Celebrity can be a bully pulpit as some actors, models and rock stars have discovered. Lending their names to a cause can shine a powerful spotlight on it. Here, the U2 frontman talks as EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stands next to him during a conference at the EU Commission on June 9, 2005. Bono joined Barroso in an appeal to government leaders to double development aid to Africa and other poor regions.
YouthAIDS Relief
Actress Ashley Judd, a global ambassador for the YouthAIDS relief group, speaks at the National Press Club, June 22, 2005, in Washington. Judd is urging the United States and other countries to do more in the fight against the spread of AIDS.
Refugees
Actress Angelina Jolie,center, looks on as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, left, greets Paul Rusesabagina, the heroic innkeeper who turned his hotel into an impromptu refugee camp during the genocide in Rwanda, in Washington June 15, 2005. Jolie has traveled around the globe as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Campaign For Tibet
Actor Richard Gere has long been linked with the international campaign for Tibet. Here, he displays the Geuzen medal of honor, or "Geuzenpenning", a Dutch award for bravery, in Vlaardingen, southwestern Netherlands, March 12, 2005. The medal is awarded annually in recognition of individuals or organizations for contributions to democracy or efforts to end discrimination, racism or dictatorial rule.
Stem-Cell Research
Actor Michael J. Fox, center, addresses members of the media during a press conference July 13, 2005, at the U.S. Capitol. Fox has been calling for passage of stem-cell research legislation. Stem cell research on human embryos holds the most promise in the search for cures for a list of diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and some types of cancer. Fox suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Aid To Africa
Movie star Brad Pitt was among a host of celebrities who joined the summer of 2005 campaign to step up aid to Africa Here, he addresses the crowd at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London, July 2, 2005.
Aid For Ill Children
Actor Paul Newman has established the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, an organization that aids seriously ill youngsters. Here, he and actress Julia Roberts attend the "Stars In The Sky" benefit for the association at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, on April 21, 2005, in New York City.
Against Landmines
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and his wife, Lady Heather Mills McCartney, pose for photographers as goodwill ambassadors and patrons at a benefit gala for the anti-land mines organization "Adopt-a-minefield," in Neuss, western Germany, May 28, 2005. It is one of several causes McCartney has championed.
Against Landmines
Musician Robin Gibb, former member of the Bee Gees, poses at a benefit gala of the anti-mines organization "Adopt-a-Minefield," in Neuss, western Germany, May 28, 2005.
Scientology
Actor Tom Cruise has been playing an increasingly visible role in the Church of Scientology, even drawing criticism when he espoused some of its religious tenets on TV talk shows. Here, he gestures while making a speech during the official opening of a new Scientology church in central Madrid Sept. 18, 2004.
World Peace
Actress Susan Sarandon speaks during the charity gala "Cinema for Peace" at the Berlinale film festival in Berlin Feb. 14, 2005.
World Peace
A well-known activist, actor Tim Robbins and his partner, Susan Sarandon, have championed numerous causes, most recently as opponents to the war in Iraq. Here, he poses in front of the logo of "Live 8 - The Long Walk To Justice" in Berlin July 2, 2005.
Cancer Research
Texas-born bicyclist Lance Armstrong is best known for recovering from cancer to win the Tour de France for six consecutive years. Here, Armstrong talks with his girlfriend, singer Sheryl Crow, prior to the third stage of the Tour de France cycling race July 4, 2005, between La Chataigneraie and Tours, western France. This is his try for a seventh title.
Global Warming
Actor Robert Redford has developed a reputation through the years as an environmental actvist. Here, Redford, right, and Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, hosts of a global warming conference designed specifically for city leaders, talk before a luncheon at the gathering, July 11, 2005, in Sundance, Utah.
Against War In Iraq
Actor Sean Penn has emerged as one of the leading voices against the war in Iraq. Here, Penn (center) records with his camera during his visit to Iran's Cinema museum in Tehran, June 13, 2005. Penn was in Iran as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle.
Nail Salon Cleanliness
Paula Abdul, right, urges lawmakers to approve measures requiring stronger cleanliness standards for nail salons, during a committee hearing in Sacramento, Calif., June 27, 2005. Abdul told members of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Develoment Committee how she had gotten an infection while getting a manicure from a nail salon in 2004. The measure would strengthen cleanliness standards.
Film Industry Tax Credits
Actor Chris Cooper speaks during a meeting with Massachusetts House of Representatives about legislation providing tax incentives to the motion picture industry, at the State House in Boston, July 11, 2005. The legislation would keep Massachusetts competitive with other states by providing a variety of tax credits to feature-film and television-series production companies.
Farm Aid
Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson, right, and co-founder John Mellencamp hold a news conference announcing that Farm Aid would hold its 20th anniversary celebration in Illinois, July 11, 2005. The 20th anniversary concert was the culmination of a week of food and music events around Chicago.
Disadvantaged Youth
Singer Usher smiles as he is interviewed by the media upon arriving at his fundraiser for Usher's New Look Foundation, July 8, 2005, in New York. The foundation is a non-profit organization aimed to give disadvantaged youth a new outlook on life and their future.
Aid To Africa
Actor George Clooney speaks on stage during the Live 8 concert at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 6, 2005. The concert coincided with start of the G-8 summit held at nearby Gleneagles.