1. Doris Day
Few stars embodied the heart and soul of animal advocacy like Doris Day. While the world adored her for her golden voice and infectious charm, behind the scenes, she was on a mission to protect animals of all kinds. She wasn’t just a pet lover; she was a true activist, dedicating much of her later life to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. Whether it was dogs, cats, or even horses, she had a soft spot for any creature that needed love and care. Her home became a sanctuary for strays, a place where abandoned animals could find safety and a second chance.
Her passion led her to create the Doris Day Animal Foundation, which still operates today, ensuring her legacy continues. She also played a major role in raising awareness about animal rights at a time when it wasn’t a mainstream concern. She fought against inhumane practices in the entertainment industry and supported spay and neuter programs to control pet overpopulation. Her efforts changed countless lives, both human and animal, and cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s greatest animal advocates. Even after her passing, her foundation continues to make a difference, proving that her love for animals was more than just a passion—it was a lifelong mission.
2. Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot wasn’t just a Hollywood icon; she was also a fierce defender of animals, willing to challenge the world’s biggest industries to protect them. While most people remember her for her stunning beauty and successful acting career, she walked away from fame in the 1970s to dedicate herself fully to animal activism. She saw firsthand the cruelty animals faced, particularly in the fur trade and factory farming, and decided she couldn’t just stand by and watch. Her transition from movie star to full-time activist shocked many, but she never looked back.
Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals, an organization that continues to fight for animal rights today. She has been outspoken against animal testing, fur farming, and the exploitation of animals in entertainment. Her efforts have led to significant legislative changes, including bans on seal hunting in Europe. Unlike many celebrities who simply lend their names to a cause, Bardot dedicated her entire life to the fight, using her wealth and influence to create real change. Though controversial at times, there’s no denying her passion and commitment to making the world a safer place for animals.
3. Betty White
Betty White wasn’t just America’s sweetheart—she was also one of Hollywood’s most dedicated animal lovers. While her career spanned decades, including some of the most beloved roles in television history, she never lost sight of her true passion: advocating for animals. She worked with countless animal organizations, volunteering her time and resources to improve the lives of animals everywhere. Unlike many stars who simply wrote checks, Betty was hands-on, visiting shelters, supporting conservation efforts, and even helping rescue animals in distress.
Her work with the Los Angeles Zoo and the Morris Animal Foundation helped bring attention to endangered species and promote humane treatment of all animals. She spent over 40 years working to improve zoo conditions and wildlife conservation, believing that education was key to protecting the planet’s creatures. Betty’s love for animals was evident in every aspect of her life, from her personal pets to her tireless advocacy work. Even in her final years, she continued to speak up for animals, proving that her compassion was a lifelong commitment. She wasn’t just a celebrity who loved animals—she was a true champion for their well-being.
4. Tippi Hedren
Tippi Hedren may have been best known for her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, but her real passion was far from the Hollywood spotlight. After filming in Africa, she fell in love with big cats and made it her life’s work to protect them. What started as a fascination soon turned into a full-blown mission, leading her to establish the Shambala Preserve, a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals. She saw firsthand how lions, tigers, and other wild animals were mistreated in captivity, and she knew she had to do something about it.
Her work wasn’t just about rescuing animals; she fought for better laws to prevent their exploitation. She played a crucial role in passing the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, which restricted the private ownership of big cats in the U.S. Unlike many celebrities who use their fame for brief moments of activism, Tippi dedicated decades of her life to this cause. Even as she aged, she continued to advocate for stronger protections, ensuring her beloved big cats had a safe future. Her dedication proves that when passion meets action, real change is possible.
5. Bob Barker
For over 50 years, Bob Barker entertained audiences as the host of The Price Is Right, but his real mission in life was protecting animals. He used his platform to promote spaying and neutering pets, famously ending each show with a reminder to help control the pet population. His passion for animal welfare extended far beyond television, as he donated millions of dollars to support organizations fighting against cruelty and exploitation. Whether it was funding animal rights lawsuits or helping rescue abused animals, Bob put his money where his heart was.
His biggest impact came from his work against animal exploitation in entertainment. He fought to end the use of elephants in circuses and supported bans on exotic animal performances. He even stepped down as host of the Miss USA pageant because of its ties to fur fashion, proving he wasn’t afraid to take a stand. His efforts helped bring national attention to issues that had long been ignored, sparking conversations and leading to real change. Even after retiring from television, he remained an active force in animal advocacy, leaving behind a legacy that went far beyond game shows.
6. Mary Tyler Moore
Mary Tyler Moore was known for breaking barriers in Hollywood, but she was also breaking ground in animal advocacy. While many knew her for her roles on television, behind the scenes, she was a passionate defender of animals in need. She worked closely with several animal welfare organizations, dedicating both her time and financial resources to improving animal rights. Her activism wasn’t just about writing checks—she used her fame to push for meaningful change in the way animals were treated.
One of her biggest contributions was her work against puppy mills, which breed dogs in cruel and overcrowded conditions. She supported numerous efforts to pass stricter regulations on pet breeding, ensuring that dogs were treated humanely. She also advocated for farm animal welfare, believing that all animals deserve to live without suffering. Her dedication helped bring animal rights issues into mainstream conversations, influencing public perception and inspiring other celebrities to join the cause. Even after her passing, her legacy lives on in the many reforms she helped push forward.
7. Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. was a larger-than-life entertainer, but his love for animals was just as grand. As one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century, he used his influence to promote animal welfare in ways that many didn’t even realize. He had a deep affection for dogs, particularly rescue animals, and often spoke about the joy they brought into his life. But his advocacy went far beyond his personal pets—he worked to improve conditions for animals in entertainment and beyond.
Davis Jr. was a vocal critic of animal cruelty in circuses and show business, speaking out against the mistreatment of exotic animals used for public performances. He believed that animals should not be forced into unnatural and often dangerous situations just for human entertainment. His passion extended to supporting shelters and rescue efforts, helping countless animals find loving homes. Despite his busy career, he made time to contribute to causes that aligned with his beliefs, proving that compassion and activism go hand in hand. His contributions helped shine a light on issues that were often overlooked, paving the way for more humane treatment of animals in the entertainment world.
8. Linda Blair
Best known for her spine-chilling performance in The Exorcist, Linda Blair dedicated much of her adult life to a cause far removed from Hollywood horror—saving animals. She was one of the most outspoken celebrity activists when it came to animal welfare, especially concerning abused and neglected dogs. She saw the horrors of animal abandonment up close and couldn’t sit idly by while so many suffered. Her passion led her to establish the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, a rescue and rehabilitation center for mistreated animals.
Her foundation focuses on helping pit bulls, a breed that has been widely misunderstood and unfairly stigmatized. Blair worked tirelessly to change the negative perception surrounding these dogs, emphasizing their loving nature when given proper care. She also fought against dog fighting rings, exposing the brutal reality of these underground operations and advocating for stricter laws to shut them down. Her commitment to the cause went beyond activism—she actively took part in rescues, fostering and rehabilitating dogs herself. Blair proved that no matter how famous you are, true success is measured by the difference you make in the world.
9. Paul Newman
Paul Newman was not just a Hollywood legend—he was also an animal lover who put his money and influence toward helping those who couldn’t speak for themselves. While many recognized him for his acting and philanthropy, his love for animals was another driving force in his life. He had a deep appreciation for wildlife conservation, supporting efforts to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats. He understood the importance of keeping the balance of nature intact and worked with organizations dedicated to the cause.
Newman also made an impact in the world of farm animal welfare, backing initiatives that promoted humane farming practices. He believed that animals raised for food deserved to be treated with dignity, and he supported reforms that aimed to reduce cruelty in agriculture. His commitment to ethical treatment extended to his business ventures as well—his food brand, Newman’s Own, ensured that a portion of its proceeds supported charities, including those focused on animal welfare. His legacy is one of both talent and generosity, proving that true greatness is measured by the lives one improves, whether human or animal.
10. Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda has been a lifelong activist, known for standing up for social justice and environmental causes—but what many don’t realize is that her advocacy also extended to animals. She has been a vocal opponent of animal cruelty, particularly in industries that exploit animals for profit. Over the years, she has worked to expose inhumane practices in factory farming, urging for reforms to create better conditions for farm animals. She believes that compassion should extend to all living beings, and she has used her platform to spread that message.
One of her most significant contributions was her fight against animal testing in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. She has supported legislation to ban these outdated and cruel practices, advocating for modern, humane alternatives. She also helped raise awareness about the plight of marine life, supporting conservation efforts to protect endangered ocean species. Fonda’s activism proves that caring about animals isn’t just about loving pets—it’s about fighting for systemic change to ensure all creatures are treated with kindness and respect. Her ongoing work continues to inspire others to see animals not as commodities, but as sentient beings deserving of protection.
