They’ve played presidents, sports heroes and activists. One has even been asked to record a reading of the Bible. They’re the most trusted celebrities in America, according to Forbes.
What exactly makes someone trustworthy? Judging by the ten names on this list, we’d say it’s a mix of charm, everyman humility — and a soothing baritone doesn’t hurt either.
It’s easy to see why James Earl Jones tops the list, despite the fact that he’s voiced one of the most iconic villains of all time, Darth Vader. (It’s Jones, by the way, who was tapped to read the New Testament and made it a best-seller.)
If we’re judging by reassuring presences, it’s no surprise Morgan Freeman comes in at no. 5. Not only is he the authoritative voice announcing Katie Couric on the CBS Evening News (replacing Walter Cronkite, one of the most trusted names in journalism), he’s also played the president in the 1998 film Deep Impact.
Perhaps a less official criteria that we think deserves merit: hang-dog eyes. We think Forbes agrees, putting Ron Howard at no. 7. Besides the fact that we’ve never seen anyone say a cross word about him in the press over the forty years he’s been in the business, just look at Ron Howard’s face. Would those freckles lie?
Others on the list include everyone’s favorite TV dad Bill Cosby, everyone’s favorite action star Will Smith and everyone’s favorite girl-next-door Sally Field (who played Gidget in the 1960s).
Forbes says it compiled the list with help from E-Poll, a firm that “gauges the marketability of hundreds of public figures for clients” and “which ranked the A-list names Americans rated the highest in for trustworthiness, awareness and appeal.”
One celeb Forbes says won’t be making this list any time soon? Just check your supermarket checkout rags. We’ll give you a hint. His name starts with a “T.” Ends in and “Iger Woods.”
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
