Kurt Russell recently expressed his views on why Hollywood stars should steer clear of politics in a candid interview with The New York Times. The actor, who identifies as a “hardcore libertarian,” believes that the political opinions of celebrities can be detrimental to their careers. He stated, “I’ve always felt we are court jesters. That’s what we do,” emphasizing that actors should maintain their distance from political discourse to preserve their connection with audiences.
Russell argues that while entertainers can educate themselves on political matters, their primary role should remain focused on entertainment. He warned that when celebrities express political beliefs, they risk losing their unique status as societal commentators, akin to historical court jesters who provided humor and insight without crossing the line.
Referencing comedians like Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, who have openly criticized politicians, Russell lamented that such actions can overshadow their comedic roles. He stated, “A court jester isn’t always funny,” highlighting that the essence of their craft lies in entertaining rather than advocating personal politics. Russell’s perspective serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when entertainment and political commentary intersect.