Celebrities get a bad rap for being conceited, self-centered, and always doing things for attention; however, like all stereotypes, that image of the typical Hollywood celebrity is misplaced. There are many celebrities who donate time and money to causes big and small—things they care about. Not only that, they are also vocal supporters of causes that are close to their hearts, or of great meaning to a large portion of the population.

Celebrities, like everyone else, love animals, and that is amply shown by the wide variety of pets they have as companions; but, there are some that go beyond, and show their love of animals by supporting a variety of causes and organizations with promote animal welfare. Let’s see who some of these animal lovers are.

Ricky Gervais

Ricky Gervais is a British comedian who has produced, and appeared in a variety of television shows, movies, and stand-up comedy specials. He is a big supporter of animal rights, and speaks out against any type of animal cruelty, such as animal abuse, and testing, and even encourages everyone to incorporate vegan aspects into their diet. He is very outspoken about this cause and is very active on social media. Ricky Gervais was voted by PETA as their person of the year in 2013.

Kate Mara

Kate Mara

Kate Mara

Kate Mara is another celebrity that is very active on social media, and works hard to bring as much attention to the animal welfare causes in which she believes. The “House of Cards” actress, is also a vegan.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio’s concern for the environment and animals is legendary. He is often seen giving speeches are organizational gathering, being the public face for animal welfare, and environmental causes. Of course, he gives generously to causes that he especially believes in, and is active in trying to safe tigers, and animal poaching. He was also appointed as a UN Messenger of Pease on climate change in 2014.

Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres is very vocal about her support of animal rights, and speaks about animal welfare in both her personal and professional capacity. Like many others, aside from giving her celebrity status in support of animal causes, she also donates generously to organizations working to reduce animal suffering.

James Cameron

James Cameron

James Cameron

James Cameron, one of the most well-regarded film directors over the last several decades is another big proponent of animal welfare causes. He is also a vegan, and evangelizes the lifestyle whenever he can. He also speaks out about how animals used to produce our food are treated, and the impact having a diet high in meat content impacts the planet.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis

Viola Davis

Viola Davis, star of film and television, is a stalwart supporter of animal rights, and puts in personal effort to help the causes she believes in, including often-forgotten causes like proper treatment of circus animals.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon

Matt Damon

Matt Damon is very active in supporting a variety of organizations and foundations that work towards a healthier environment, and animal welfare. He is the co-founder of water.org, which advocates for clean drinking water for everyone, and supports the American Human Association, among many other charities.