Hollywood’s political odd couples

Fight disinformation: Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters.


Hollywood celebrities continue to pucker up to Bill Clinton and his party, giving $4.7 million to Democrats during this election cycle (and just $890,000 to the GOP), including gifts from party veterans such as Barbra Streisand ($71,500 to Democrats) and would-be politicos, like Playboy bunny-cum-MTV host Jenny McCarthy ($1,000 to Clinton/Gore).

But a review of this year’s campaign finance records shows some surprising disputes — and agreements — among famous Hollywood pairings.

Glenn Close tormented Michael Douglas and his family in Fatal Attraction — but had they talked politics, that bunny might still be alive. Douglas ($33,500) and Close ($500) both gave to Democrats. Things aren’t as cozy in Douglas’ real family: His father, actor Kirk Douglas, gave $1,000 to Republican Pete Wilson’s presidential bid.

Steamy moments in Bull Durham aside, Susan Sarandon and Kevin Costner have played on different political teams — Sarandon contributed $500 to Democrats, while Costner, a switch-hitter, gave $1,000 to GOP hopeful Phil Gramm’s presidential bid and $5,500 to Democrats.

Sylvester Stallone didn’t pack much political punch, with only $500 to the Republicans. But it must disappoint his old Rocky trainer, Burgess Meredith, who gave $200 to the Democrats.

Famously at odds on “All in the Family,” Archie (Carroll O’Connor) and Meathead (Rob Reiner) are in full political agreement, with O’Connor handing over $5,000 to the Democrats and Reiner a whopping $52,500.

But life can imitate art. “The Odd Couple” really do seem to disagree on everything. Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, or Tony Randall and Jack Klugman, gave $1,500 and $200, respectively, to the Republicans and the Democrats, respectively.

LET’S TALK ABOUT OPTIMISM FOR A CHANGE

Democracy and journalism are in crisis mode—and have been for a while. So how about doing something different?

Mother Jones did. We just merged with the Center for Investigative Reporting, bringing the radio show Reveal, the documentary film team CIR Studios, and Mother Jones together as one bigger, bolder investigative journalism nonprofit.

And this is the first time we’re asking you to support the new organization we’re building. In “Less Dreading, More Doing,” we lay it all out for you: why we merged, how we’re stronger together, why we’re optimistic about the work ahead, and why we need to raise the First $500,000 in online donations by June 22.

It won’t be easy. There are many exciting new things to share with you, but spoiler: Wiggle room in our budget is not among them. We can’t afford missing these goals. We need this to be a big one. Falling flat would be utterly devastating right now.

A First $500,000 donation of $500, $50, or $5 would mean the world to us—a signal that you believe in the power of independent investigative reporting like we do. And whether you can pitch in or not, we have a free Strengthen Journalism sticker for you so you can help us spread the word and make the most of this huge moment.

payment methods

LET’S TALK ABOUT OPTIMISM FOR A CHANGE

Democracy and journalism are in crisis mode—and have been for a while. So how about doing something different?

Mother Jones did. We just merged with the Center for Investigative Reporting, bringing the radio show Reveal, the documentary film team CIR Studios, and Mother Jones together as one bigger, bolder investigative journalism nonprofit.

And this is the first time we’re asking you to support the new organization we’re building. In “Less Dreading, More Doing,” we lay it all out for you: why we merged, how we’re stronger together, why we’re optimistic about the work ahead, and why we need to raise the First $500,000 in online donations by June 22.

It won’t be easy. There are many exciting new things to share with you, but spoiler: Wiggle room in our budget is not among them. We can’t afford missing these goals. We need this to be a big one. Falling flat would be utterly devastating right now.

A First $500,000 donation of $500, $50, or $5 would mean the world to us—a signal that you believe in the power of independent investigative reporting like we do. And whether you can pitch in or not, we have a free Strengthen Journalism sticker for you so you can help us spread the word and make the most of this huge moment.

payment methods

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate