13 celebrities who left Hollywood to work in politics – but who came back? From Donald Trump and ‘Governator’ Arnold Schwarzenegger to Clint Eastwood, Caitlyn Jenner and Ronald Reagan

Sep 12 , 2022

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shirley Temple, Donald Trump and Caitlyn Jenner all became political animals after their stints in showbiz. Photos: @schwazenegger; @realdonaldtrump; @40thregan; @caitlynjenner/Instagram

Donald Trump’s ascension from The Apprentice boss to POTUS is well documented, but did you know SATC’s Cynthia Nixon ran for New York Governor?

Staunch Republican Stacey Dash is better known for her role as Dionne alongside Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, while Boy Meets World star Ben Savage is running for city council in California

Boy Meets World star Ben Savage is running for city council in West Hollywood, California. But as you’re probably aware, he’s not the only celebrity to pivot towards politics. Sometimes this move is permanent, but others end up eventually returning to show business.

Here are 16 celebrities who switched up their fame from Hollywood star to politician …

1. Donald Trump

Former US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at a Save America rally in Pennsylvania, on September 3. Photo: DPA

Donald Trump was famous in the world of real estate, but had on-screen stints too. He was elected the 45th president of the United States in 2016.

Donald Trump at open auditions for the second season of his reality television show The Apprentice, back in 2004. Photo: AP

Before he was the leader of the free world for a term, Trump was the host and judge of The Apprentice, a reality TV show featuring competitors vying for the chance to run one of his companies.

Trump also appeared briefly as himself in some films and TV shows, from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York to Sex and the City.

2. Caitlyn Jenner

Kim Kardashian and Caitlyn Jenner at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2020. Photo: Getty Images

Caitlyn Jenner announced her run for Governor of California in April 2021.