Admittedly, there are not a lot of worthy role models to be found among the heroes of Hollywood. The image promoted by the mass media is one of debauchery, gratification, and impulsive decisions. Despite this, the prophet Mormon taught that “The Spirit of Christ is given to every man”—which means that even in the darkest corners of the entertainment industry, the light of positive moral values can and does shine through. It’s easy to focus on the bad when discussing celebrities, but there is still good to be found in some statements from various household-known names, who have taken at least one stand for the right.
By sharing this article, we at LDS Living do not wish to either promote or shame any celebrity, regardless of the life decisions they have made. Our purpose is simply to illustrate the penetrating power of Christ’s light, which “inviteth [all men] to do good” and “giveth life to all things.”
Agency
“Just be strong. Don’t be a follower. Always do the right thing. If you have a choice between the right thing [and] the wrong thing, always do the right thing. It’s a lot less stressful that way.”
-Jennifer Lawrence
Since she captivated the hearts of Hunger Games fans around the world as bow-wielding heroine Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence has taken the acting world by storm. She has used her celebrity status to decry unfair body image standards and to provide generous charitable donations, and she delivered this advice to her young fans, which calls to mind Alma’s advice to his son Corianton (Alma 41:10):
“Wickedness never was happiness.”
Keeping a Journal
“Your feelings [are so] important to write down, to capture, and to remember.”
-Taylor Swift
One of the most famous women musicians in the world, Taylor Swift has made a career out of her feelings. Since her first album, Taylor’s lyrics have encapsulated both the elation and heartbreak of young love for millions of her fans. Similar to Swift's suggestion, President Spencer W. Kimball once commented on why keeping a journal is so important:
“Those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives.”
Pornography
“Our attitudes toward sex have warped and perverted and have deviated from its true function as an expression of love and a means of procreation . . . . I heard a quote from a priest who said: ‘Pornography is not a problem because it shows us too much. It’s a problem because it shows us too little.’”
-Russell Brand
Though he’s made past headlines for his riotous living, performer Russell Brand has cleaned up his act—abstaining from previous vices and taking an active role in the fight against pornography. Compare Brand’s quote with the one made by Elder Dallin H. Oaks in May 2005:
“Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex.”
Integrity
“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.”
-Oprah Winfrey
She’s not just a talk-show host—Oprah Winfrey has made a big difference in a lot of lives. This quote about integrity perfectly captures the essence of what we read in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet:
“Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences. When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your standards and beliefs even when no one is watching.”
Relationship with Jesus Christ
“When you think about your relationship with Christ, it really just affects every aspect of your life. I think a lot of people try and segment off, like, ‘This is church . . . this is my daily life, this is my job,’ but I think true faith is when it manifests itself in every single aspect of your life.”
-Jeremy Lin
NBA star Jeremy Lin is one of the most accomplished Asian-American athletes of all time. In 2012, “Lin-sanity” swept the nation during the little-known Harvard cager's phenomenal stretch of play. Since then, Jeremy has continued to make a name for himself—but he’s always stayed true to his Christian faith. Here’s some wisdom from President Uchtdorf about why having Christ in all areas of your life is so important:
“Many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today.”
Gratitude to God
“First off, I want to thank God, ‘cause that’s who I look up to. He has graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand.”
-Matthew McConaughey
In an industry that’s becoming increasingly secular, award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey turned heads with this fearless statement of faith at the Oscars. These words, though unpopular among many, call to mind the blessings promised by President Monson to those who gratefully recognize God’s hand.
“Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.”