The Most Popular Public Figures Among Americans

When it comes to public figures, most are either liked or disliked. Many politicians, social media influencers, and movie celebrities come to mind. People just have an opinion about them, and it may never change. However, there is a select list of famous public figures that most Americans seem to like. Ask enough of them, and they’ll say they have a generally positive opinion. That’s who we’re talking about today. The most popular public figures among all Americans.

This list includes 20 different public figures that many people like who come from different walks of life. There are some very well-known historical figures on this list, including the incredibly popular Martin Luther King, Jr. and Queen Elizabeth II. There is also a fair share of politicians that are typically more liked than disliked. Some of these politicians include Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, and Hilary Clinton. Finally, there are famous faces from different areas of science, religion, and celebrity, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jane Goodall, and the Dalai Lama. We wonder what your opinion is of these folks.

Keep in mind that this list is not based on our opinions. Instead, 24/7 Tempo gathered this information from a list created by the folks at YouGov. Their list of the most popular public figures is based on polling data. The popularity percentages listed are the number of people who have a generally favorable opinion of the folks on this list. What do you think? Do you agree? If you like lists like this, you may also enjoy this list of the most popular democrats among baby boomers.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Popularity: 75%
• Known For: Minister and Activist

First on the list of the most popular public figures among all Americans is Martin Luther King, Jr. When asked, 75% of respondents said they have a positive opinion of him. It’s not hard to see why. From 1955 to his assassination in 1968, MLK Jr. went above and beyond to create equality among all people, and he made quite an impact. Even though he’s been gone for years, he continues to be part of the conversation when people think about the most influential voices in history. His legacy will live on forever.

Queen Elizabeth II

• Popularity: 65% 
• Known For: Former Queen of the United Kingdom

Until her passing in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most influential public figures around the world. She represented grace and humility, and many people looked up to her. She also had a busy life, as she reigned over 32 sovereign states for many years, and the people in those states adored her. She was also a Christian and a beloved icon in the Christian community. To top it all off, she had no personal agenda. She always just wanted to do what was best for the country under her leadership.

Michelle Obama

• Popularity: 63% 
• Known For: Former First Lady

A recurring trend on this list of the most popular public figures is the adoration of many First Ladies. There’s just something about a great woman standing behind a beloved President that people really like. In the case of Michelle Obama, people like her because they consider her to be a distinguished lawyer, a great mother, and a selfless individual. She also championed many great causes, including children’s nutrition and healthy eating overall. People like her so much that many have said that they would like her to run for President of the United States herself. 

Jimmy Carter

• Popularity: 61%
• Known For: Former President of the United States

Ask many people of the older generations who their favorite President is, and many will say it is Jimmy Carter. As the 39th President of the United States, Carter was a champion of human rights, he helped to promote social and economic development across the country, and he was a champion of peace. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 because of the work he did to use peaceful solutions for various international conflicts. Many people still hold him up as a standard for what a President should be, and that’s why they like him.

Barack Obama

• Popularity: 59%
• Known For: Former President of the United States

Another former President is one of the most popular public figures, and in this case, it’s number 44: Barack Obama. As the President, Obama was not too far to the right or the left, and so many Americans have respect for him. During his presidency, Obama was part of many new laws and the creation of Obamacare, by which many people are still insured. Many people also see him as polite and considerate, and that goes a long way. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

• Popularity: 57%
• Known For: Former Supreme Court Judge

Many people consider Ruth Bader Ginsburg to have been the ultimate leader and advocate, especially when it came to serious issues like gender equality. She was also a highly-regarded attorney, so many people looked up to her and still do. People tend to like judges at any level because they bring a certain professionalism and they ensure that the rule of law is always followed, and to many, Ginsburg was no exception.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

• Popularity: 55%
• Known For: Actor and Former Governor of California

For several decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a successful actor who has been in many films that people consider to be classics. So, he was already one of the most popular public figures, and then he became governor of California, and people liked him even more. It was generally agreed that he did a good job during the years he was in office, so much so that many folks would like him to run again. In fact, he was so popular that he also tops the list of the most beloved Republican politicians. 

Rosalynn Carter

• Popularity: 55%
• Known For: Former First Lady

Just like her husband, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter was a beloved figure while they occupied the White House, and her memory is still cherished today. She was very supportive of her husband, she helped him to take care of the country, and many people see her as what a First Lady should be. She was also a major proponent of mental health, and she spent much of her life trying to fight the stigma while advocating for reform and promoting patient’s rights.

Colin Powell

• Popularity: 53%
• Known For: Former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State

As we’ll see, the most popular public figures come from many walks of life, and that is shown by the appearance of Colin Powell. He was the Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. During that time, he made a big impression as he made it his mission to help veterans and enlisted troops, and he was an inspiration to everyone in the service. He also confronted the realities of racism head-on, and many people like him for that. He was also very humble. Altogether, he was a beloved figure.

Bernie Sanders

• Popularity: 52%
• Known For: Current Senator of Vermont

As the current senator of Vermont, Bernie Sanders has a big following, especially among younger voters. Although he stands for many things, his big claim to fame is trying to help people in the country who believe they’ve been passed over and are just trying to make it in this world. He also tries to help folks from underrepresented backgrounds. Many people also like him because he tries to find solutions to climate change and the energy crisis. People have a positive opinion because they believe that he cares about what they care about.

Jane Goodall

• Popularity: 52%
• Known For: Primatologist and Anthropologist

Doctor Jane Goodall is on the list of the most popular public figures because she has done amazing work for the chimpanzee community. Over the course of 60 years, she has completed extensive research and made strides to protect chimpanzees from the threat of extinction. While helping the animals, she also helps people in the local community. Her greatest discovery was finding that many chimpanzees use tools like humans,

Condoleezza Rice

• Popularity: 51%
• Known For: Former Secretary of State and U.S. National Security Advisor 

Many people like Condoleezza Rice because she has had a long career filled with great accomplishments. Early in her life, she was the youngest provost in Stanford’s history. Later on, she would work as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. She was in office as they fought their war on terror and she was instrumental in the efforts during that time. She believes that those years were her greatest contribution and many people agree with that assessment. 

Sandra Day O’Connor

• Popularity: 51%
• Known For: Former Supreme Court Judge

One of the most popular public figures is also one of the most distinguished, and it’s Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the first woman to ever serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Judge. She was nominated by President Ronald Regan and was known for her fact-based opinions and strong arguments. She was the only woman on the Supreme Court for 12 years before Ruth Bader Ginsburg came along. Many people like her because she’s a pioneer.

Dalai Lama

• Popularity: 51%
• Known For: Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhism

Many spiritual people look up to the Dalai Lama because he has a focus on finding peace in all situations. He’s considered to be a reincarnation of the God Avalokiteshvara, whose mission was to help every living creature find enlightenment. He’s a great teacher and has excellent communication skills, so he can easily spread his message. Basically, he’s someone to look up to for many people.

Laura Bush

• Popularity: 51%
• Known For: Former First Lady   

Another First Lady makes this list of the most popular public figures, and this time it’s the First Lady of George W. Bush. Many of her fans see her as a down-to-earth individual that’s curious about the world and wants to help people wherever she can. After the 9/11 attacks, many saw her as a supporter of the women of Afghanistan. Many also see her as a great representative of the American people and that’s why she’s on this list.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

• Popularity: 50%
• Known For: English Princess

People around the globe look up to Catherine, Princess of Wales, for many reasons. She’s known for her relatability and warmth, which is not always present in royalty. Many people also like that she doesn’t answer criticism and isn’t caught up in fame. She’s also a working mom and a good parent, which are attributes that many people look up to and appreciate.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

• Popularity: 49%
• Known For: Astrophysicist and Author

Many people credit Neil deGrasse Tyson with being one of the wisest men of his generation, with a mind similar to Albert Einstein. He has written many books about the science of the world and space, which people really like. The general public also appreciates that he’s able to communicate information in easy terms that’s easy to understand. Finally, he’s appeared as himself on many TV shows, so he has notoriety there as well.

Anthony Fauci 

• Popularity: 49%
• Known For: Physician and Immunologist 

Over the years, Dr. Anthony Fauci has helped the American people cope with various epidemics. Most people know him as the doctor who helped the nation get through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was constantly on T.V. and many people looked to him for support, which he kindly gave. He’s retired now, but he’s still appreciated.

Pope Francis

• Popularity: 48%
• Known For: Current Pope

It’s not hard to believe that the Pope would make it onto this list of the most popular public figures. He’s the supreme pontiff and the head of the Catholic church. He brings hope to many people, and he never gets into controversy unless you don’t agree with the religion. Still, those that do hold him in high regard.

Hillary Clinton

• Popularity: 47%
• Known For: Former First Lady and Former Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton continues to be a popular politician, whether she’s in or out of office. Many like the policies that she fights for and the fact that she’s a strong woman who stands up for the rights of others. Although she has her critics, she’s beloved by many. As an interesting fact, her husband, President Bill Clinton, was one of the youngest U.S. Presidents. If that idea fascinates you, then check out this list of the other youngest Presidents in history.