9 Former ’80s Actors Who Gave Up Fame for a Seat in Government

9 Former ’80s Actors Who Gave Up Fame for a Seat in Government

Long before campaign trails and Capitol Hill speeches, these familiar faces were lighting up movie screens, commanding sitcoms, or cracking us up on late-night sketch shows. But fame, it turns out, wasn’t their final act. Whether fueled by civic duty, personal passion, or a desire to rewrite the script entirely, these actors from the 1980s swapped their SAG cards for swearing-in ceremonies. From governors to senators to ambassadors, they proved that politics can be just as dramatic—and demanding—as any Hollywood role. Ready to see which ’80s stars found a second spotlight in public office? You might be surprised who made the leap.

1. Clint Eastwood: Dirty Harry’s Small-Town Leadership

Frustrated by local bureaucracy, the legendary actor and director ran for mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1986. His campaign began after battling with city officials over building plans for a small office building.

Eastwood won by a landslide and served a two-year term in the picturesque California coastal town. His pragmatic approach focused on business-friendly policies and environmental protection.

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a library annex, established beach access for people with disabilities, and eliminated an ice cream cone ban. His no-nonsense governing style mirrored his tough-guy screen persona while proving his genuine commitment to community service.

2. Sonny Bono: From Pop Star to Congressman

Half of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher, Bono’s political journey began as mayor of Palm Springs, California in 1988. His frustration with local government bureaucracy while opening a restaurant motivated his unexpected career change.

By 1994, he’d won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican from California’s 44th district. Known for his approachable style, Bono focused on environmental issues and copyright law, drawing from his music industry experience.

Tragically, his political career was cut short when he died in a skiing accident in 1998. His widow, Mary Bono Mack, won his vacant congressional seat and continued his legacy, serving until 2013.

3. Fred Thompson: Law & Order Star with Real Legal Credentials

Thompson’s unusual career path went from attorney to actor to U.S. Senator and back again. Before his famous role as District Attorney Arthur Branch on “Law & Order,” he served as minority counsel for the Senate Watergate Committee.

In 1994, Thompson won a special election to fill Al Gore’s vacant Senate seat representing Tennessee. His folksy demeanor and legal background made him an effective legislator during his eight-year Senate career.

Remarkably, Thompson continued acting in “Law & Order” while serving in office. After leaving the Senate in 2003, he returned to acting full-time before launching an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2008, demonstrating the unique intersection of his entertainment and political talents.

4. Arnold Schwarzenegger: From Terminator to Governor

The Austrian-born muscleman dominated action films before shocking Hollywood by winning California’s 2003 gubernatorial recall election. His catchphrase “I’ll be back” took on new meaning as he served two terms as the Golden State’s leader.

Schwarzenegger balanced his celebrity appeal with serious policy work on climate change and political reform. Despite having no previous political experience, he leveraged his outsider status as an advantage.

After leaving office in 2011, he remained politically active while occasionally returning to acting. His unprecedented journey from bodybuilder to movie star to governor remains one of the most remarkable career transformations in American politics.

5. Glenda Jackson: Oscar Winner Turned Parliament Member

This fiery British actress won two Academy Awards before making a dramatic career change. In 1992, Jackson traded Hollywood for the House of Commons, representing Hampstead and Highgate as a Labour Party MP.

Her political career lasted 23 years—far longer than most celebrity politicians. Jackson became known for her passionate speeches and unwavering principles, serving as a Transport Minister under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

After retiring from politics at age 79, Jackson made a triumphant return to acting, winning a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in “Three Tall Women.” Her remarkable dual career demonstrated exceptional talent in both entertainment and public service across six decades.

6. Jesse Ventura: Wrestling His Way to the Governor’s Mansion

“The Body” shocked political experts by body-slamming the two-party system in 1998. After careers as a Navy SEAL, professional wrestler, and action movie actor alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ventura won Minnesota’s governorship as a Reform Party candidate.

His victory marked one of the most surprising political upsets in modern American history. Governing with a blunt, outsider approach, Ventura focused on tax reform, education funding, and infrastructure improvements.

Media fascination with the former WWE star never waned during his single term. Though choosing not to seek reelection in 2002, Ventura’s success inspired other celebrities to consider political careers and demonstrated voters’ willingness to elect unconventional candidates outside traditional political backgrounds.

7. Al Franken: SNL Comedian’s Serious Turn in the Senate

The Saturday Night Live writer and performer proved comedy and politics could mix. After years as a satirist and political commentator, Franken won Minnesota’s 2008 Senate race by the narrowest of margins—just 312 votes after a lengthy recount.

In the Senate, Franken surprised many by downplaying his comedic background and focusing on serious policy work. He became known for detailed questioning in committee hearings and championing progressive causes like net neutrality and healthcare reform.

His political career ended abruptly in 2018 when he resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations during the height of the #MeToo movement. Franken’s journey demonstrated both the advantages and potential pitfalls of transitioning from entertainment to high-profile political office.

8. Shirley Temple Black: Child Star’s Diplomatic Mission

America’s most famous child star grew up to become a respected diplomat. After retiring from films at age 22, Temple later embarked on a remarkable second career in government service spanning multiple decades and administrations.

Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Ghana in 1974 and later to Czechoslovakia in 1989, she witnessed the fall of communism firsthand. Temple Black also became the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States under President Ford.

Her diplomatic work earned bipartisan respect that transcended her Hollywood fame. Temple Black’s transition from tap-dancing child phenomenon to serious stateswoman represents one of the most successful entertainment-to-government transformations in American history, proving early stardom doesn’t have to define an entire life.

9. Giles Watling: British Actor’s Parliamentary Performance

Known for his role in the British sitcom “Bread,” Watling transitioned from stage and screen to the political stage. After serving as a local councillor, he won election to the British Parliament in 2017 representing Clacton.

His entertainment background proved useful in connecting with constituents. As an MP, Watling advocated for coastal communities, Brexit implementation, and arts funding, drawing on his theatrical experience.

Unlike some celebrity politicians who quickly return to entertainment, Watling committed fully to his political career until stepping down in 2024. His recent departure from Parliament makes him the most contemporary example on our list, demonstrating that the actor-to-politician pipeline remains active across generations and continents.