1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
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Professional bodybuilder, actor, business man and now politician – Arnold is famous, and I mean really famous. Gee, I don’t know where to start with this one – doesn’t happen often I’ll say. Arnold is the youngest ever Mr Olympia at age 23, a record he still holds. And we all know that he has won it six times in a row. His film ‘Pumping Iron’ is the bible of body building for many. If all this wasn’t enough, Arnold has given us one of the best movie series of all time – The Terminator. I think every child in the world knows the words “I’ll be back”, said by the shotgun wielding Arnie in Terminator. Arnold Schwarzenegger is one man who is going to be talked about by grandpas to their grandchildren, generations down the line!
2. Denzel Washington
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You know what’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Denzel Washington? Law Enforcement. Haha, that’s because he’s done many roles in which he plays either a law enforcement officer, a gangster or a military man. He is definitely the man of steel – catching bullets from a loaded chamber of a 9mm Beretta before they fall to the ground. Cry Freedom, Glory, Malcolm X, Crimson Tide, The Siege, The Bone Collector, The Hurricane, Training Day are some of his movies which have left a mark in Hollywood. If this impressive list wasn’t enough, Denzel Washington was voted “One of the sexiest stars in film history” by Empire magazine, one of the “50 most Beautiful People” by People magazine, #59 on VH1’s 100 Hottest Hotties, “Sexiest Man Alive” – People magazine 1996, and many more. He is the only second black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role! Need I say more? He’s the man.
3. Will Smith
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Will Smith will always be remembered for saving the world in his 1996 blockbuster Independence Day and Men in Black in 1997. Well, save the world or not, he will always be my fresh prince of bel-air! Did you know that he went almost bankrupt when he spent all his money on cars, jewelry and houses in his early twenties. The youth of today look up to this bad boy for his acting, singing, humanitarian work and commitment to family. Will Smith, the first hip-hop artist to be nominated for an Academy Award. It can’t get any cooler than this. Begin your pursuit for happiness with him.
4. Brad Pitt
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Voted Sexiest Man Alive twice by People Magazine – very few men on the planet can match Brad Pitt’s popularity level. Thelma & Louise, Interview with the Vampire, Legends of the Fall, Seven, Meet Joe Black and Fight Club are some of Pitt’s popular blockbusters. Okay, this is what impresses me the most – Brad Pitt is famous not only for his acting, but also for his humanitarian work. Brad Pitt did a TV Commercial for Toyota Altis in Asia. Result? Sales soared and Toyota got nearly 32% of market share in that segment. Need I say anything else?
5. Vin Diesel
Photo Credit: Andre Luis
I reckon that Mr Popular a.k.a Vin Diesel should have some sort of patent or a copyright for the image he portrays – bald head, muscular physique, big boots, a deep voice, and a bad ass attitude! This half African-American and half Italian-American’s acting life started when he and a group of friend broke into a theater in New York and got caught! Although not much is known about his personal life – Vin Diesel sure is up there in the popularity meter. His popularity soared after his performance in the Oscar-winning film Saving Pirate Ryan. I reckon that this rough and tough ex-bouncer in the nightclubs of New York easily fits in the top 7 most popular actor’s list. He is here to stay with the Fast and Furious series.
6. Leonardo DiCaprio
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Leonardo DiCaprio’s image will forever shout Titanic. I think that his pose with Kate Winslet on the deck of the ill-fated RMS Titanic will be remembered for generations. Leonardo DiCaprio is probably one of the most versatile actors. From support cast in low budget movies to leading man in Hollywood blockbusters – he’s done it all. His popularity has soared since Romeo + Juliet in 1996 and he’s never looked back since. Titanic blew his fame out of proportion. People magazine “50 most beautiful people in the world”, Empire Magazine “Top 100 movie stars of all time”, Star TV’s “Top 10 box office stars of 1990s”, are some of the credentials under his belt. I’m sure you’ll agree with me if I said age never seems to touch Leonardo. That image of the teen heartthrob Leonardo will never leave my mind!
7. Russel Crowe
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He has held no qualms about speaking out openly about George Clooney, Harrison Ford or Robert De Niro for their advertisements. He’s outspoken, bold and holds a good punch. A movie star and a Rock star – can’t get any better! He is the Gladiator. Russel Crowe is a man of strong words, fiery temper and outstanding work. I don’t need to tell you that he has a massive fan following. Forbes magazine said he was one of the most overpaid actors of all time. His popularity knows no bounds. Did you know he was awarded with the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001? Forever in your memory will be etched Maximus’s (played by Crowe) husky voice saying “My name is Gladiator”