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Kanye West -

Kanye West announced his intention to run for President of the United States rather late in the game, only a few months before the election was due to start.

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Kanye West -

There was speculation about whether his intentions were genuine. A bizarre rally in South Carolina where he cried and told personal stories about abortion did little to clear things up.

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Donald Trump -

Donald Trump was once a billionaire businessman and socialite, known for frequenting Miami nightclubs and dating supermodels. He became a major celebrity when he launched his reality TV show 'The Apprentice.'

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Donald Trump -

When he ran for president in 2016, it seemed like a publicity stunt. But look at him now...

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Ronald Reagan - Trump isn't the only celeb turned president. Let's not forget that Ronald Reagan was a movie star before he became president in 1981!

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Arnold Schwarzenegger -

Arnold Schwarzenegger started out as a body builder, winning a huge range of world titles before becoming an action movie legend. Some of his best lines from 'The Terminator' and 'Kindergarten Cop' are still quoted today.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger -

He had been openly political for many years and finally became the governor of California in 2003.

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Clint Eastwood -

Legendary actor Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of the California town of Carmel in 1986.

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Sonny Bono -

Sonny Bono was famous for his musical collaboration and relationship with Cher in the 1960s and 1970s.

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Sonny Bono -

He became the mayor of Palm Springs, Florida in 1988. He was later elected to the House of US Representatives. It seems he got rid of his flares and hippy persona, but he never lost the moustache.

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Jerry Springer -

Controversial reality TV host Jerry Springer served as both a councilman and mayor in Cincinnati, although he had to step down at one point when it was revealed he'd hired a sex worker. 

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Cynthia Nixon -

Actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, made famous by her role as Miranda in 'Sex and the City,' ran for governor of New York in 2018. If she's anything like her character on the show, she would have done an amazing job!

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Kal Penn - Comedy actor Kal Penn is famous for his role in the classic stoner movie series 'Harold and Kumar.' It would surprise some to learn the direction his career has taken in recent years.

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Kal Penn -

In 2009, he became an associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Barack Obama. 

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Shirley Temple Black -

Shirley Temple was one of the biggest child stars in history, and even has a sweet non-alcoholic cocktail named after her.

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Shirley Temple Black -

As an adult, she put away her dancing shoes and decided to get into politics. She unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 1967, but later became a US ambassador. 

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Stacey Dash - Stacey Dash was a '90s icon for her role in 'Clueless.' She surprised Hollywood when she came out as a staunch Republican and has since become a commentator for Fox News.

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Stacey Dash -

She ran for Congress in 2018, but eventually chose to drop out. She has remained outspoken in her support of Donald Trump, and has voiced many controversial opinions on social issues such as minority and trans rights.

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Wyclef Jean -

Haitian-American hip-hop star Wyclef Jean attempted to run for President of Haiti in 2010. However, he was disqualified, as Haiti was not his primary country of residence.

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Fred Thompson -

Fred Thompson was best known for his acting role on the hit show 'Law and Order.'

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Fred Thompson -

He became an active Republican politician in the 1990s, becoming US Senator for Tennessee in 1994. He even took a shot at the presidential primaries in 2008.

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Manny Pacquiao -

Manny Pacquiao is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Towards the end of his boxing career, he began moving into politics in the Philippines and was made a senator in 2016.

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Al Franken -

Al Franken was one of the early writers and performers on the hit sketch show 'Saturday Night Live.' He later went on the become a political commentator and then a Democratic senator.

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Clay Aiken -

Clay Aiken was a runner up on 'American Idol' in 2003, and went on to release a successful album afterwards. He unsuccessfully ran for US Congress in 2014, and now hosts a political podcast.

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Romário - Romário was one of the biggest soccer stars to come out of Brazil, helping the country win the World Cup in 1994.

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Romário -

He was a rebellious character, so it was a surprise when he turned to politics in his home state of Rio de Janeiro. He was elected to the Brazilian Senate in 2014.

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Ilona Staller -

Ilona Staller, also known as 'La Cicciolina,' was Italy's most famous adult film star. She then successfully pivoted into politics!

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Ilona Staller -

She was elected to the Italian parliament in 1987, and has remained a political activist ever since. She has started two of her own political parties.

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See also - Not all celebrities have the stomach for politics, but many are outspoken activists and protesters. Check out this list of celebs who were arrested for their activism.

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