The rising popularity of veganism stems from heightened awareness of health, animal welfare, and environmental impacts—even influencing choices like vegan leather accessories. Here are five lesser-known vegan celebrities whose stories highlight the diverse reasons behind plant-based living.
Alec Baldwin, renowned for roles in 30 Rock, Beetlejuice, and The Departed, turned vegetarian in 1997. In 2003, medical advice for managing type 2 diabetes led him to adopt a strict vegan diet. Since then, he's championed animal rights and sustainable living through activism and social media.
Actress Jenna Dewan, known for Step Up, The Jerk Theory, and Supercross, went vegan after connecting with animals on set. Her husband, Channing Tatum, followed suit. Overcoming an eating disorder—where she ate 5-6 small meals daily and trained five days a week—veganism provided balanced nutrition without restrictive urges. She also cited her daughter's influence as a key motivator, maintaining a healthy weight and feeling better than ever.
British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, a 5ft 5in model and Louis Vuitton watch ambassador, has been vegetarian since age 12 and vegan since 2013 for health and animal rights. Though she occasionally wears leather—calling it a "bad habit" in Teen Vogue—she advocates earth-friendly fashion and vegan alternatives.
Comedian, actor, and writer Ricky Gervais—creator of The Office (UK and US) and Derek—went vegan in 2015 after watching impactful documentaries like Earthlings. His commitment is driven by strong animal rights advocacy.
Actor Viggo Mortensen, famed for The Lord of the Rings and The Road, became vegan in 2014, deeming it "the right thing to do." A dedicated environmentalist, he's long supported sustainable agriculture and animal care on his Oregon ranch, as shared in an Edge Media TV interview.
Alec Baldwin, Jenna Dewan, Ellie Goulding, Ricky Gervais, and Viggo Mortensen embody veganism's appeal—from health management and personal ethics to animal welfare. Their journeys show how plant-based diets fuel success across entertainment.
