For the most part, less one glaring example, celebrities who have gone into politics have done a decent to exceptional job making the transition from Hollywood to DC. These celebs have shown that they had the best interest of the public at heart and that it’s about more than box office numbers.

The Celeb:  Ronald Reagan

The Position:  President

The 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, wasn’t just known for his “peace through strength” foreign policy or hastening the Cold War’s end. He was also a star in over 50 popular movies. His debut role was as a radio news reporter in the film Love Is on the Air, but he is best known as an accident victim in the 1942 release Kings Row, from which he got the title of his autobiography: Where’s the Rest of Me?

The Celeb:  Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Position:  Governor of California

Also known for his Hollywood blockbusters is former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose roles in The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian in the ’80s skyrocketed him to fame. Not only did Schwarzenegger act and govern, but he also had a successful professional bodybuilding career, during which he won the Mr. Olympia competition seven times.

The Celeb:  Shirley Temple Black

The Position:  Ambassador, Chief of Protocol and Delegate to the United Nations Assembly

As far as actor-politicians go, the career move seems to be fairly common. Another star who transitioned from one spotlight to the other is Shirley Temple Black, who began her career in Hollywood at age three, appearing in films such as Bright Eyes, Curly Top and Heidi. However, in 1969, after a successful career in Hollywood, she turned to politics and was appointed a United States delegate to the 24th United Nations General Assembly. Later, she was named the US ambassador to Ghana and to Czechoslovakia, and she served as the first female Chief of Protocol of the United States.

The Celeb: Jesse “The Body” Ventura

The Position:  Governor of Minnesota

Jesse “The Body” Ventura, famed wrestler, also made the switch after his stint as an actor in Predator and Running Man in 1987. He went on to become the mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and eventually the state’s governor. He is the only member of the Reform Party to win a major government office.

The Celeb:  Clint Eastwood

The Position:  Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea

We know him as an actor.  We know  him as a director.  We know him as an Oscar winner.  But Dirty Harry extended his repertoire as Mayor of the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Honorable Mentions for Nice Try, No Cigar:

Antonio Sabato Jr., Roseanne Barr, Kanye West, Cynthia Nixon

Being a celebrity doesn’t guarantee you’ll get elected, even if you’re wildly popular.  Kanye West, the rapper, producer, designer and husband of famous influencer Kim Kardashian took the world for a spin this year when he ran as a candidate for the Birthday Party. He’s not the first, and he won’t be the last celebrity to run for office though.  Roseanne Barr ran for President, Antonio Sabato ran for congress in California , Cynthia Nixon ran for Mayor of New York City.  We have to give it to these guys though for 1) having the desire to serve in public office, which is no walk in the park and 2) for throwing their hats in the ring.