What better occasion than Independence Day to take a look at celebrities as citizens. Whether it's advising officials, protesting policies or supporting political candidates, stars, such as Neil Young, pictured here at the "Heart of Gold" premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, make their mark on the political landscape. Young recently released "Living With War," which he calls a "metal folk protest" album.
Campaign Boosters
California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides and actress Dana Delaney pose together at a get-out-the-vote campaign appearance in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Thursday, June 1, 2006. Angelides beat Steve Westly in the June 6 primary election to become the Democratic candidate to face incumbent Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in November.
TV star Larry David, far left, and actress Dana Delaney, second from left, appear at a get-out-the-vote campaign appearance in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Thursday, June 1, 2006, for Phil Angelides, who later won the Democratic primary for governor. With them are, from left, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Angelides, and Los Angeles city councilmember Janice Hahn.
Actor and TV writer Larry David talks about how he hates everyone, except Phil Angelides, at a get-out-the-vote campaign appearance in Manhattan Beach, Calif., Thursday, June 1, 2006. Angelides won the June 6 primary to become the Democratic candidate to face incumbent Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in November.
Government Service
Sometimes stars even get bitten by the politics bug. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, second from left, was a successful action-picture hero when he ran for governor. He is seen here at the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest" at Disneyland on June 24, 2006, with, from left, actor Orlando Bloom; Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver, and their son Patrick.
Terrorism Help
Actor Gregory Itzin speaks at a program called "'24' and America's Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction or Does it Matter," sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, Friday, June 23, 2006, in Washington. Itzin plays President Charles Logan on the TV series "24."
Actress Mary Lynn Rajskub enjoys a laugh during a program called "'24' and America's Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction or Does it Matter," sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, Friday, June 23, 2006, in Washington. Rajskub plays Chloe O' Brian in the TV series "24."
Actress Mary Lynn Rajskub speaks out during a program called "'24' and America's Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction or Does it Matter," sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, Friday, June 23, 2006, in Washington. Rush Limbaugh moderated the session, which also featured Joel Surnow, executive producer, co-creator and writer for the television program "24."
Favorite Sons
Tony Award-winning actor John Lloyd Young, of Jersey City, N.J., stands in the New Jersey General Assembly, Monday, June 26, 2006, in Trenton, N.J., as he is honored by the assembly for his work in the "Jersey Boys" Broadway musical.
Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, D-Middlesex County, left, reads a proclamation from the New Jersey General Assembly, honoring Tony Award-winning actor John Lloyd Young, second from left, of Jersey City, N.J., for his work in the "Jersey Boys" Broadway musical. Looking on are Carol Ann Herbert, chair of the New Jersey Arts Council, and Joe Bennicsa of the Screen Actors Guild.
That award winning Broadway musical was based on the life of singer Frankie Valli, whose career with the Four Seasons is detailed in the show. Valli, seen here at the 60th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall June 11, 2006, just compeleted an acting stint on the HBO hit drama "The Sopranos." His character got whacked in the just-ended season.
A Global Effort
British musician Bob Geldof arrives for British Prime Minister Tony Blair's speech at King's College in London, June 26, 2006. Blair acknowledged that key Group of Eight commitments to Africa have not been met, and asked U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to lead a panel monitoring progress toward the goals. Geldof organized a series of around-the world concerts last summer to pressure G8 nations into aiding Africa.
Singer and activist Annie Lennox listens to Irish activist and rocker Bob Geldof, unseen, during a news conference, in central London, Thursday June 29, 2006. Geldof, who organized 1985's Live Aid concert and last year's benefit concerts around the world, unveiled another anti-poverty campaign Thursday.
No look at stars and politics would be complete without mention of Irish rock musician Bono who has long lobbied for an end to Third World debt and aid to Africa. Here, he launches the "Red" product line to help the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 26, 2006.
At the White House
Actor Gary Sinise listens to a media question after a meeting between President Bush and organizations that support the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan Monday, June 26, 2006, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.
President Bush, left, sits with "CSI: New York" star Gary Sinise after a meeting with organizations that support the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan Monday, June 26, 2006, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.
International Relations
Israeli Vice Premier and Nobel peace laureate Shimon Peres, right, talks with American actress Uma Thurman during a conference of Nobel Laureates in Petra Wednesday, June 21, 2006. Jordan's King Abdullah II urged Nobel Prize winners on Wednesday to contribute ideas so that Palestinians and Israelis can negotiate peace and allow a Palestinian state to emerge.
Setting An Example
Singer-actress Queen Latifah gestures during remarks in front of the U.S. Capitol building about the first National Women's Confidence Day on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in Washington.
Aiding Research
Actor Michael J. Fox, left, poses with former first lady Nancy Reagan during a mock presentation at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's tribute to Nancy Reagan, Saturday, May 8, 2004, in Beverly Hills, Calif. A former actress, Reagan was honored for her commitment to stem cell research and finding a cure. Her late husband, President Ronald Reagan, was an actor before he entered politics.
Magnet For Controversy
Back on top of the charts, the Dixie Chicks suffered some career setbacks after member Natalie Maines criticized President Bush on the eve of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It led to controversy for the country music trio and a dropoff in their core audience. Here Maines, left, and Emily Robison attend the 2004 Rock the Vote Awards on February 7, 2004 in Hollywood, Calif.