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Araya Doheny

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Thomas Stanley Holland

Thomas Stanley Holland Date of birth: 1 June 1996

1 June 1996 Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)

28 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

Tom Holland is one of the most popular male celebrities from the UK. Besides being a product of BRIT School in London, Tom Holland has been in some of the biggest shows. His acting credits include Spider-Man: Homecoming, Captain America: Civil War, The Impossible and The Crowded Room.

23. Joel Courtney – 29 years

Joel Courtney attends Nickelodeon’s 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Rich Fury/KCA2019

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Joel Courtney

Joel Courtney Date of birth: 31 January 1996

31 January 1996 Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)

29 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Monterey, California, United States

Joel is an award-winning American star. He starred in The Kissing Booth and Super 8. Joel Courtney debuted in 2011 and has been featured in films such as Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, Mercy, The Empty Man, and Dear Eleanor.

24. Khylin Rhambo – 29 years

Khylin Rhambo attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount+’s “Wolf Pack” at Harmony Gold in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Khylin Rhambo

Khylin Rhambo Date of birth: 8 January 1996

8 January 1996 Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)

29 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: United States

Khylin Rhambo is an actor and writer. He has been featured in The First Family and MTV’s Teen Wolf as Mason Hewitt. Khylin Rhambo has also appeared in the 47 Meters Down: Uncaged Show in 2019.

25. Bobb’e J. Thompson – 29 years

Full name: Bobb’e Jacques Thompson

Bobb’e Jacques Thompson Date of birth: 28 February 1996

28 February 1996 Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)

29 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Bobb’e is an American actor, dancer, rapper, and comedian. Bobb’e J. Thompson gained prominence with Tracy Jr.’s role on 30 Rock. He has been active in filming since 2002, appearing in films and series such as Full Clip, My Baby’s Daddy, Idlewild, That’s So Raven and Diff’rent Strokes.

26. Trevor Jackson – 28 years

Trevor Jackson during an episode of Grownish. Photo: Mike Taing/Freeform

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson

Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson Date of birth: 30 August 1996

30 August 1996 Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)

28 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Besides acting, Trevor Jackson is a well-known singer and songwriter. He appeared in movies and series, such as Eureka, Grown-ish, and Let It Shine. He is regarded as one of the hot actors in Hollywood.

27. Jacob Latimore – 28 years

Jacob Lattimore speaks on stage during CultureCon NY 2023 in New York City. Photo: Arturo Holmes

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jacob O’Neal Latimore

Jacob O’Neal Latimore Date of birth: 10 August 1996

10 August 1996 Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)

28 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Jacob O’Neal Latimore is an American actor, singer and dancer. Jacob Latimore began acting in 2009 and has appeared in films and TV shows such as One Tree Hill, House Party and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

28. Callan McAuliffe – 30 years

Callan McAuliffe attends the Season 10 Special Screening of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” at Chinese 6 Theater– Hollywood in Hollywood, California. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Callan Ryan Claude McAuliffe

Callan Ryan Claude McAuliffe Date of birth: 24 January 1995

24 January 1995 Age: 30 years old (as of 2025)

30 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Clontarf, Australia

Callan McAuliffe is one of the best brown-haired actors under 30. The actor was one of the lead characters in The Great Gatsby. Callan McAuliffe also briefly appeared on The Walking Dead, where he played Alden.

29. Shameik Moore – 29 years

Shameik Moore attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevin Winter/WireImage

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Shameik Alti Moore

Shameik Alti Moore Date of birth: 4 May 1995

4 May 1995 Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)

29 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Shameik Alti Moore is a dancer, rapper, and actor from Atlanta, Georgia. His acting breakthrough was when he appeared in the television series Incredible Crew. Shameik Moore appeared in popular shows like Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Reed Between the Lines, and Joyful Noise.

30. Justice Smith – 29 years

Justice Smith attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Justice Elio Smith

Justice Elio Smith Date of birth: 9 August 1995

9 August 1995 Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)

29 years old (as of 2025) Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

With his talent and charm, Justice Smith has become a legendary figure in Hollywood, best recognized for his roles in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. He is also an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Justice is one of the best young actors under 30.

31. Michael Cimino – 25 years

Michael Cimino attends the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year during the 66th GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Lester Cohen

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Michael Cimino

Date of birth: November 10, 1999

Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

His most famous performances include Bob Palmeri in Annabelle Comes Home and Victor Salazar on the Hulu series Love, Victor. The film Until Dawn, based on the video game, was announced in June 2024 with his casting. He is a The October 2024 Netflix fantasy romance film Girl Haunts Boy featured Cimino. He is one of the best young male actors under 25.

32. Gavin Casalegno – 25 years

Gavin Casalegno attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 25, 2024. Photo: Kayla Oaddams

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Gavin Casalegno

Date of birth: September 2, 1999

Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States

Casalegno is a well-known actor who appeared in the Jenny Han–adapted Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty. The role of Mason in the 2011 film Hear Me Whisper catapulted Gavin Casalegno to stardom.

33. David Mazouz – 24 years

David Mazouz attends the National Geographic Channel ‘MARS’ New York Premiere at the School of Visual Arts on October 26, 2016, in New York City. Photo: Daniel Zuchnik

Source: Getty Images

Full name: David Albert Mazouz

Date of birth: February 19, 2001

Age: 24 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States

Born in the United States, he became famous as Bruce Wayne in the hit Fox TV series Gotham, a prequel to Batman. Before starring in the 2012–2013 Fox TV series Touch, Mazouz has several guest appearances under his acting belt.

The performance earned him a nomination for a Young Artist Award. “The Games Maker” and “The Darkness” featured him in significant roles.

34. Walker Scobell – 16 years

Walker Scobell in the IMDb Official Portrait Studio at D23 2024 at Honda Center on August 9, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Photo: Corey Nickols

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Walker Scobell

Date of birth: January 5, 2009

Age: 16 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

The Adam Project, in which he co-starred with Ryan Reynolds, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a Netflix series in which Scobell stars as the titular character, have brought widespread acclaim to the young actor Walker Scobell.

The American actor Walker Scobell is worth $3 million. Teenage Walker Scobell made his cinematic debut in “The Adam Project” and “Secret Headquarters” (2022), two action comedies.

35. Caleb McLaughlin – 23 years

Caleb Mclaughlin backstage during Rema Rave and Roses North American Tour II at Tabernacle on July 26, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Prince Williams

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Caleb Reginald McLaughlin

Date of birth: October 13, 2001

Age: 23 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Carmel, New York, United States

American actor Caleb McLaughlin is worth $3 million. Many people recognise him from his role as Lucas Sinclair on the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. From 2012 until 2014, he was also seen on Broadway in The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre, playing Young Simba.

McLaughlin was up for two awards at the Young Artists and BET awards: one for YoungStars and another for Best Performance in a Digital TV Series or Film- Teen Actor.

He was honoured with the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Youth Performance 2018. In 2019, he was also up for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Actor and the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite Male Actor.

36. Asher Angel – 22 years

Asher Angel speaks onstage at the Warner Bros. during 2022 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Centre on July 23, 2022, in San Diego, California. Photo: Daniel Knighton

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Asha Dov Angel

Date of birth: September 6, 2002

Age: 22 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

With a net worth of $1 million, American actor Asher Angel is famous for his roles as Billy Batson in Shazam! and Jonah Beck in Andi Mack. 2019 Angel earned a Young Entertainer Award for Best Young Ensemble – Television Series for Andi Mack.

37. Sebastian Croft – 23 years

Sebastian Croft is seen during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/25 as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 28, 2024, in Paris, France. Photo: Edward Berthelot

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Sebastian Theodore Kemble Croft

Date of birth: December 16, 2001

Age: 23 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Oxford, United States

Croft is a well-known English actor who has starred in numerous films and television shows, including Wonderwell, Music, War and Love, and Penny Dreadful. His performance in Horrible Histories was nominated for a BAFTA Children’s Award. His net worth is $5 million.

38. Ty Simpkins – 23 years

Ty Simpkins at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 14, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Monica Schipper

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Ty Keegan Simpkins

Date of birth: August 6, 2001

Age: 23 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: New York City, United States

Among Simpkins’s many critically acclaimed film roles are those in Jurassic World and Iron Man 3. Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, and James Wan are just a few of the top Hollywood directors with whom he has collaborated. He won;

2016 Winner Saturn Award. Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Jurassic World.

2014 Nominee Saturn Award. Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Iron Man 3.

Ty Simpkins is an American child actor with a net worth of $2 million. He appeared on Law & Order: CI, in addition to a few print and commercial advertising. In 2005, he had his breakout performance in Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds.

39. Joe Locke – 21 years

Joe Locke attends the Special Launch Event at El Capitan Theatre on September 16, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Amy Sussman

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Joe William Locke

Date of birth: September 24, 2003

Age: 21 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Douglas, Isle of Man

Joe Locke, a native Briton, became famous after starring as Charlie Spring in the smash hit Netflix series Heartstopper. He became famous worldwide as he captivated audiences by portraying a young LGBTQ+ character.

Joe Locke’s net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million. His appearances, endorsement deals, and participation in Heartstopper are the primary sources of his fortune. In 2022, he won the Best Professional Debut Award at the WhatsOnStage Awards.

40. Omar Rudberg – 26 years

Omar Rudberg at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel on August 8, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. Photo: Gilbert Flores

Source: Getty Images

Full name: Omar Josué González

Date of birth: November 12, 1998

Age: 26 years old (as of 2025)

Place of birth: Anaco, Venezuela

Singer, actor, and musician Omar Rudberg was born in Sweden to Venezuelan parents—fans like Omar’s portrayal of the iconic character Simon in the hit Netflix series Young Royals.

What actors are in their 20s?

Apart from the abovementioned figures, Timothée Chalamet is another actor doing incredibly well. Timothée Chalamet was born on 27 December 1995 and is 28 years old.

Ashton Sanders is also another talented actor in his 20s. He was born on 24 October 1995 and is currently 28 years old. He was featured in Moonlight in 2016, The Kids Are Alright in 2018, Captive State in 2019 and All Day and a Night in 2020.

Who are Hollywood’s hottest young male actors under 30?

The hottest young Hollywood actors include Trevor Jackson, Joel Courtney, Tom Holland and Jharrel Jerome.

Who are Gen Z male celebrity crushes?

Teens and young adults are starting to look up to a different crop of Hollywood hotties as the latest trends take hold in the media and fashion industries. Teens nowadays are more attached to actors like Jacob Elordi and Timothee Chalamet than older male celebrities like Josh Hutcherson, Dylan O’Brien, and Harry Styles.

Who is the top male actor in 2025?

It is widely believed that Cillian Murphy’s performance in Oppenheimer will earn him the Best Actor Oscar in 2025.

The above talents are among of the top young male actors under 30 you should watch. They are an eye-opener to the transformative industry and a testament to its growth.

Tuko.co.ke published an article about Norman Kali, Evangeline Lily’s husband. Norman Kali is an American film production assistant who doubles as an assistant director.

He has been involved in the production of several hit movies and superb Hollywood films. Kali’s name became popular when he began dating Evangeline Lily, a Canadian-born actress widely known for her leading roles in multiple films.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Scouting America turns 115 years young on Feb. 8, 2025.

What do you get the youth movement that has everything? A list of 115 Scouts who became famous.

The list includes presidents and Pulitzer Prize recipients, astronauts and athletes, celebrities and CEOs.

Two notes before we begin:

With millions of Scouting alumni out there, any list of this length is going to leave some people off. Please leave a comment with the most glaring omissions. If the famous person is an Eagle Scout, I’ve indicated that in parentheses. When available, I’ve included the Eagle year as listed in the National Eagle Scout Association database.

Astronauts, doctors, explorers and inventors

Peter Agre , biologist who received 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964)

, biologist who received 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964) Buzz Aldrin , second man to walk on the moon

, second man to walk on the moon Dr. James Andrews , surgeon who has treated many high-profile athletes, including Drew Brees and Charles Barkley (Eagle Scout)

, surgeon who has treated many high-profile athletes, including Drew Brees and Charles Barkley (Eagle Scout) Neil Armstrong , astronaut and first man to walk on the moon (Eagle Scout, Class of 1947)

, astronaut and first man to walk on the moon (Eagle Scout, Class of 1947) Lee Berger , National Geographic explorer and paleoanthropologist (Eagle Scout, Class of 1983)

, National Geographic explorer and paleoanthropologist (Eagle Scout, Class of 1983) Guion Bluford , first African American in space (Eagle Scout)

, first African American in space (Eagle Scout) Thomas Cech , chemist who received 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1962)

, chemist who received 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1962) Roger Chaffee , astronaut who was killed in the Apollo 1 mission (Eagle Scout, Class of 1951)

, astronaut who was killed in the Apollo 1 mission (Eagle Scout, Class of 1951) Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper , father of modern aerobics (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946)

, father of modern aerobics (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946) Charles Duke , astronaut and 10th man to walk on the moon (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946)

, astronaut and 10th man to walk on the moon (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946) Philo T. Farnsworth , inventor of the modern television (Eagle Scout, Class of 1932)

, inventor of the modern television (Eagle Scout, Class of 1932) Steve Fossett , record-setting aviator (Eagle Scout, Class of 1957)

, record-setting aviator (Eagle Scout, Class of 1957) Jim Lovell , astronaut who was commander of Apollo 13 mission (Eagle Scout, Class of 1943)

, astronaut who was commander of Apollo 13 mission (Eagle Scout, Class of 1943) William Moerner , physicist who received 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1967)

, physicist who received 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Eagle Scout, Class of 1967) Ellison Onizuka , astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964)

, astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964) Gitanjali Rao , inventor, STEM Scout and the first person to be named Time magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2020

, inventor, STEM Scout and the first person to be named Time magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2020 Paul Siple , Antarctic explorer who coined the term “wind chill” (Eagle Scout, Class of 1924)

, Antarctic explorer who coined the term “wind chill” (Eagle Scout, Class of 1924) E. O. Wilson, researcher, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and the world’s top ant expert (Eagle Scout, Class of 1944)

Athletes, coaches and sports executives

Hank Aaron , baseball Hall of Famer

, baseball Hall of Famer Willie Banks , Olympian and former world record-holder (Eagle Scout, Class of 1971)

, Olympian and former world record-holder (Eagle Scout, Class of 1971) Bill Bradley , former basketball player for the New York Knicks and Hall of Famer (Eagle Scout, Class of 1957)

, former basketball player for the New York Knicks and Hall of Famer (Eagle Scout, Class of 1957) Chan Gailey , former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills (Eagle Scout, Class of 1966)

, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills (Eagle Scout, Class of 1966) Don Garlits , engineer who is considered the father of drag racing (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946)

, engineer who is considered the father of drag racing (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946) Pat Gillick , retired professional baseball executive and Hall of Famer (Eagle Scout, Class of 1951)

, retired professional baseball executive and Hall of Famer (Eagle Scout, Class of 1951) Josh Hart , basketball player for the New York Knicks (Eagle Scout, Class of 2013)

, basketball player for the New York Knicks (Eagle Scout, Class of 2013) Steven Holcomb , gold medalist in bobsled at 2010 Winter Olympics (Eagle Scout, Class of 1995)

, gold medalist in bobsled at 2010 Winter Olympics (Eagle Scout, Class of 1995) Michael Jordan , former NBA player, Hall of Famer and current NBA team owner

, former NBA player, Hall of Famer and current NBA team owner Tommy Lasorda , former baseball manager and Hall of Famer

, former baseball manager and Hall of Famer Ewing Kauffman , former owner of the Kansas City Royals and the man after whom their stadium is named (Eagle Scout, Class of 1931)

, former owner of the Kansas City Royals and the man after whom their stadium is named (Eagle Scout, Class of 1931) Ray Malavasi , former head coach of the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams (Eagle Scout, Class of 1944)

, former head coach of the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams (Eagle Scout, Class of 1944) Peter McLoughlin , former president of the Seattle Seahawks (Eagle Scout, Class of 1971)

, former president of the Seattle Seahawks (Eagle Scout, Class of 1971) David Montgomery , football player for the Detroit Lions (Eagle Scout, Class of 2014)

, football player for the Detroit Lions (Eagle Scout, Class of 2014) Emery Moorehead , former tight end who won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears (Eagle Scout, Class of 1969)

, former tight end who won Super Bowl XX with the Chicago Bears (Eagle Scout, Class of 1969) Jim Mora , former head coach of the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts (Eagle Scout, Class of 1950)

, former head coach of the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts (Eagle Scout, Class of 1950) Nolan Ryan , former MLB pitcher and current Houston Astros executive

, former MLB pitcher and current Houston Astros executive Daniel Sorensen , Super Bowl-winning defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs and later played for the New Orleans Saints (Eagle Scout, Class of 2008)

, Super Bowl-winning defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs and later played for the New Orleans Saints (Eagle Scout, Class of 2008) Mark Spitz , gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer

, gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer Joe Theismann , former NFL quarterback

, former NFL quarterback Shane Victorino , former pro baseball outfielder who won three Gold Gloves (Eagle Scout, Class of 1996)

, former pro baseball outfielder who won three Gold Gloves (Eagle Scout, Class of 1996) Ken Whisenhunt , former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans (Eagle Scout, Class of 1976)

, former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans (Eagle Scout, Class of 1976) Steve Young, former NFL quarterback and sports broadcaster

Authors and journalists

Walter Cronkite , journalist, CBS Evening News anchor

, journalist, CBS Evening News anchor Clive Cussler , bestselling adventure novelist (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946)

, bestselling adventure novelist (Eagle Scout, Class of 1946) Brandon Mull , author of the children’s fantasy series Fablehaven (Eagle Scout, Class of 1993)

, author of the children’s fantasy series Fablehaven (Eagle Scout, Class of 1993) Harrison Salisbury, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered the Civil Rights Movement, Kennedy assassination and Vietnam War (Eagle Scout, Class of 1924)

Civil rights leaders

Ernest Green , civil rights activist and member of the Little Rock Nine (Eagle Scout, Class of 1956)

, civil rights activist and member of the Little Rock Nine (Eagle Scout, Class of 1956) Martin Luther King Jr. , civil rights icon

, civil rights icon Percy Sutton, civil rights leader, Tuskegee Airmen pilot, entrepreneur who revitalized the Apollo Theater in New York (Eagle Scout, Class of 1936)

Entertainers

Jack Black , actor in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, School of Rock and the Kung Fu Panda franchise

, actor in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, School of Rock and the Kung Fu Panda franchise Frank Blair , former host of NBC’s Today show (Eagle Scout, Class of 1930)

, former host of NBC’s Today show (Eagle Scout, Class of 1930) Jon Bon Jovi , Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett , Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tony Cavalero , actor in Nickelodeon’s School of Rock and HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones (Eagle Scout, Class of 2001)

, actor in Nickelodeon’s School of Rock and HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones (Eagle Scout, Class of 2001) Rob Corddry , former correspondent for The Daily Show and actor in Warm Bodies and Childrens Hospital (Eagle Scout, Class of 1988)

, former correspondent for The Daily Show and actor in Warm Bodies and Childrens Hospital (Eagle Scout, Class of 1988) Harrison Ford , actor in Blade Runner and the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises

, actor in Blade Runner and the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises Zach Galifianakis , actor in The Hangover trilogy, The Lego Batman Movie and A Wrinkle in Time (Eagle Scout, Class of 1986)

, actor in The Hangover trilogy, The Lego Batman Movie and A Wrinkle in Time (Eagle Scout, Class of 1986) Nolan Gould , actor in ABC’s Modern Family

, actor in ABC’s Modern Family Richard Gere , actor in Pretty Woman and Chicago

, actor in Pretty Woman and Chicago Andy Griffith , actor in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock

, actor in The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock William Hanna , animator and voice actor who co-founded Hanna-Barbera (Eagle Scout, Class of 1924)

, animator and voice actor who co-founded Hanna-Barbera (Eagle Scout, Class of 1924) Jon Heder , actor in Napoleon Dynamite (Eagle Scout, Class of 1994)

, actor in Napoleon Dynamite (Eagle Scout, Class of 1994) Derek Hough , actor and Dancing with the Stars champion

, actor and Dancing with the Stars champion Ashton Kutcher , actor in Fox’s That ’70s Show

, actor in Fox’s That ’70s Show Jay Leno , former host of NBC’s The Tonight Show

, former host of NBC’s The Tonight Show Andy Lewis , world champion slackliner who performed in Super Bowl XLVI (Eagle Scout, Class of 2002)

, world champion slackliner who performed in Super Bowl XLVI (Eagle Scout, Class of 2002) John Lithgow , Tony- and Emmy-winning actor, known for roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Crown

, Tony- and Emmy-winning actor, known for roles in 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Crown David Lynch , Academy Award-nominated director of The Elephant Man and creator of the murder mystery TV series Twin Peaks (Eagle Scout, Class of 1962)

, Academy Award-nominated director of The Elephant Man and creator of the murder mystery TV series Twin Peaks (Eagle Scout, Class of 1962) Ozzie Nelson , bandleader and actor who starred in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (Eagle Scout, Class of 1920)

, bandleader and actor who starred in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (Eagle Scout, Class of 1920) Jeff Orlowski , documentary filmmaker who made Chasing Ice and Chasing Coral (Eagle Scout, Class of 2000)

, documentary filmmaker who made Chasing Ice and Chasing Coral (Eagle Scout, Class of 2000) Chris Pratt , actor in Parks and Recreation and Guardians of the Galaxy

, actor in Parks and Recreation and Guardians of the Galaxy Dan Reynolds , lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons (Eagle Scout, Class of 2004)

, lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons (Eagle Scout, Class of 2004) Evan Roe , actor in Madam Secretary on CBS (Eagle Scout, Class of 2015)

, actor in Madam Secretary on CBS (Eagle Scout, Class of 2015) Mike Rowe , host of Dirty Jobs (Eagle Scout, Class of 1979)

, host of Dirty Jobs (Eagle Scout, Class of 1979) Glen Schofield , one of the creators of the Call of Duty videogame franchise (Eagle Scout, Class of 1977)

, one of the creators of the Call of Duty videogame franchise (Eagle Scout, Class of 1977) Steven Spielberg , Academy Award-winning director of Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan (Eagle Scout, Class of 1961)

, Academy Award-winning director of Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan (Eagle Scout, Class of 1961) Creek Stewart , survivalist and host of SOS: How to Survive on The Weather Channel (Eagle Scout, Class of 1990)

, survivalist and host of SOS: How to Survive on The Weather Channel (Eagle Scout, Class of 1990) Jimmy Stewart , Academy Award-winning actor in The Philadelphia Story

, Academy Award-winning actor in The Philadelphia Story George Strait , Grammy Award-winning musician

, Grammy Award-winning musician John Tesh , pianist, composer and Emmy-winning TV host (Eagle Scout, Class of 1968)

, pianist, composer and Emmy-winning TV host (Eagle Scout, Class of 1968) James Valentine , guitarist of the band Maroon 5 (Eagle Scout, Class of 1996)

, guitarist of the band Maroon 5 (Eagle Scout, Class of 1996) John Wayne, Academy Award-winning actor in True Grit

Politicians and public officials

Michael Bloomberg , founder of Bloomberg L.P. and former New York City mayor (Eagle Scout, Class of 1954)

, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and former New York City mayor (Eagle Scout, Class of 1954) James Brady , former White House press secretary (Eagle Scout, Class of 1955)

, former White House press secretary (Eagle Scout, Class of 1955) Stephen Breyer , former Supreme Court justice (Eagle Scout, Class of 1952)

, former Supreme Court justice (Eagle Scout, Class of 1952) George W. Bush , 43rd U.S. president

, 43rd U.S. president Tom C. Clark , former Supreme Court justice (Eagle Scout, Class of 1914)

, former Supreme Court justice (Eagle Scout, Class of 1914) Bill Clinton , 42nd U.S. president

, 42nd U.S. president Gerald Ford , 38th U.S. president (Eagle Scout, Class of 1927)

, 38th U.S. president (Eagle Scout, Class of 1927) Robert Gates , former Secretary of Defense (Eagle Scout, Class of 1958)

, former Secretary of Defense (Eagle Scout, Class of 1958) Jon Huntsman Jr. , former U.S. ambassador to Russia (Eagle Scout, Class of 1975)

, former U.S. ambassador to Russia (Eagle Scout, Class of 1975) John F. Kennedy , 35th U.S. president

, 35th U.S. president Henry Paulson , former Secretary of the Treasury (Eagle Scout, Class of 1960)

, former Secretary of the Treasury (Eagle Scout, Class of 1960) Ross Perot , founder of Electronic Data Systems and presidential candidate (Eagle Scout, Class of 1943)

, founder of Electronic Data Systems and presidential candidate (Eagle Scout, Class of 1943) Rick Perry , former Secretary of Energy and former governor of Texas (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964)

, former Secretary of Energy and former governor of Texas (Eagle Scout, Class of 1964) Donald Rumsfeld , former Secretary of Defense (Eagle Scout, Class of 1949)

, former Secretary of Defense (Eagle Scout, Class of 1949) Jeff Sessions , former U.S. Attorney General (Eagle Scout, Class of 1963)

, former U.S. Attorney General (Eagle Scout, Class of 1963) Rex Tillerson , former Secretary of State and former CEO of ExxonMobil (Eagle Scout, Class of 1965)

, former Secretary of State and former CEO of ExxonMobil (Eagle Scout, Class of 1965) Togo West, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Eagle Scout, Class of 1957)

Business leaders

Stephen Bechtel Jr. , founder of Bechtel Corp., the largest construction and civil engineering company in the United States, benefactor of the Summit Bechtel Reserve (Eagle Scout, Class of 1940)

, founder of Bechtel Corp., the largest construction and civil engineering company in the United States, benefactor of the Summit Bechtel Reserve (Eagle Scout, Class of 1940) Charles Dolan , founder of HBO (Eagle Scout, Class of 1941)

, founder of HBO (Eagle Scout, Class of 1941) Bill Gates , co-founder of Microsoft

, co-founder of Microsoft William Gates Sr. , philanthropist and father of Bill Gates (Eagle Scout, Class of 1941)

, philanthropist and father of Bill Gates (Eagle Scout, Class of 1941) Howard Lincoln , former chairman of Nintendo of America and the Seattle Mariners (Eagle Scout, Class of 1955)

, former chairman of Nintendo of America and the Seattle Mariners (Eagle Scout, Class of 1955) Bill Marriott , executive chairman of Marriott International (Eagle Scout, Class of 1947)

, executive chairman of Marriott International (Eagle Scout, Class of 1947) Michael Mauler , former CEO of GameStop (Eagle Scout, Class of 1975)

, former CEO of GameStop (Eagle Scout, Class of 1975) Jim Rogers , former president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (Eagle Scout, Class of 1965)

, former president and CEO of Kampgrounds of America (Eagle Scout, Class of 1965) T. Gary Rogers , former CEO of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream (Eagle Scout, Class of 1956)

, former CEO of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream (Eagle Scout, Class of 1956) Brad Tilden , former CEO of Alaska Airlines (Eagle Scout, Class of 1976)

, former CEO of Alaska Airlines (Eagle Scout, Class of 1976) Sam Walton , founder of Walmart (Eagle Scout, Class of 1934)

, founder of Walmart (Eagle Scout, Class of 1934) David Weekley, founder and chairman of David Weekley Homes (Eagle Scout, Class of 1969)

Service members and war heroes

Arthur Eldred , first Eagle Scout and a Navy veteran (Eagle Scout, Class of 1912)

, first Eagle Scout and a Navy veteran (Eagle Scout, Class of 1912) Charles McGee , fighter pilot, member of the Tuskegee Airman and inductee into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (Eagle Scout, Class of 1940)

, fighter pilot, member of the Tuskegee Airman and inductee into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (Eagle Scout, Class of 1940) Thomas Norris , Navy SEAL who received Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War (Eagle Scout, Class of 1959)

, Navy SEAL who received Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War (Eagle Scout, Class of 1959) Mitchell Paige , Marine who received Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 (Eagle Scout, Class of 1936)

, Marine who received Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 (Eagle Scout, Class of 1936) Leo K. Thorsness, Air Force colonel who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War (Eagle Scout, Class of 1949)

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