Why Are Actors Like Zach Galifianakis & Billy Bob Thorton Hesitant to Endorse Occupy Wall Street?
- Posted on October 26, 2011 at 10:32am by
Billy Hallowell
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It’s no secret that Hollywood has a liberal streak. In fact, participation in left-of-center politics and causes seems to be a litmus test these days in Tinseltown.
But, as the Occupy Wall Street protests have unfolded, it looks like some in the entertainment industry are being extra careful about just how far they go in supporting the movement.
Take for instance Zach Galifianakis (“The Hang Over II”), who recently said that he joined a drum circle down at Occupy Wall Street (it’s unclear whether this was a joke or a reality). Galifianakis definitely seems like he’s being careful to strike a balance in how he handles the protests:
“It’s very tricky when you have an actor person trying to…uh…unfortunately, people are like, ‘Well he’s just an actor.’ Well, you’re allowed to give your opinion, aren’t you? But it can backfire sometimes. Sometimes it just seems preachy. You know, I’m here promoting a movie with two cats and an egg…”
While some of this is a bit incoherent, the main point he’s making is that celebrities can sometimes be dismissed or seem too preachy when delving into controversial issues.
Billy Bob Thornton, too, has some hesitations. In fact, the actor has been painfully honest in addressing the reasons why he hasn’t gotten involved with the Occupy protests:
“Like when they asked Elvis Pressley what he thought about the Vietnam War, he said ‘To tell you the truth sir, I’m just an entertainer.‘ I don’t know enough about anything to comment on anything. Honestly…I’m not that bright and not that informed.”
Aaron Eckhart, though, tackles his cautiousness from a different perspective. “As an actor, you have to be sensitive to those things, but you also have to be a businessman,” he explains. “And so there are considerations…There‘s nothing wrong with profit if it’s earned through hard work and ingenuity and not on the back of another. I see nothing wrong with that. I’m in business. I’m a businessman.”
But Eckhart does go on to say, “When you’re consumed by it to the point where you have no feelings or compassion for others, then…you have to take a look at yourself.” Most people, regardless of support for or against Occupy Wall Street, would agree with this statement. Clearly, he sees the fine balance that needs to be struck between business successes and ethical practices.
Watch these actors discuss Occupy Wall Street, below:
Of course, Susan Sarandon, Kanye West and Russell Simmons, among others, haven’t wasted any time in supporting the movement. Oh, and did I mention — protest supporter Michael Moore doesn‘t think he’s part of the 1 percent? Go figure.
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Comments (48)
Sweetrae
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 4:49pmMaybe they actually want to continue working and Billy Bob was right as well. Most of them are so consumed with their own self worth, and partying that they are oblivious to what is going on. It‘s pretty obvious with the sewerpipe coming out of Hollywood that many of them can’t piece together a multi-syllable sentence, without the, “ ya know”, “ah”,“well”, and “um”
Report Post »Furrystoat
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 4:31pmWhen a reporter asked Elvis Presley what his opinion of the Vietnam war was, his response was something along the lines of “Don’t ask me about things like that….I’m just an entertainer”.
Elvis: smart man. Most current celebrities: not so much.
When celebrities endorse a Left-wing cause or make any sort of anti-American, Leftist statement I definitely pay attention and make a conscious effort to avoid their movies and music. They won‘t get a dime from me and I know I’m not alone.
Shut up and sing (or act).
Report Post »Access Denied
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:09amOHB (Occupy Hollywood Blvd.) These Hollywood Stars make too much money. These 1% bahsterds need to share with the 99%. I’m getting tired of Hollywood taking the millions from the 99% and just spending it anyway they choose. I say no more movies until the HW shysters cough it up.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:49amStick to what you are paid for. But first; a number. You know, a dance number. Who says you actors aren’t worth your weight in cream cheese and bagels?
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:21pmAt least they’re smart enough not to shoot themselves in the foot, even if they agree with the protestors, they must see the danger if the protests go bad and public opinion backlash might shred their careers.
Report Post »TheBurningTruth
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 4:08pmThe uber-rich Hollywood Liberals (the ones most likely to mouth-off) make more in a few weeks time than the rest of us can make in a several lifetimes. Their atonement for their huge wealth is to blame the system and demand changes (though not a drop in movie ticket prices or their own negotiated salaries). They’re way of seeking forgiveness for earning that much is to restrict what the rest of us can earn and to tax the successful among us.
The sooner people realize the parasitic nature of these Progressive Liberals, the sooner they’ll cease going to the movies. They can have their freedom of speech, and we can have our freedom NOT to pay for it.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 3:46pmBilly Bob is exactly right most of these jokers “feel” rather than do their homework. By the way Billy Bob makes great movies.
Report Post »patriot308
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 4:37pmMy company did some work for Billy Bob; back when he was married to big lips. Nice enough people; kinda out there….. and I‘m sure there were times when they weren’t drunk or stoned….. I never witnessed any, but I’m sure there were.
Report Post »santramir
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 3:26pmhuman dignity is about free will among to many other values. left and right means nothing to human dignity. europe woke up first as usual in the global matters and except wallstreet occupiers america is still comfortably numb in a denying stage. why?? see it yourself : http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21228354.500-revealed–the-capitalist-network-that-runs-the-world.html
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 3:54pm… these actors are still Liberal Marxist! You can’t get work in Hollyweird unless you are!! Believe nothing you hear and very little of what you see …
Report Post »Brontefan
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 3:08pmMaybe they have some intelligence? Or maybe they don’t want our country to be full blown Marxist.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:59pmAny successful actor with half a brain would see that the occupiers hate them because they are rich. Supporting them would be stupid.
Report Post »TheBurningTruth
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 4:03pmI’ve always believed that the Progressive Liberals in Hollywood actually feel guilty about how easy it is for them (the big names, you don’t see the wannabe actors crying liberal tears) to make more in a few weeks than the rest of us make in several lifetimes. The problem is that they translate THEIR guilt onto us. Part of excusing their embarassing wealth is to clench the fist and claim solidarity with the idiot protestors.
Remember how many rich Hollywood actors whined about getting taken by Bernie Madoff and other investment crooks? Seems like they had plenty of money in the evil stock market themselves.
Report Post »ednapearl
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:44pmWhen Hollywood speaks out it influences the “useful idiots” but for the rest of us it shows who not to support them by going to their movies. Now I am watching the old classics like John Wayne where you knew where he stood. I wish the conservatives would speak up more and set up their own movie production companies to make smart, good movies that promote good values, morals, self-reliance, families with mom and dad, they might be surprised that they will surpass the liberal in Hollywood.
Report Post »ScarletRose
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:42pmAwww, Gee, Billy Bob… Is it SAD for you when folks find out you are a FLAMING LIBERAL MARXIST that they no longer think you are “Just A Good Ole Boy”????
Report Post »gdbhusker
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:27pmLike friend of mine said……Kanye West west showed up to help protest against greedy millionaires while wearing a 25K watch, 1800.00 jeans, a 300.00 T-shirt,and 500.00 shoes….grabbed up a bull horn and screamed out the “we, the poor and abused, are not going to take it anymore”.. WTH? a walking talking contradiction . most of the hollywood types should steer clear of this event…..oh wait…the protesters are to stupid to make the connection!
Report Post »TrailerParkDave
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:26pma quiet mouth gathers no foot……
Report Post »LolaB
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:20pmI LOVE dolphins…but I won’t give Hollyweird my money to see the movie Dolphin Tale. Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, who are in this movie…total liberal freaks.
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:19pmKeep your mouth closed and people will give you credit for being reasonably intelligent.
Report Post »Open your mouth and you take away all doubts about your intelligence.
ambrosia
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:05pmAn actor, a musician, any entertainer-
regardless of each of their individual scale of talent,,,..what do they ALL rely on ?
An audience…..receptive, hard-working, respectful, ticket-buying fans.
It never occurs to the dumb liberal, big-mouth entertainer
that Republicans & Conservatives
are a huge part of that paying audience-
paying & treating themselves to good entertainment.
Dumb, know-it-all, politic jib-jabbing preachers entertainers,
regardless their political persuasions are their own worst enemy.
Disrespect the public’s sensitivity-
and you can shove
your unsold product up your commie wazoo
and then, wonder what happened to your “bankability” status ?
You may be indignant……. but NO one is indispensable.
Report Post »There’s always a kinder, gentler, better-looking, more talented person to take your place.
JohnnyMidknight
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:02pmI love this quote by Eckhart: “There‘s nothing wrong with profit if it’s earned through hard work and ingenuity and not on the back of another. I see nothing wrong with that.”
But who pays you? The poor populaces who gather like cattle to watch your movies.
2 movie tickets = $20
1 tub of stale popcorn = $8
2 over iced sodas = $12
So forty dollars to see a movie. Let alone taking a whole family.
Report Post »TunaBlue
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:32pmHey Johnny,
The “poor populaces” you refer to have a choice. No one forces them or you to go to the movies or to buy anything–at least until Obamacare is in full swing. Let’s hope that that atrocity is killed by the Supremes.
Report Post »goatrope67
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 4:36pmAnd the movie theaters prices are not set by the actors. While actors make alot of money it’s not off your dollar. It’s off the dollar of the company willing to spend the money because they are taking a chance that the movie will do well. The actor gets the same price whether that movie does well or not. If it does well then the next time they go for a movie deal they can make the same amount or more. If it doesn‘t do so well then they don’t get paid as well the next time around. In the end though, the corporate movie theaters set the prices. They, along with the producers and directors determine how much we will have to pay to see a movie. In the end, you railing against these actors is only pointing at the public face of this giant movie industry. They are only the part you see so you automatically assume they are robbing you of your money. Movies are entertainment. Actors are entertainers. And, they have opinions. They also have the capability of making their opinions known. They have to deal with the consequences of the reaction to what they say but in the end it’s their right to make statements. If you had the same ability you would do the very same thing. This is quite apparent when you go through the stories on the Blaze and see how many people on here are COMPLETELY willing to share their opinion no matter how stupid and uninformed it is.
Report Post »Shotgun167
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 2:01pmI think I like Billy Bob. He knows his place and is respectful of his boundaries. I like those sort of people, even if I completely disagree with their politics. If I pay for a concert or movie, I want to be entertained. I don’t want to be subjected to what some half-wit professional liar* has to say about weighty issues they don’t understand. STFU, and play the music Hank and all you Dixie Chicks. If preach your poorly thought out would view until you tick me off to the point that your voice grates on my last nerve, I won’t be entertained by any movie you play in or song you sing. THAT’s why I want give you my money.
*that’s what actors really are
Report Post »qzak491
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 1:53pmEntertainment
Why Are Actors Like Zach Galifianakis & Billy Bob Thorton Hesitant to Endorse Occupy Wall Street?
Because there not stupid enough to get mixed up with those idiot protesters. These guys are showing the sense the rest of the people, for the protesters, don’t have.
Report Post »Survivor101
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 1:10pmThey just have not been paid enough or told to endorse OWS for their next big gig….the 99%’s in Hollywood will sell themselves for anything remain famous and have some cash.
Report Post »Dedicated
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:55pmSuccessful entertainers are often the least reliable when it comes to providing meaningful insight, as they are usually not experiencing the realities of life like most of us are. Unfortuntately they are given a platform whenever the want it, and even more unfortunately there is no shortage of idiots willing to soak up whetever is being spewed
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:54pmOWS is the hip fad of the moment. Go hang with your bros. Ignore it and it will go away. I pray for snow, sleet, rain and strong winds. Let’s see how committed they are then. 99% of these people are weekend warriors. That’s the 99%.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »hi
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:52pmWow! I am shocked they didn’t jump right in!
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:51pmThey can stick their head out and show their colors, we’ll just sit back and take names for later.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:46pmBecause box office sales at theaters are down by 20%? Thats not from high unemployment!
Could that be why?
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:56pmYep. I have now boycotted these idiot so-called-radical actors and refuse to spend my HARD EARNED money and promote their careers.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 6:35pmMe too.
They don’t care about us or this country as they continue to support a President that has systematically ruined this country… and us with it.
I no longer care if they can‘t afford to give their kids a Mercedes on their 16th birthday or can’t buy their fifth vacation home.
Most have forgotten where they came from..
Report Post »11:11
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:43pmIt’s very tricky when you have an actor person trying to…uh…unfortunately, people are like, ‘Well he’s just an actor.’ Well, you’re allowed to give your opinion, aren’t you? NO! you are an actor and no one really wants to know your opinion, just do what you do and don’t open your mouth unless your reading a script, please! to all celebs “Just stick to what you know, shopping, nail polish, your father’s BMW and your poor rich drunk mother in the Carribbean!”
Report Post »whowatches...
Posted on October 26, 2011 at 12:41pmTentative *****-footing is far more courageous than I would’ve expected. Interesting…
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