8 celebrities you had no idea were vegan (but totally are)

We live in a world where celebrity diets are practically a sub-genre of the internet. Paleo, raw, keto, oat milk everything—you name it, someone’s tried it on camera.

But every so often, I stumble across a surprising headline. A famous actor. A high-profile athlete. A Grammy winner. And tucked into a random interview or red carpet soundbite, they’ll casually mention they’ve been vegan for years.

And you think… wait, really?

That’s what this list is about. These are eight celebrities you probably didn’t associate with veganism—whether because it’s not part of their public brand, or because they just don’t make a big deal out of it.

But make no mistake—they’re plant-powered, and in some cases, downright passionate about it.

Let’s dig in.

1. Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish might be known for her moody lyrics, oversized fits, and haunting vocals—but she’s also been vegan since the age of 12.

In interviews, she’s explained that she made the choice after watching footage of how animals are treated in the food industry. That one moment changed everything. She said it “kind of haunted me,” and she’s stuck with veganism ever since.

What’s more, her family is all-in. Her mom, Maggie Baird, founded Support + Feed, a non-profit that distributes plant-based meals to people facing food insecurity. Billie’s used her platform to boost that cause, even incorporating it into her world tours.

What I love most? She doesn't frame veganism as a trend or a flex. It’s just part of her values—woven into her life without needing to shout about it.

And if a teenager-turned-superstar can stick to a vegan lifestyle through puberty, fame, and global touring… well, the rest of us probably have fewer excuses than we think.

2. Lewis Hamilton

When you picture a Formula 1 driver, you don’t usually imagine someone tucking into a quinoa bowl or sipping on a green smoothie. You think adrenaline, grit, protein, performance.

But Lewis Hamilton? He’s proof that you can dominate in one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports in the world—and still be entirely plant-based.

He made the switch in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. In fact, he credits veganism with improving his stamina, focus, and recovery time.

In his own words: “I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.”

And it goes beyond personal health. Hamilton’s also a vocal advocate for animal rights and the environment. He’s backed documentaries like The Game Changers and invested in plant-based companies like Neat Burger, a vegan fast-food chain aiming to go global.

If there was ever a case study in peak performance on plants, this is it.

3. Jessica Chastain

You wouldn’t necessarily guess it from her red carpet glam or Oscar-winning roles, but Jessica Chastain has been vegan for over 15 years.

Her journey started with a personal experiment—she was feeling low on energy and decided to try a two-week vegan reset. The result? She felt significantly better, and the change stuck.

She once said, “I don’t want to torture anything. I guess it’s about trying to live a life where I’m not contributing to unnecessary cruelty.”

There’s something refreshing about her approach. It’s not loud. It’s not about perfection. It’s about alignment—living in a way that feels both physically and ethically right.

And if you ever catch her interviews, she talks about it in a way that feels relatable, not preachy. As someone who’s been navigating her own food journey over the years, I really appreciate that.

4. Colin Kaepernick

Most people associate Colin Kaepernick with activism, protest, and football. His stand—or rather, his kneel—changed the conversation around race and justice in sports forever.

What often gets missed in that story is how his personal lifestyle choices, like going vegan in 2016, are also part of his broader commitment to nonviolence and integrity.

He’s said that the switch to a plant-based diet wasn’t just about health—it was about values. Animal rights. Sustainability. Ethical consumption.

What’s more, he’s managed to maintain his peak athletic form post-NFL, with fans and trainers consistently noting how fit he remains.

There’s something powerful about aligning what you eat with what you stand for. And for Kaepernick, veganism is one more way he lives that alignment daily—even if he doesn’t headline it.

5. Mayim Bialik

You probably know her as Amy Farrah Fowler from The Big Bang Theory, or as Blossom if you were a ‘90s kid. But Mayim Bialik wears a lot of hats—actress, neuroscientist, mom… and vegan advocate.

Her vegan journey started after becoming a vegetarian in her teens. Over time, she transitioned fully and now raises her children vegan, too.

She’s written a cookbook (Mayim’s Vegan Table), spoken on animal rights panels, and frequently talks about the emotional and scientific reasons behind her choices.

“As a scientist and a mom, I just don’t see any reason not to be vegan,” she’s said. “It’s better for the planet, for our health, and for the animals.”

Her logic is clear. Her tone is warm. And what I find especially relatable is how she brings practicality into the conversation. She knows not everyone has time for elaborate vegan recipes—and she keeps things accessible, without guilt trips.

6. Jason Mraz

I’ll admit it: Jason Mraz being vegan doesn’t feel wildly out of left field. He lives on an avocado farm, for one.

But still—many fans don’t realize that the mellow-voiced singer behind I’m Yours has fully embraced plant-based living, both as a lifestyle and a source of inspiration.

He’s talked about how eating vegan improved his vocal clarity, energy, and mental health. In fact, it was touring with his mostly-vegan band that first inspired the shift.

His vibe? Peaceful, intentional, and rooted in simplicity.

As he put it in an interview, “I try to eat food that’s not angry.” That one stuck with me. Because what we consume—literally and metaphorically—does affect our state of being.

And if that means I’m humming a little more and crashing a little less? Sign me up.

7. Evanna Lynch

If you were a Harry Potter fan, you’ll remember Evanna Lynch as the quirky and lovable Luna Lovegood. What you may not know is that Evanna is deeply involved in vegan activism.

She’s spoken candidly about struggling with body image and an eating disorder in her teens. Going vegan, for her, wasn’t just about animals—it was a turning point in learning how to care for her body with compassion rather than control.

She’s hosted The Chickpeeps, a podcast focused on plant-based living, and co-founded Kinder Beauty, a cruelty-free beauty box that prioritizes ethical sourcing.

One of my favorite quotes from her is: “Being vegan helps me feel like I’m living with integrity. It grounds me.”

She’s turned personal healing into advocacy—without being preachy or performative. That’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t just talk, but quietly transforms the culture.

8. Zac Efron

Zac Efron going vegan? That was a plot twist I didn’t see coming.

And yet, during a press interview a few years back, he casually mentioned that switching to a plant-based diet had transformed his energy, sleep quality, and overall mood.

Now, it’s worth noting that Zac’s diet seems to evolve depending on his training goals—but his time as a vegan left a lasting impression. He described the benefits as “brilliant,” especially when it came to recovery and digestion.

For anyone still holding onto the myth that you need steak to build muscle—Zac’s eight-pack abs in Baywatch say otherwise.

What I take from his story is this: veganism doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Sometimes it’s about trying what works, adapting, and noticing how your body responds. That flexibility makes it more accessible—especially for people just starting out.

Final thoughts

Here’s what struck me as I researched this list: there’s no one “type” of vegan.

Some of these celebrities are soft-spoken. Others are loud and proud. Some are athletes. Others are artists. Some keep it private. Others make it their platform.

But they all show that being vegan isn’t fringe, weird, or restrictive. It’s surprisingly common—even in the most unexpected places.

If you’re on the fence about going vegan—or feeling like the odd one out at family dinners—take heart. You’re in good company. And you don’t have to look like the stereotype or shout your choices to live them meaningfully.

Sometimes the most impactful changes happen quietly, consistently, and with intention.

And if a race car driver, a pop star, and a neuroscientist can all make plants work? Odds are, you can too.