Famous Libertarians

Famous libertarians include:

Dave Barry.

The syndicated humorist supports the Libertarian Party and advocates libertarian ideas frequently in his weekly humor column and his popular books.

Drew Carey.

The sitcom actor lists himself as a Libertarian.

Dixie Carter.

The sitcom actress calls herself a Libertarian, and has said that drugs and prostitution should be legalized.

Jack Chambless.

The Valencia College economics professor and contributor to Fox News and the Orlando Sentinel is a registered Libertarian.

Penn Jillette.

Half of the magician duo Penn and Teller, Jillette is a Libertarian Party supporter.

Edward Herrman.

Star of the anti-IRS film Harry's War, actor Herrman seeks out libertarian-interest roles, and narrated the audiobook versions of some Ayn Rand novels.

John Larroquette.

The sitcom actor who became famous with "Night Court" is registered to vote as a Libertarian. On an irrelevant personal note, he attended the same high school I did in New Orleans (though many years earlier, and only briefly before being kicked out!).

Denis Leary.

The edgy comic describes himself as a libertarian.

Russell Means.

Founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and actor ("Last of the Mohicans" et al.), Means ran for the 1988 Libertarian presidential nomination.

Sean Morely ("Val Venis").

The professional wrestler from Canada is a Libertarian and maintains a political newsletter called "Hardball."

Michael Moriarty.

The award-winning actor and pianist-composer advocates libertarian goals. He condemns the federal government as an emerging police state, citing Waco and Ruby Ridge as examples, and he supports drug legalization. Moriarty is an Emmy, Tony and Golden Globe award winning actor, as well as a classical and jazz pianist with three CDs released.

Howard Stern.

The famous and infamous "shock jock" media personality won the Libertarian Party nomination for governor of New York (before he dropped out of the race). Stern is a strong advocate of free speech and personal freedom.

P. J. O'Rourke.

Although the humorist calls himself a "Republican Party Reptile," it is hard to imagine a Republican advocating drugs and fast cars. O'Rourke has written for National Lampoon, Car and Driver and Rolling Stone magazines and is the author of numerous books.

Kurt Russell.

The star of Escape from New York, Escape from L.A., Big Trouble in Little China and many more is registered to vote as a Libertarian.

Tom Selleck.

The actor best known for his lead in the 1980s TV show "Magnum P.I." has been described by his father as "a registered independent with libertarian leanings."

Barry Williams ("Dr. Demento").

The radio show host and collector of unusual recordings is a Libertarian Party supporter.

Virginia Postrel.

A former editor of Reason magazine, she has appeared as a commentator on television shows such as "Politically Incorrect."

Musicians.

Many musicians, particularly in rock'n'roll, are libertarians. Rockabilly musician Mojo Nixon is a Libertarian Party supporter. Rock star and avid sportsman Ted Nugent ("Cat Scratch Fever") endorsed a Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Blues Traveller singer John Popper describes himself as libertarian. Rush drummer Neil Peart promotes Objectivist philosophy in the band's lyrics.

Nobel Prize winners

Quite a few recipients of the Nobel Prize have been libertarians, including economist Milton Friedman.

Science fiction writers.

Many science fiction authors are libertarian, including L. Neil Smith, J. Neil Schulman, Victor Koman, James Hogan, the late Robert Heinlein and many others.

Kinda Sorta Maybes

In addition to self-described libertarians, there are many famous personalities who have expressed sympathy with libertarian ideas or expressed those ideas themselves.

William F. Buckley.

Although the writer is usually considered a conservative, he wrote a book titled, "Happy Days are Here Again: Reflections of a Libertarian Journalist," and has advocated drug legalization.

John Carpenter.

A television station called the Escape from L.A. director a libertarian.

Hugh Downs.

Downs' commentary in the "Perspective" nationwide radio program has included opposition to the drug war and Internet censorship, as well as a call to have Harry Browne in the 1996 presidential debates. "Some Americans who have read his book Why Government Doesn't Work are wondering why they ever voted for those other two parties," said Downs, after commenting favorably on the LP's longevity, electoral successes and general beliefs.

Robert Duvall.

The acclaimed actor who has played roles in more than 80 movies, from Lt. Kilgore in "Apocalpyse Now" to Tom Hagen in "The Godfather," was called "fiercely libertarian" by "60 Minutes." However, he is a Republican.

Clint Eastwood.

The famed actor has said he "leans libertarian," and "I like the libertarian view," and he has criticized the government's actions in Waco and Ruby Ridge, but he is a Republican.

David Letterman and Sandra Bernhardt.

In 1988 on Late Night with David Letterman, Letterman asked Berhnardt who she was voting for for president. Bernhardt replied, "That Libertarian guy," and Dave said, "Yeah me too." Letterman has generally been one to mock rather than support government agencies.

Mary Matalin.

The well-known Republican political commentator once said of Libertarian presidential candidate Harry Browne, "I support Browne in the debates, he has lots of good ideas, I don't agree with them all, and I'm not going to vote for him ... or wait ... maybe I will vote for him!"

Dennis Miller.

The erstwhile Saturday Night Live cast member and political commentator has been described as libertarian.

Camille Paglia.

The controversial feminist author and scholar has called herself a "radical lesbian libertarian".

John Stossel.

The television reporter promotes libertarian ideas wherever he can.