Hirsch Leatherwood, a leading strategic communications and market research firm, today unveiled its “2025 Celebrity Influence Index,” a comprehensive study revealing how celebrity influence has evolved in an era of fragmented media and changing consumer expectations.
The research, which surveyed hundreds of U.S. consumers, provides insight into the public figures that matter most to today’s audiences. The inaugural study compiled consumer sentiment on the top forty most relatable personas in entertainment across film, music, sports, media, and culture. The rankings offer decision-makers and brands a snapshot of who the public trusts and who makes consumers feel seen.
According to hundreds of Americans, the top five most-relatable celebrities include:
- Zendaya: Ranked the #1 most relatable celebrity by consumers, Zendaya is a child actor turned full cultural icon. The ranking comes following her performances last year in Challengers and the Best-Picture-nominated Dune 2.
- Dolly Parton: At number two, Dolly Parton proves that old-fashioned Southern charm still has a place in the hearts of today’s audiences. Her ranking comes just in time for her Broadway show, Dolly, to premiere later this year.
- Snoop Dogg: Third most relatable, Snoop Dogg is known for his crossover appeal, the rare superstar who can collaborate with country music stars, host a youth football league, and headline major corporate events without it feeling forced.
- Peyton Manning: Ranked the fourth most relatable celebrity in the country, Manning is the top athlete on the list— beating out LeBron James and both Kelce brothers. His younger brother, Eli, ranks as #30 and co-hosts ESPN’s Emmy-winning “ManningCast” each week during the NFL season.
- Sabrina Carpenter: The fifth spot goes to global pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, who dominated 2024 with her chart-topping album Short ‘n’ Sweet and back-to-back Billboard No. 1 hits, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
Other names on the list include Ryan Reynolds (#8, whose 2024 Deadpool and Wolverine became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time) Taylor Swift (at her lucky #13), Nicole Kidman (#14, following her starring role in 2024’s Babygirl), Timothee Chalamet (#17, who was up for his third Oscar nomination this weekend for his performance in A Complete Unknown) and Joe Rogan (#20, the most influential podcaster in the country).
“We’re living in an era where celebrity influence extends far beyond entertainment,” said Steve Hirsch, CEO. “Whether they’re launching businesses, leading cultural conversations, or shaping brand narratives, the right public figures can make or break a connection with your audience.”
