Public figures have dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. Most do this through politics. When working in politics, you put yourself in a position of power that allows you to create the laws that people have to follow. There are other ways to make a difference as a public figure, though. Rather than make laws, if you see that something isn’t right, you can stand up for what you believe in. That way, with enough support, laws might change in a way that betters people.
One public figure who didn’t need to be in a political position was Martin Luther King Jr. He became the face of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s and even after his murder. King saw the laws that discriminated against minorities and wanted to fight back against them. At the time, people were either for or against him – there was no in-between. Because of how much he changed the world, baby boomers consider King Jr. one of the most important figures in history.
Another public figure who used public office to create change was Jimmy Carter. He was elected as the 39th president of the United States in 1976. While his term only lasted four years, he did a lot to help people during his time. One thing Carter is remembered for was pardoning those who dodged the Vietnam War draft. There were a lot of baby boomers who were jailed for avoiding going to fight since they didn’t believe in the war. Carter pardoned everyone in jail and released them. For more baby boomer content, click here to read about baby boomers’ favorite places to travel abroad.
To compile this list of most popular public figures among baby boomers, 24/7 Tempo reviewed a survey conducted by YouGov. Additional information came from PBS and online encyclopedia sites.
1. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a public figure who didn’t need to hold a political position to make a difference in the world. King wanted to see everyone be treated the same, regardless of skin color. He started spreading his message, which resonated with tons of baby boomers around the world. He’s been one of the faces of the Civil Rights Movement, even after his murder in Memphis took place.
Baby boomers liked to think of themselves as a progressive generation, especially during the 1960s and 70s. That was when the Civil Rights and Feminist Movements took place. As time has gone on, the baby boomer generation has still held onto the idea that they’re the greatest generation to be born. King Jr. is someone who baby boomers looked up to during their formative years.
2. Rosalynn Carter
President Jimmy Carter is considered one of the most loved presidents in history. Alongside every amazing president is an even more fantastic First Lady. Rosalynn Carter was married to Jimmy Carter until her death in 2023. During her time as First Lady, Carter became known for putting an emphasis on advocating for women and children. Her husband was elected president in 1977, which was part of the height of the Feminist Movement.
Even after leaving office, Carter continued her work as a mental health advocate. She was an Honorary Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. In 1985, the Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy held their first meeting, which led to the start of Mental Health Program. Carter’s desire to help others for the entirety of her life is why she’s so adored by baby boomers around the United States.
3. Queen Elizabeth II
Plenty of people around the world try to figure out what they want to do with their lives when they’re in their mid-20s. This is supposed to be an exciting time because it’s when you see the world and learn about yourself. For Queen Elizabeth II, her mid-20s were filled with figuring out how to become the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world. She became leader of the United Kingdom which oversaw the territories of Canada, Australia, various Caribbean islands, and other nations.
She first rose to her position of queen at age 25 in 1952, a title she held for 70 years until her death in 2022. Baby boomers looked up to Queen Elizabeth II and saw all of the amazing things she accomplished in her life at early age. She had more responsibility than nearly any other 25-year-old at the time, and was successful while in a leadership role. After her death in 2022, her son, Charles III, took the throne over.
4. Jimmy Carter
Being president of the United States comes with tons of responsibility. When Jimmy Carter took office, he had tons of work to do. One of the first things Carter prioritized was getting those who dodged the Vietnam War out of jail. While it was a controversial war, those drafted still had to go. If they didn’t, they were jailed. Carter didn’t think that was right. That was one of the first times the baby boomer generation stood up for something.
Another thing Carter was loved for was his support of the Civil Rights Movement. He was elected in 1977, and while the Civil Rights Movement had made plenty of good changes, Carter still knew there was more to do. Baby boomers adore how open and loving Carter was in office, and continue to feel this way after his four years of service were finished.
5. Colin Powell
The secretary of state needs to be someone society can count on. This person is appointed by the president and serves as the face of the president’s cabinet. They’re also the fourth in line to serve as president if the three people above them aren’t able to perform this duty. Colin Powell became the face of what people came to the United States for. Before he was born, his family came to New York City from Jamaica for more opportunity.
Powell became the 65th Secretary of the United States under George W. Bush. When appointed, he became the first African-American to hold the position of power. Prior to becoming secretary of state, Powell had a decorated military career that nearly everyone would be proud of. He was one of the leaders in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. Powell died in 2021 after dedicating his life to the United States.
6. Laura Bush
Laura Bush went from being a schoolteacher to the First Lady of the United States when her husband, George W. Bush, was elected president. During her time in office, she brought these education values with her. One of the most important things close to the heart of Bush was ensuring teachers were given the best equipment, books, and whatever else they needed to help students learn. She started the National Book Festival in 2001 with the hopes it would inspire more kids to read.
Bush also used her position to talk about women’s rights, not only in the United States, but abroad as well. Even though she’s a member of the GOP, Bush stated that she didn’t think that Roe v Wade should be overturned in 2000. She did mention that she wanted teachers in health classes to teach abstinence. Bush’s relationship with Michelle Obama, the woman who succeeded her as First Lady, is another reason she’s beloved by baby boomers. She wanted to make sure Obama was set up for success.
7. Arnold Schwarzenegger
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 06: Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks onstage at the 15th Annual Holocaust Museum Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on November 06, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Tons of kids aspire to have amazing careers when they grow up. Some want to be actors and musicians. Others want to be athletes and astronauts. However, by the time most people become adults, they realize they have to stick to one realistic focus for their career. Arnold Schwarzenegger had different ideas when he became an adult, though. He first gained worldwide recognition because of his bodybuilding career. Even in 2024, his muscles are instantly recognizable by many people.
After a successful career as a bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger decided to try acting. That was another successful endeavor by him, as he became the face of one of the most well-known franchises as Hollywood’s “Terminator.” Schwarzenegger wanted to make a real difference, so he decided to run for Governor of California. He won the election and served the people of the Golden State for eight years. Schwarzenegger never allowed himself to be boxed into one career, which is something baby boomers admire about him.
8. Dalai Lama
Over the years, the Dalai Lama has represented peace between all people. He’s part of the Buddhist religion and maintains his home in Tibet, which is a sovereign state in China. There was a time when the current Dalai Lama had to live in India because of the uprising that was going on in China.
In 2024, the Dalai Lama has become known for his interest in science, namely between the human mind and the universe. He meditates daily and shares his routine for anyone around the world to follow. The Dalai Lama has always been a figure who baby boomers can look to for peace, which is why they’re so fond of him.
9. Barack Obama
Baby boomers were around during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. During that time, African-Americans were looking to get the same rights as everyone else was. Plenty of baby boomers supported African-Americans during their fight for equality. Fast-forward to 2008 and it felt like all of the work that baby boomers had put in over the years had finally paid off. Barack Obama was elected as the first African-American president.
During his time in office, Obama helped the United States get out of the 2008 housing crisis, where tons of people lost their homes. He also was the man in charge of the capture and murder of Osama Bin Laden, the man who orchestrated the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City. Obama has been the face that so many African-Americans were looking to have represent them at a high level of government.
10. Jane Goodall
Over the years, the interest in animals and how similar they are to humans has become a fascinating topic to research. Jane Goodall has dedicated her life to studying and learning about chimpanzees, the animal that’s most closely related to humans. Rather than treat them like science projects, Goodall treats chimpanzees with kindness and empathy. In return, the chimpanzees she’s grown close to have shown a clear affinity for her.
Goodall has talked countless times about the importance of protecting the environment so that all animals can live freely and easily on Earth. Baby boomers have seen different animals become extinct because of various reasons, and understand how important Goodall’s message is to everyone who will listen.
11. Sandra Day O’Connor
Whenever you’re the first to do something, you’re going to be remembered in history. Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She became a trailblazer and gave women around the nation faith that they had someone who wanted to support their best interests. She was nominated by Ronald Reagan. Before being nominated, she was a judge for the Arizona Court of Appeals.
Once nominated, O’Connor served for 25 years. She’s heavily remembered for her role in the affirmative action case, Grutter v Bollinger. A student at the University of Michigan believed that she wasn’t admitted into law school because the school wanted to have more racial diversity. O’Connor said that the school did nothing wrong by not admitting her, as it wasn’t against the constitution to do so.
12. Condoleezza Rice
During her political career, Condoleezza Rice rose to be the United States secretary of state, becoming the second African-American to hold the title. She also became the first woman to hold a security position in the United States after her nomination. She followed Colin Powell, who was the first African-American to be the secretary of state. When elected, Rice was the highest woman-ranked to be president, as the secretary of state is fourth in line.
Before becoming secretary of state, Rice served as the security advisor to George W. Bush. She was in charge during September 11th and helped Bush decide what to do following the terrorist attacks. She’s also branched out her portfolio into sports ownership. When the Denver Broncos were sold, she was part of the group that purchased the team. After going to the University of Denver for school, she became a Bronco fan.
13. Michelle Obama
Being the First Lady of the United States comes with plenty of responsibility. Michelle Obama continued the work that Laura Bush did during her time. One of the first things Obama did was get rid of unhealthy food and snacks in schools. Having two young daughters herself, Obama knew the importance of health and that it started by teaching young kids what healthy snacks were like.
Obama also served as a woman who African-American women could look up to. She was smart and she handled her position of power with grace. Even after leaving office, Obama has continued to be a voice for equal rights for everyone in the world. Her book became a New York Time’s best seller when it was released. It’s hard to imagine Obama not continuing to be a major part of the political and social climate in the United States.
14. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Serving on the United States Supreme Court is an honor for most people. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the second woman to be nominated to join the justice, following Sandra Day O’Connor. During her time as a justice, Ginsburg became known for her liberal views and unwillingness to sign any law into place that would discriminate against someone based on their race, gender, or sexuality.
Ginsburg also became a voice for climate change. She spoke about why it was so important for society to collectively start treating Earth better. Prior to being nominated for a spot on the supreme court, Ginsburg served as a judge in Washington D.C. She was nominated by Jimmy Carter for the position while he was president. Ginsburg was an icon for women around the United States who wanted someone who fought for their rights.
15. Madeleine Albright
Another example of someone living out the American Dream is Madeleine Albright. She was born in Europe but moved to the United States during her childhood. Growing up, Albright knew how lucky people in the United States were because of her experiences as a young child. She knew she wanted to work in politics and help other people around the world who weren’t as lucky as she was.
During her career, she ascended to being the secretary of state for the United States. When she was nominated by president Bill Clinton, she became the first woman to hold that position. She was an icon for women around the United States who wanted equal opportunities to pursue their passions and leave legacies behind that they could be proud of.
16. Pope Francis I
One of the most respected people in the world is the person who holds the Pope title. This person is the head of the Catholic Church, which is one of the biggest religious denominations in the world. Unlike the people who have held this title in the past, Pope Francis I has softened his stance on members of the LGBTQ community. He also thinks that the world needs to stop overdeveloping and worrying about buying things to make society feel good.
Pope Francis I has also maintained a stance that the death penalty is evil and should be abolished around the world. Baby boomers respect Pope Francis I for standing up for the things he believes in and his sincerity when he speaks. For more baby boomer content, click here to read about the most popular country music artists among this generation.