New Elizabethans

My 3 choices of New Elizabethan’s are:

Russell Brand
Angelina Jolie
Lena Dunham

I chose Russell Brand because I feel he has overcome a lot throughout his life and has become a positive role model for people in similar situations as he once was. The comedian suffers from ADHD and bipolar disorder and has a history of bulimia, self-harm, heroin addiction and alcoholism. He has been sober since 2003 and throughout his rehabilitation process, Russell sought help through the Hare Krishna Movement and has also developed a love for Transcendental Meditation. Russell is incredibly well-spoken and literate which makes his stand-up comedy all the more entertaining as does his erratic personality which seems to be equally loved and hated. Also, Russell participates regularly in many activist campaigns.

I think Angelina Jolie qualifies as a ‘New Elizabethan’ because she uses her fame and success to help others. She promotes humanitarian causes and has her own organisation, the Jolie-Pitt foundation which is dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty, protecting natural resources and conserving wildlife. Since 2001 she has been on field missions around the world and met with refugees in more than 20 countries and she sold the first photos of her daughter Shiloh for $4m and gave the money to charities serving African children.

Most recently, Angelina underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her genetically high risk of breast cancer and she spoke out about it to urge other women to be aware of the signs and get checked out. It’s astounding to see one woman achieve so much and maintain a very successful career in the acting industry too. Angelina understands how influential her position is in the public eye and she selflessly utilises this to inspire and help others.  

Lena Dunham is the creator of Girls which has become a huge hit thanks to the way it realistically portrays women and relationships. Lena herself stars in the series as the main character and she isn’t afraid to really expose herself to honour the gritty reality the show presents. She has a lack of vanity and is very confident in her own skin and she empowers women to feel the same way. Lena is very funny and self-aware and she uses this to her advantage and the humour of the show. Her work on Girls inspires me immensely and therefore she deserves a place as a New Elizabethan.

Russell Brand set for role in Pirates of The Caribbean | The Sun |News. 2013. Russell Brand set for role in Pirates of The Caribbean | The Sun |News. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1888657.ece. [Accessed 15 November 2013]

Angelina Jolie, noted activist, takes steps toward her own health -. 2013.Angelina Jolie, noted activist, takes steps toward her own health -. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/05/15/angelina-jolie-uses-celebrity-status-to-bring-controversial-cancer-treatment-to-the-public-stage/angelina-jolie-noted-activist-takes-steps-toward-her-own-health/. [Accessed 15 November2013]

Lena Dunham in ASOS: The Girls Creator Talks Imperfect Heroines & Chloë Sevigny's Style | Grazia Fashion. 2013. Lena Dunham in ASOS: The Girls Creator Talks Imperfect Heroines & Chloë Sevigny's Style | Grazia Fashion. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2012/10/03/lena-dunham-in-asos--the-girls-creator-talks-imperfect-heroines---being-a-chlo--.htm. [Accessed 15 November 2013]