UNICEF’S Celebrity Goodwill Ambassadors

UNICEF’S Celebrity Goodwill Ambassadors

For years UNICEF has been a global leader for children’s rights. The organization has provided protection, disease (including HIV) prevention programs, health care programs and much more to at risk and in need children worldwide. Over the years, a number of celebrities have lent their talents in helping to raise money and awareness to UNICEF’s cause. Who are some of UNICEF’s celebrity ambassadors?

Richard Attenborough

While he may be best known for his role as John Hammond in the blockbusters Jurassic Park (1993) and “The Lost World” (1997), Sir Richard Attenborough is also an established director, having won the Oscar for best director for the movie “Gandhi” (1982) with Ben Kingsley. Attenborough has also appeared in “The Great Escape” (1963) with Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner, and Steve McQueen; had an uncredited performance in 1971’s “A Bridge to Far” with James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Gene Hackman and Anthony Hopkins; and appeared in 1989’s critically acclaimed “Elizabeth”.

Angela Bassett

This critically acclaimed actress has played a variety of roles. Angela Bassett received a best actress Oscar nomination for her role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to do with It” (1993) and received praise for her work in 1992’s “Malcolm X”. She starred opposite Eddie Murphy in “Vampire in Brooklyn” (1995) and with Whitney Houston and Gregory Hines in “Waiting to Exhale” (1995). Bassett starred as the title character in 1998’s “How Stella Got her Groove Back” and recently appeared in 2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee”.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett may be best known for her portrayal of the elf, Galadriel, in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Blanchett has appeared in a number of movies including “Bandits” (2001) with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. She received an Oscar nomination for portraying the title character in 1998’s “Elizabeth” and won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn in 2004’s “The Aviator”. Blanchett next appears opposite Brad Pitt in the drama “Babel”.

Pierce Brosnan

Before he obtained his license to kill, Pierce Brosnan appeared in such films as “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) with Robin Williams and Sally Field as well as “Dante’s Peak” (1997) with Linda Hamilton. Brosnan also took over the role of James Bond for four films including Goldeneye (1995), “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997), “The World is not Enough” (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). He recently appeared opposite Greg Kinnear in the critically acclaimed “The Matador” (2005).

Gabriel Byrne

This versatile actor has played the gamut of roles, from good guy or bad guy to the devil or a priest. Gabriel Bryne has appeared in such cult films as “Miller’s Crossing” (1990), “The Usual Suspects” (1995) and 1998’s “Man in the Iron Mask” (1998). He played a priest in 1999’s “Stigmata” and the devil in “End of Days” (1999) with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Byrne also starred in the 2002 horror flick Ghost Ship and in 2005’s “Assault on Precinct 13” with Maria Bello, Laurence Fishburne and Ethan Hawke.

Jackie Chan

This renowned action star has appeared in many movies, often doing his own stunts. Jackie Chan starred in “Rush Hour” (1998) with Chris Tucker and its 2001 sequel as well as “Shanghai Noon” (2000) with Owen Wilson and the sequel, “Shanghai Knights” (2003). He also starred in 2002’s “The Tuxedo” with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Isaacs. Chan, while working on the third installment of the “Rush Hour” series, will lend his voice to the animated “Kung Fu Panda” (2008).

Jane Curtin

Although she may be best known for her roles in TV comedies such as “Third Rock from the Sun” as well as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live”, Jane Curtin has appeared in several films. Curtin starred in 1993’s “Coneheads” and lent her voice to the character of Muffy in the animated movie “Antz” (1998). She recently appeared in “The Shaggy Dog” (2006) remake starring Tim Allen.

Mia Farrow

This versatile actress has appeared in a number of classic films including the horror flick “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968). Mia Farrow also starred opposite Robert Redford in 1974’s “The Great Gatsby”; as the title character in “Hannah and her Sisters” (1986) with Michael Caine, Carrie Fisher, Barbara Hershey and Dianne Wiest; and in 1989 Woody Allen film “Crimes and Misdemeanors” with Martin Landau and Anjelica Huston. She recently appeared in the 2006 remake of “The Omen”.

Ralph Fiennes

Although he was recently on the big screen as Voldemort in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Ralph Fiennes has been nominated twice for an Academy Award; one for best supporting actor in 1993’s “Schindler’s List” and for best actor in “The English Patient” (1996). Fiennes has also appeared as Justin in The Constant Gardener with Rachel Weisz and in the 2002 thriller “Red Dragon” with Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins.

Laurence Fishburne

While Laurence Fishburne may be recognized for his role as Morpheus in the Matrix trilogy, this versatile actor has starred in a number of films. Fishburne starred with Sam Neil in the 1997 sci-fi thriller “Event Horizon”, as the title character in 1995’s “Othello” and received a best actor Academy Award nomination for his role as Ike Turner in 1993’s “What’s Love Got to do With It”. He recently appeared in “Akeelah and the Bee” (2006) and “Mission: Impossible III” (2006).

Danny Glover

Danny Glover may be best known for his role as Roger Murtaugh in the “Lethal Weapon” movies. He has appeared in “The Color Purple” (1985) with Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey, 2001’s “The Royal Tenenbaums” and in “Saw” (2004). Glover recently lent his voice to the character of Miles in “Barnyard: The Original Party Animals” (2006) and will next appear in the musical “Dreamgirls” (2006) with Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles.

Whoopi Goldberg

Although we’re used to seeing her in comedic roles, Whoopi Goldberg has appeared in such dramas as “Girl, Interrupted” (1999) with Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie and in 1996’s “Ghosts of the Mississippi” with Alec Baldwin and James Woods. It was her role as Oda Mae Brown in 1990’s tearjerker “Ghost” that garnered her a best supporting actress Academy Award. Goldberg has also appeared as Sister Mary Clarence in 1992’s “Sister Act” and its 1993 sequel and in the comedy “Rat Race” (2001) with John Cleese, Seth Green, Cuba Gooding Jr and Breckin Meyer.

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993)

Because of her experiences in Holland during World War II, Audrey Hepburn worked tirelessly on behalf of UNICEF especially in Latin America and Africa. The legendary actress received five Academy Award nominations for best actress for her work in “Sabrina” (1954) with Humphrey Bogart and William Holden, “The Nun’s Story” (1959), as Holly Golightly in the classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) and in the 1967 thriller “Wait Until Dark”. However, it was her role as Princess Ann in 1953’s “Roman Holiday” with Gregory Peck that gave her the Oscar win. Hepburn would also star in 1964’s “My Fair Lady” as Eliza Doolittle. She posthumously received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993.

Danny Kaye (1913-1987)

Danny Kaye became the face of UNICEF when he became one of the first celebrities to use his star power for the organization in 1954. Kaye starred in a number of Hollywood films including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (1947) with Virginia Mayo and Boris Karloff, the holiday classic “White Christmas” (1954) with Bing Crosby and 1956’s “The Court Jester” with Angela Lansbury. Kaye would work tirelessly for the organization until his death in 1987.

Nicole Kidman

The star of such movies as Cold Mountain (2003) and “To Die For” (1995), Nicole Kidman has been nominated for an Oscar twice. Although she was nominated for her role as Satine in 2001’s “Moulin Rouge”, it was her role as author / poet Virginia Woolf in 2002’s “The Hours” that garnered her the Academy Award for best actress. Kidman lends her voice to the upcoming animated feature “Happy Feet” along with Robin Williams and Hugh Jackman.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange first graced the big screen in the 1976 version of King Kong. She would go on to star in “Tootsie” (1982) with Dustin Hoffman for which she won a best supporting actress Oscar and in 1994’s “Blue Sky” with Tommy Lee Jones for which she won a best actress Oscar. Lange has also played a variety of characters in such films as “Big Fish” (2003) with Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor, “Titus” (1999) with Anthony Hopkins, “Rob Roy” (1995) with Liam Neeson and Tim Roth and “Cape Fear” (1991) with Robert De Niro and Nick Nolte. She also starred as legendary singer Patsy Cline in 1985’s “Sweet Dreams”.

Tea Leoni

Tea Leoni recently appeared opposite Jim Carrey in the comedy “Fun with Dick and Jane” (2005). She has also co-starred in a number of films including “Bad Boys” (1995) with Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, 1998’s “Deep Impact”, the holiday film “Family Man” (2000) with Nicolas Cage and the third installment of the Jurassic Park series from 2001.

Lucy Liu

This busy actress has found time to be one of UNICEF’s Celebrity Goodwill Ambassadors. Lucy Liu starred opposite Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz in the Charlie’s Angels movies and appeared opposite Mel Gibson in 1999’s “Payback”. She recently appeared on the big screen in 2003’s Kill Bill Vol. 1 with Uma Thurman, “Domino” (2005) with Keira Knightley and “Lucky Number Slevin” (2006) with Josh Hartnett and Morgan Freeman.

Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson may be better known for her work on magazine covers and the runway, but she has appeared in several movie roles. Among the films she has appeared in are: “The Edge” (1997) with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin; as Bruce Wayne’s (George Clooney) girlfriend, Julie, in Batman and Robin and in the 1996 drama “The Mirror has Two Faces” with Lauren Bacall, Pierce Brosnan and Barbra Streisand.

Ewan McGregor

The star of cult movies such as “Trainspotting” (1996) and “Shallow Grave” (1994) is currently working on “Mrs. Potter” with Renee Zellweger. Ewan McGregor has also starred as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the recent Star Wars prequels and in the 2005 sci-fi movie “The Island” with Scarlett Johansson.

Roger Moore

Best known as the secret agent, with the license to kill, James Bond, Sir Roger Moore has worked diligently over the years for UNICEF. Moore appeared as 007 in seven films, from 1973’s “Live and Let Die” to 1985’s “A View to a Kill”. He also appeared in 1980’s “The Sea Wolves” with David Niven and Gregory Peck, the 1981 comedy “Cannonball Run” and in 2002’s “Boat Trip”.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson recently lent his voice to the character of Aslan in the blockbuster film “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (2005) as well as the upcoming sequel. Neeson has appeared in Batman Begins (2005), “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005), The Haunting (1999) and as Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – Phantom Menace. Neeson has portrayed the title characters in “Darkman” (1990), “Michael Collins” (1996), “Rob Roy” (1995), “Kinsey” (2004) and received a best actor Oscar nomination for “Schindler’s List” (1993).

Leslie Nielsen

Funny man Leslie Nielsen has appeared in a number of movies but has also found time to contribute to UNICEF. Nielsen has appeared in such comedies as “Scary Movie 3” (2003), the spoof “Wrongfully Accused” (1998), “Dracula: Dead and Loving It” (1995) with Mel Brooks, “Airplane!” (1980) and as Lieutenant Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun series. He has also appeared as the ship’s captain in the action/adventure flick Poseidon Adventure and in the 1980 horror film “Prom Night” with Jamie Lee Curtis.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The star of TV’s “Sex in the City” recently appeared in the hit film “Failure to Launch” (2006) with Matthew McConaughey. Sarah Jessica Parker has appeared in a number of films including “Footloose” (1984) with Kevin Bacon, “Ed Wood” (1994) with Johnny Depp, 1996’s First Wives Club and “The Family Stone” (2005) with Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton.

Vanessa Redgrave

Not only has this accomplished actress worked as a humanitarian, Vanessa Redgrave has also been appointed as a celebrity ambassador for UNICEF. Redgrave has had an illustrious career in film that has resulted in six Academy Award nominations including a best supporting actress win for her role in 1977’s “Julia” with Jane Fonda. She has also appeared in 1992’s “Howard’s End” with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins, as Max in Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise and in 2005’s “The White Countess” with real life daughter, Natasha Richardson, and Ralph Fiennes.

Isabella Rossellini

This critically acclaimed actress has portrayed a variety of characters throughout her career. She starred opposite Dennis Hopper in the classic “Blue Velvet” (1986), with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in “Death Becomes Her” (1992) and in 1993’s “Fearless” with Jeff Bridges and Benicio Del Toro. Isabella Rossellini also appeared in “Wyatt Earp” (1994), “Immortal Beloved” (1994) with Gary Oldman and in 2003’s “The Saddest Music in the World”.

Geoffrey Rush

A versatile actor, Geoffrey Rush may best be known to moviegoers as Barbossa in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. He has played a variety of characters from Trotsky in 2002’s “Frida” starring Salma Hayek to Casanova Frankenstein in “Mystery Men” with Ben Stiller. A three time Oscar nominee for his roles in “Shakespeare in Love” (1998) and “Quills” (2000), Rush won the Academy Award for best actor for his work in 1996’s “Shine”.

Susan Sarandon

This versatile actress is a five time Oscar nominee and a best actress winner for her role as Sister Helen Prejean in the 1995 film “Dead Man Walking”. Susan Sarandon also appeared in the cult classic “Bull Durham” (1988) with Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins, 1991’s “Thelma and Louise” with Geena Davis and in “Little Women” (1994) with Winona Ryder, Claire Danes and Kirsten Dunst. She recently appeared with Dunst and Orlando Bloom in “Elizabethtown” (2005).

Claudia Schiffer

Although most people may be familiar with Claudia Schiffer’s work on the runway and on the cover of magazines, this model / actress has appeared in several movie roles. Schiffer appeared in 2003’s romantic comedy Love Actually and as herself in 2001’s “Zoolander” with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.

Liv Tyler

While most movie fans know her as Arwen from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Liv Tyler has appeared in a variety of other roles. She co-starred in 1995’s “Empire Records” and in “That Thing You Do” (1996). Tyler appeared in the 1998 blockbuster “Armageddon” with Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck and would re-team with Affleck in 2004’s “Jersey Girl”.

Peter Ustinov (1921-2004)

Another celebrity who devoted his time and efforts to UNICEF is Sir Peter Ustinov. Ustinov won the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role as Lentulus Batiatus in 1960’s “Spartacus” with Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier. He also co-starred in the Agatha Christie penned “Death on the Nile” (1978) with Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, David Niven and Maggie Smith as well as 1999’s “The Bachelor” with Chris O’Donnell and Renee Zellweger.

For more information on UNICEF, please visit their official website.

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