Why Hollywood Stars Should Stick to Entertainment
Kurt Russell, known for his roles in movies like Overboard and The Hateful Eight, recently shared his thoughts on why Hollywood stars should stay out of politics. In an interview with The New York Times, Russell, who identifies as a “hardcore libertarian,” expressed his belief that actors and entertainers should avoid voicing strong political opinions.
According to Russell, entertainers should focus on their craft and refrain from making divisive political statements. He calls them “court jesters,” individuals who are meant to entertain the audience and bring joy, rather than engage in political discourse. Russell explains, “You should step away from saying anything so that you can still be seen by the audience in any character.”
Russell believes that entertainers have the capacity to learn about various subjects, including politics. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining their status as court jesters. By delving into personal political beliefs, comedians, in particular, risk losing their essence and crucial role in society. Russell states, “A court jester is the only one who can walk into the castle and put the king down as long as he doesn’t hit too close to home. I think that’s been a big, important part of all cultures throughout history, and I’d like to see it stay in ours.”
The actor’s perspective resonates with many who long for a return to the days when comedic actors such as Don Rickles and Dean Martin would cleverly “roast” celebrities and politicians without injecting their own political biases. Even in the early days of Saturday Night Live, humorously tackling politics was done in good taste, while actors kept their personal views out of the limelight.
It’s evident that the integration of personal politics into entertainment can dilute the effectiveness of comedians and actors as entertainers. Instead of providing genuine laughter and joy, this shift often results in repetitive expressions of hatred. Kurt Russell’s viewpoint encourages Hollywood stars to entertain audiences wholeheartedly and leave the realm of politics to those who specialize in it.
