12 Celebrities Who Embraced America and Became Citizens

Hollywood has always attracted talented people from around the world, and for many celebrities, becoming a U.S. citizen marked an important milestone in their personal and professional journeys. After building successful careers in America, these stars chose to make the United States their permanent home through naturalization. Here are 12 celebrities who proudly became U.S. citizens.

Helen Mirren

Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has captivated audiences on stage and screen around the world. Originally from the UK, she has embraced America and became a U.S. citizen in 2017, as reported by People.

Billy Idol

With his punk roots and unique swagger, Billy Idol became one of the most iconic figures of the MTV era. The English rocker became a naturalized U.S. citizen in November 2018, per Billboard.

Neil Young

Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young began his musical journey in Canada, but his unique sound and voice became a crucial part of U.S. popular culture. Over decades, he helped shape the sound of classic rock. In 2020, more than five decades after first entering the United States illegally, he officially became a U.S. citizen, according to Rolling Stone.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson, born in Northern Ireland, is renowned for both his action roles and dramatic performances. He’s established a powerful presence in Hollywood, from his iconic roles that include Schindler’s List, Kinsey, and the Taken franchise, per IMDb. After living in the United States for two decades and following the outpouring of support he received after the death of his wife, Natasha Richardson, he became a U.S. citizen in 2009, as reported by NBC News.

Charlize Theron

South African-born Charlize Theron found fame in Hollywood, starring in hit films like Monster and Mad Max: Fury Road, according to IMDb. After spending decades living and working in the United States, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2008, per Vogue.

Tan France

Tan France, of Queer Eye fame, brought British charm and style savvy to American television. His insights on fashion and representation made a significant mark on reality TV. France became a U.S. citizen in 2020, per Good Morning America.

Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas started her career in Cuba and Spain before dazzling Hollywood in films like Blade Runner 2049 and Knives Out, per IMDb. Her journey to stardom included moving to Los Angeles in 2014, according to the outlet. She officially became a U.S. citizen in 2023, just weeks after announcing the news during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, as reported by Rolling Stone.

Gail Simmons

Canadian food writer and television personality Gail Simmons became a familiar face on U.S. screens as a judge on Top Chef, per IMDb. Her 46th birthday in 2022 marked a major milestone when she officially became a U.S. citizen, as reported by People.

Emily Blunt

British actress Emily Blunt quickly became a beloved figure in America through acclaimed performances in The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place, and Edge of Tomorrow, per IMDb. She became a U.S. citizen in 2015, with the ceremony taking place in Los Angeles, according to Hello Magazine.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson, best known for her iconic role in Baywatch, was born in Canada but has long been at the center of American pop culture, per IMDb. She was naturalized as an American citizen in 2004, as reported by heraldtimesonline.com.

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey‘s comedic energy burst onto American TV and movie screens after years in the Canadian comedy scene. He is most known for his blockbuster hits like The Mask, Bruce Almighty, and The Truman Show, per IMDb. He has been a U.S. citizen since 2004, according to the outlet.

John Oliver

Comedian and host John Oliver brought his sharp wit from the UK to American television, first on The Daily Show, then with Last Week Tonight, per IMDb. After launching his career in America in 2006, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in December 2019, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.