Filed under: New! Celeb lists
It's all well and good being rich and famous in the UK, but some of our celebs have realised that they can be so much RICHER and MORE FAMOUS on the other side of the Atlantic.
Of course breaking America is harder than it looks, but it seems like an increasing number of Brits are managing it. Check our list of the 12 most influential British celebs across the pond...
12. Emma Watson
In the last year or so Emma Watson has emerged as the real star of the Harry Potter movie franchise, no doubt helped by her high-profile job modelling for Burberry and a face that picture editors seem to love.
And she's played a smart game by enrolling at Brown University in Rhode Island - sparking a media frenzy and much higher profile in the states than she would have otherwise enjoyed.
Definitely one to watch!
11. Russell Brand
They say there's no such thing as bad publicity - and although Russell Brand might have disagreed directly after millions of Americans saw him label George W Bush "retarded", he'd probably admit it was true now.
Despite a short time as a hate figure in the US, he now seems to be getting a decent amount of work in Hollywood - including the remake of Dudley Moore vehicle Arthur.
10. Gordon Ramsay
One of the beneficiaries of America's appetite for "nasty Brits" in the noughties, our Gordon has managed to build a huge profile for himself stateside by doing what he does best - shouting and swearing.
US viewers have eagerly lapped up his Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen TV shows and he has managed to join the elite ranks of America's TV cooking royalty.
His restaurants haven't all had an easy ride with the critics, but we're sure his bank account isn't quite dropping into the red just yet.
9 Keira Knightley
Arguably the biggest British star in Hollywood right now, Keira has cemented her A-list status by choosing a clever mixture of high-paying and classy projects.
She might be higher in this list if she ever opened her mouth off camera, but then she doubles as a clotheshorse and perfume saleswoman - so she doesn't really need to say that much to keep the big bucks rolling in.
8. Nigel Lythgoe
He may have had his moment of fame as a judge on Popstars in the UK, but Nigel Lythgoe moved behind the cameras to find even bigger success as producer of the American Idol TV juggernaut in the US.
As long-time fans of the show, it always gave us a thrill to spot "Nasty Nigel" on Idol - and later as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
He's even been linked to a number of rather glam celeb women - including Jerry Hall (which he denies) and Priscilla Presley (which he doesn't). Either way, the boy done good!
7. Jo Frost
Yes really. Jo Frost's Supernanny show was a major hit in the US - introducing the nation's children to the delights of the naughty step.
The show may have passed its peak of popularity now, but who's to say the influence she's had won't last some viewers (and their kids) a lifetime?
6. Hugh Laurie
When Stephen Fry was on every other TV show in the UK in the early noughties and forging a career in film on the side, we used to feel a little sorry for his former comedy partner Hugh Laurie.
Not any more however, because he somehow managed to land one of the biggest roles in US TV history as cranky physician Dr Gregory House - and became a huge star overnight.
5. David Beckham
As he rapidly approaches national treasure status in the UK, it's good to know that Becks is equally appreciated in his current role as the leading ambassador for real football to the US.
His winning combination of sporting talent, good looks, genuine niceness and famous friends have made him a hot celeb property in his adopted hometown of LA - and in the US celeb rags too of course.
We can't think of a better candidate to introduce the heathens to the beautiful game.
4. Piers Morgan
There's no way that smarmy Simon Cowell Mini-Me Piers would have been this far up our list a month ago, but that was before we heard the news that he'd been lined-up to replace US TV legend Larry King.
Like a cat that always lands on its feet (and then gets the cream as well) he's somehow moved from being sacked in shame as editor of the Mirror to judge on BGT - and then to being the first primetime British interviewer on US telly since Sir David Frost.
Love him or hate him, you've got to admire his resilience.
3. Sacha Baron Cohen
The mould-breaking comedy genius behind Ali G, Borat and Bruno seems to have a love-hate relationship with the US.
They love to hate his films, and he loves to poke fun at their society's mixed-up values and attitudes towards foreign countries and gay people.
But beyond the controversy about his own films, he's changed the game for comedy movie-makers and inspired a new genre of edgy, ambiguous "mockumentaries".
2. Anna Wintour
Until relatively recently US Vogue editor Anna Wintour was just a very successful - and reportedly widely feared - journalist, but the last few years have seen a fictional feature film based on her perceived character and a documentary following a month in her working life.
There was never any question of how influential the legendary fashion power broker was, but she's now got the celebrity status to go with it and so she's a worthy contender at number two in our list.
1. Simon Cowell
You knew it was going to be Simon Cowell didn't you? Well unless Barack Obama is suddenly revealed to have been born in Cheshire (and starred in Hollyoaks), there are no other Brits who can come close to him for celeb power in the states.
While he was initially the undoubted star of American Idol thanks to his "nasty" reputation, he's slowly won the American public over to the point where he's still the undoubted star but they think he's a nice guy who's just honest with people.
The telly mogul's biggest test is still to come though, because he's jumped ship from Idol to launch The X Factor in America - and then we'll see exactly how well-regarded he is by our transatlantic cousins.
We're not going to bet against him!
What do you reckon to our list? Did we get it right? Did we miss anybody out? Leave a comment below...
Follow us on Twitter |
Become a fan on Facebook
Permalink | Email this | Comments