Ukrainian actor and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, with no political experience, has secured a resounding victory in the country’s presidential polls.
He, however, isn’t the first of his kind. Here are five stars-turned-politicians who you must be familiar with.
Imran Khan
Former cricket champion Imran Khan, idolised by millions of Pakistanis for having led the national cricket team to its only World Cup victory in 1992, became prime minister in 2018 after a long political struggle.
Donald Trump
In January 2017 US real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump, whose surprise election shocked the world, entered the White House without any political, diplomatic or military experience. The 45th president of the United States hosted the TV show The Apprentice between 2004 and 2015. He also made several cameos in some of Hollywood’s hit films such as Sex and the City.
Urmila Matondkar
Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar surprised fans when she announced earlier this year that she has joined the Indian National Congress party and will be contesting elections from Mumbai’s North constituency. As per reports, her campaign is being received positively and she presents a tough challenge to BJP.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, more popularly known as The Terminator, made the leap from cinema to politics in 2003. The bodybuilder and action hero was Republican governor of California, the richest and most populous US state, from 2003 to 2011.
George Weah
George Weah emerged from Liberia’s slums to become a superstar footballer in the 1990s and was elected president of the West African nation in December 2017. The only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or, he entered politics at the end of the country’s 1989-2003 civil war, winning his first political job as a senator in 2014.
