95bFM From the box office to the ballot box: Why are celebrities becoming politicians?
1 April, 2022
Interview by Liam Hansen, adapted by Jessica Hopkins
University of Auckland Political Psychology Professor, Dr Danny Osborne says that Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) is an example of a person with an entertainment background successfully transitioning to politics. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Almost as long as the entertainment industry has existed, actors and public figures have transitioned from the screen to politics.
Whether it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cynthia Nixon, or Volodymyr Zelensky, examples from tens of countries around the world have seen celebrities fail and succeed to use their fame to gain political influence.
University of Auckland Political Psychology Professor, Dr Danny Osborne, told Liam Hansen on 95bFM’s The Wire that being in the entertainment industry gives potential politicians a "leg up on the competition".
“You see it country after country, decade after decade, people in the entertainment industry are using their name recognition to make a difference in politics.”
In some cases, former entertainers go on to be more known for their work in politics. For example, Ronald Reagen was a well-known actor before entering politics. But it’s not just actors. Manny Pacquiao, a Senator of the Philippines was formerly a professional boxer.
Dr Osborne said that celebrities possess some of the same qualities that make good politicians.
“In many ways, the entertainer is the ideal political candidate. Their job has been connecting with people and being effective public speakers”
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky who is leading his country through a Russian invasion was previously an actor and comedian. Zelensky starred in the political satire series, Servant of the People, where he played a high school teacher who becomes President.
Osborne said that Zelensky is a highly salient example of a person with an entertainment background successfully transitioning to politics.
“The criticism of former entertainers is that they don’t have a history in politics, but he has had an influence around the globe.”
This phenomenon is also seen in Aotearoa. Prior to entering parliament, Tāmati Coffey was a Television Broadcaster, appearing on shows including What Now, and TVNZ's Breakfast. National’s Maggie Barry, and former mayor of Christchurch, Sir Bob Parker also had broadcasting careers.
So why do we vote celebrities into office? Osborne said that awareness of a specific candidate can be a deciding factor for voters.
“As much as we like to believe that voters are perfectly informed and make rational decisions, sometimes it is a matter of name recognition.”
While celebrities can be representatives of the people, he warned that voting for someone just because they are recognisable can be a negative indicator of the competence of the electorate.
“If you are voting for people because they are famous then you’re not necessarily getting your policies represented in parliament."
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