Six Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Supporters of the UN
Singer John Legend speaks at UNA-NYC’s 2015 Annual Gala (Photo: Melanie Quinn)
Since the United Nations’ establishment in 1945, it has enjoyed the support of public figures and prominent personalities in the worlds’ entertainment, art, music, sport, literature, and film industries. Over the decades, these celebrities have helped the UN draw attention to key issues, lending their names, talents, and time to raise public awareness about what is happening at the UN and in the world as a whole. Read on to learn about just some of the celebrities that have been champions of UN efforts through the years.
1. Audrey Hepburn
Most people know of Audrey Hepburn as the stylish actress who starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but she was much more than that: throughout her life, she was a devout activist and humanitarian. After a successful career as an actress, model, and dancer, Hepburn became a spokeswoman and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, and for the remainder of her life she traveled the world aiding starving and sick children. Using her platform to bring their struggles to the attention of the public, Hepburn testified before the United States Congress and took part in the World Summit for Children to promote UNICEF’s work. Even when she was ill with cancer, Hepburn continued her work with UNICEF until her death in 1993.
“I can testify to what UNICEF means to children because I was among those who received food and medical relief after World War II. I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does.”
Audrey Hepburn
2. Michelle Yeoh
In addition to her acting career, Michelle Yeoh is an active partner of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); through this partnership, she has mobilized support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yeoh was appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador in 2016 and has only become more invested in UNDP’s mission since then. Drawing on her experiencing of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, Yeoh has shined a spotlight on the need for effective disaster preparedness. In addition to her work as an advocate for the SDGs, Yeoh has been an outspoken agent for road safety, becoming the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile’s (FIA) High-Level Panel for Road Safety spokesperson. Yeoh was honored at UNA-NYC’s 2016 gala for her work in this position.
“My goal is to leverage the platform I’ve been given through my career in film, television, and entertainment to raise awareness of and mobilize support for the Sustainable Development Goals—specifically, how each and every one of us can play an important role in making them a reality.”
Michelle Yeoh
3. John Legend
A strong supporter of UN causes including UNICEF, John Legend has used his famous voice for more than just his music. In 2007, Legend launched the Show Me Campaign, which aims to provide all children with a quality education while also addressing the school-to-prison pipeline and systemic issues within the criminal justice system. In December 2020, Legend received the UN’s High Note Global Prize, which is awarded annually and honors recording artists who use their music as a platform to promote social justice. Legend attended UNA-NYC’s 2015 Gala, where he introduced one of that years’ honorees, Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri.
“Artists have a rich tradition of activism. We have a unique opportunity to reach people where they are, beyond political divisions, borders, and silos. And it’s been my privilege to use my voice and my platform to advance the cause of equity and justice.”
John Legend
4. Laurence Fishburne
Best known for his role as Morpheus in The Matrix, Laurence Fishburne has also been actively involved as a UNICEF Ambassador since 1996. In this role, Fishburne has traveled around the world supporting programs for children affected by HIV/AIDS and visiting UNICEF-supported centers that aid war refugees and former child soldiers. Fishburne has also lobbied on Capitol Hill in order to ensure the approval of the U.S. Government’s annual contribution to UNICEF. Because of his work for UNICEF and his significant achievements for child survival and protection, Fishburne was honored with the Child Survival Award in 2000.
“Children are everybody’s concern in the world. When you see somebody else’s kids, they’re our kids. They all belong to us. We need to stand up for them because they can’t stand up for themselves.”
Laurence Fishburne
5. Frank Sinatra
When polio became one of the biggest killers of the post-war era, the UN and its agencies led vaccination efforts around the world; Frank Sinatra was among those who used their celebrity status to help raise awareness. During the rollout of the polio vaccine, Sinatra and other influential figures helped to lay the foundation for its acceptance, much as current popular culture icons have helped spread awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine. By partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1959, Sinatra lent his captivating vocal prowess to UN Radio, encouraging acceptance of the vaccine that would eventually bring polio close to eradication.
To listen to Frank Sinatra’s UN Radio story, visit UN Podcast Classics.
6. Christy Turlington
Christy Turlington may be best known as an American supermodel, but she has also used her platform to raise awareness about maternal health, an important component of the SDGs. Turlington’s 2010 film No Woman, No Cry—whose premiere was attended by former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other UN figures—documents the preventable tragedy of maternal mortality, highlighted the issue by sharing stories of at-risk pregnant women in four different parts of the world. Following the release of the film, Turlington founded the Every Mother Counts campaign to continue her fight for maternal health. Turlington was honored for her work as one of UNA-NYC’s Humanitarians of the Year at our 2011 UN Day gala.
“I hope that by bringing people together, we can help create a mainstream maternal health movement that ensures the lives and well-being of mothers worldwide, for generations to come.”
Christy Turlington