Foreign-born Stars: A look at 30 Iconic Figures who Gained U.S. Citizenship.

Envision a world without Eddie Van Halen’s iconic guitar riffs or a Deadpool portrayed by anyone other than Ryan Reynolds. 

While immigration remains a contentious issue in the United States, it’s undeniable that some of the nation’s greatest films, music, literature, scientific advancements, and diplomatic achievements originated from individuals born in other countries who later chose to embrace American citizenship.

The individuals on this resulting list navigated challenging paths to citizenship or acquiring green cards, displaying resilience in the face of obstacles. Some even maintain dual citizenship. 

Among these notable figures are actors who ventured to Hollywood or New York in pursuit of a breakthrough, musicians seeking lucrative record deals, and visionaries yearning for a broader platform for their ideas. 

Regardless of their motivations, numerous renowned individuals have crossed borders, traversed oceans, and left an indelible mark on America, embodying the diverse tapestry that enriches the nation.

1. Ayn Rand (Feb. 2, 1905-March 6, 1982)
   Country of origin: Russia Occupation: Writer Renowned for developing her unique philosophical system called “Objectivism,” Ayn Rand, a best-selling author, left Russia and settled in the United States. Notably, she authored influential works such as “The Fountainhead” (1943) and “Atlas Shrugged” (1957), shaping the conservative movement. Rand’s journey to American citizenship began when she obtained a visa to visit relatives in Chicago in 1925. After living with her family and marrying actor Frank O’Connor in 1929, she became a permanent resident in 1931 and a U.S. citizen.

2. John Lydon (Jan. 31, 1956- )
   Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Musician Originally a London native, John Lydon, later known as Johnny Rotten, fought spinal meningitis as a child. Rising to fame as the Sex Pistols frontman, Lydon penned punk classics like “Anarchy in the U.K.” After the Sex Pistols disbanded in 1978, he founded Public Image Ltd (PiL). Lydon became a U.S. citizen in 2013, citing his admiration for Obamacare as a significant factor in his decision.

3. Slash (July 23, 1965- )
   Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Musician Born Saul Hudson in Hampstead, London, Slash, the acclaimed lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, moved to Los Angeles at age 5. Regarded as one of the greatest guitarists, he formed supergroups like Slash’s Snakepit and Velvet Revolver. Despite living in Los Angeles since 1971, Slash became a U.S. citizen in 1996.

4. Flea (Oct. 16, 1962- )
   Country of origin: Australia Occupation: Musician Melbourne-born Michael Peter Balzary, professionally known as Flea, co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Although he moved to Rye, New York, at the age of 4, Flea split his time between Australia and the U.S. He became a U.S. citizen as an adult, contributing to various bands and supergroups like Nirvana and Atoms for Peace.

5. Eddie Van Halen (Jan. 26, 1955-Oct. 6, 2020)
   Country of origin: Netherlands Occupation: Musician Born in Amsterdam, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen moved to Pasadena, California, in 1962. As the lead guitarist for Van Halen, he revolutionized rock guitar with the tapping technique. Van Halen, a rock legend, passed away in 2020, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

6. Nathan Fillion (March 27, 1971- )
   Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Nathan Fillion achieved cult status as Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds on “Firefly.” After moving to New York City in 1994, he became a U.S. citizen in 1997, building a prolific acting career in series like “Castle” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

7. Cobie Smulders (April 3, 1982- )
   Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Best known for her roles in Marvel movies and “How I Met Your Mother,” Vancouver native Cobie Smulders worked as a model before pursuing acting. Ahead of the 2020 election, she announced dual citizenship, expressing her support for Joe Biden.

8. Dan Aykroyd (July 1, 1952- )
   Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Dan Aykroyd gained fame on “Saturday Night Live” and co-founded the Blues Brothers. His career includes blockbuster films like “Ghostbusters” and “Trading Places.” Aykroyd transitioned from a Canadian comedy troupe to a Hollywood icon.

9. Tristan Thompson (March 13, 1991- )
   Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Athlete Canadian NBA star Tristan Thompson left Brampton, Ontario, to pursue basketball success in the U.S. After winning an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, he acquired American citizenship in 2020.

10. Madeleine Albright (May 15, 1937-March 23, 2022)
    Country of origin: Czechoslovakia Occupation: Secretary of State Immigrating from Czechoslovakia to Denver at the age of 11, Madeleine Albright became a U.S. citizen in 1957. She made history as the first female U.S. Secretary of State, serving from 1997 to 2001.

11. Kumail Nanjiani (Feb. 21, 1978 – )
    Country of origin: Pakistan Occupation: Comedian Pakistani-American actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani, nominated for an Academy Award for “The Big Sick,” moved from Karachi to the U.S. at 18. Overcoming challenges, he obtained his green card after 15 years and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

12. Cary Grant (Jan. 18, 1904-Nov. 29, 1986)
    Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Actor Cary Grant, a quintessential leading man from Hollywood’s golden age, was born and raised in Bristol, England. After successful performances in New York City with the Pender Troupe at age 16, he decided to stay in the country and eventually made his way to Hollywood in the early 1930s. His classic films, such as “The Philadelphia Story,” “Bringing Up Baby,” and “North by Northwest,” solidified his legacy. Grant became a U.S. citizen in 1942, and in 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him as the second greatest male star of Golden Age Hollywood cinema.

13. Helen Mirren (July 26, 1945- )
    Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Actor Helen Mirren, the only performer to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting in both the United States and the United Kingdom, was born in London. With numerous awards, including an Academy Award, she has graced both stage and screen in a legendary career. Mirren became a U.S. citizen in 2017 and exercised her voting rights in the 2020 U.S. election.

14. Neil Young (Nov. 12, 1945- )
    Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Musician Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Neil Young, who started his career in Canada, moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s. Admitting to an illegal entry, he obtained his green card in 1970 and became a U.S. citizen in 2020, expressing a desire to vote against Donald Trump. Young’s solo career and contributions to Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young include hits like “Ohio” and “Teach Your Children Well.”

15. Anthony Hopkins (Dec. 31, 1937- )
    Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Actor Anthony Hopkins, an international treasure with numerous accolades, began his acting journey in Wales. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1993, he moved to the United States in the late 1970s to pursue Hollywood fame and became a naturalized American citizen in 2000. Hopkins’ distinguished career includes two Academy Awards and iconic roles in film and television.

16. Michael J. Fox (June 9, 1961- )
    Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Before becoming Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” and Alex on “Family Ties,” Michael J. Fox starred in a Canadian series, “Leo and Me.” Moving to Los Angeles at 18, Fox became a teen idol in the 1980s and later led the hit series “Spin City.” He became a U.S. citizen in 2000, driven by a desire to vote in American elections. Fox retired from acting in 2020 due to health issues related to Parkinson’s disease.

17. Sofía Vergara (July 10, 1972- )
    Country of origin: Colombia Occupation: Actor Sofía Vergara, hailing from Barranquilla, Colombia, became the highest-paid actress in American television from 2013 to 2020. Discovered by a photographer on a beach, she co-hosted Spanish-language shows before her breakthrough in “Chasing Papi” (2003) and the TV series “Modern Family.” Vergara became a U.S. citizen in 2014, overcoming challenges to secure her naturalization.

18. Sebastian Stan (Aug. 13, 1982- )
    Country of origin: Romania Occupation: Actor Born in Constanța, Romania, Sebastian Stan moved to the United States after spending a year abroad in London during his studies at Rutgers University. His career took off with roles in “Law & Order” and various films, and he gained U.S. citizenship in 2002. Stan is widely known for portraying the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

19. Pierce Brosnan (May 16, 1953- )
    Country of origin: Ireland Occupation: Actor Irish actor and film producer Pierce Brosnan, famed for his James Bond role, started his career on the London stage. After moving to Southern California in 1982, he rose to fame in the United States with the NBC series “Remington Steele.” Brosnan became a U.S. citizen in 2004, contributing to his diverse silver screen roles.

20. Charlize Theron (Aug. 7, 1975- )
    Country of origin: South Africa Occupation: Actor Charlize Theron, born in Benoni, South Africa, rose to international fame in the 1990s with roles in notable films. Her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in “Monster” earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Beginning her career as a model in Europe, Theron became a U.S. citizen in 2007.

21. Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856-Jan. 7, 1943)
    Country of origin: Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia) Occupation: Inventor Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, known for his contributions to alternating-current (AC) electricity, emigrated to the United States in 1884. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1891, setting up laboratories and companies in New York. Tesla’s inventions, including the AC induction motor, had a profound impact on electrical engineering.

22. Emily Blunt (Feb. 23, 1983- )
    Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Actor Emily Blunt, a British actress, has been a presence on both British and American screens since 2003. Known for her roles in films like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “A Quiet Place,” she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2015. Blunt’s achievements include a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

23. Liam Neeson (June 7, 1952- )
    Country of origin: United Kingdom Occupation: Actor Originally from Northern Ireland, Liam Neeson rose to prominence with his role in Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List.” After receiving acclaim for various film and theater performances, Neeson became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009 following the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

24. Salma Hayek (Sept. 2, 1966- )
    Country of origin: Mexico Occupation: Actor Mexican and American actress Salma Hayek started her career on the telenovela “Teresa” before transitioning to Hollywood with roles in “Desperado” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.” The first Mexican actress nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, she became a U.S. citizen in 2013. Hayek has won acclaim for her work in acting, producing, and directing, receiving multiple Emmy Award nominations.

25. Nicole Kidman (June 20, 1967- )
    Country of origin: Australia Occupation: Actor In a departure from the others on this list, Kidman has held dual citizenship since birth, born in Honolulu while her Australian parents were temporarily in the United States on student visas. With an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and six Golden Globes, Kidman has firmly established herself as an A-list celebrity.

26. Jim Carrey (Jan. 17, 1962- )
    Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Before making his mark in Hollywood, Jim Carrey gained a substantial following in Toronto as an impressionist and stand-up comic. His superstar status soared in the mid-1990s with hit comedies like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” Carrey, known for eliciting both laughter and tears in his performances, ventured into dramatic roles in films like “The Truman Show,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” He acquired U.S. citizenship in 2004.

27. Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879-April 18, 1955)
    Country of origin: Germany Occupation: Scientist Renowned for making physics captivating, German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein is best remembered for his theory of relativity. During a visit to the United States in 1933, as Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany, Einstein, a Jew, objected to the regime’s ideals. Opting to remain in the U.S., he became a citizen in 1940.

28. Arnold Schwarzenegger (July 30, 1947- )
    Country of origin: Austria Occupation: Actor / Former Governor of California A multifaceted personality, Arnold Schwarzenegger, a former bodybuilder, actor, film producer, businessman, and politician, fulfilled his dream of moving to the United States at the age of 21. Achieving U.S. citizenship in 1983, Schwarzenegger transitioned from bodybuilding to Hollywood stardom with hits like “Conan the Barbarian” and the “Terminator” series. He also served as the 38th governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

29. Pamela Anderson (July 1, 1967- )
    Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor / Model Recognized for her modeling in “Playboy” and her role on “Baywatch,” Pamela Anderson, born in Ladysmith, British Columbia, made a splash in 1989, appearing in a Labatt’s Beer T-shirt on the Jumbotron during a BC Lions Canadian Football League game. Anderson became a spokesmodel for the brewing company, later moving to Los Angeles to expand her modeling career. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2004.

30. Ryan Reynolds (Oct. 23, 1976- )
    Country of origin: Canada Occupation: Actor Ryan Reynolds’ three-decade-long career began with a Canadian teen soap opera called “Hillside” before he ventured into various TV series and film roles. Achieving his greatest commercial successes with “Deadpool” and “Deadpool 2,” Reynolds has earned a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, three People’s Choice Awards, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe nomination. He obtained U.S. citizenship in 2018.

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