Stars Who Became U.S. Citizens

As America marks 250 years, numerous celebrities have embraced U.S. citizenship alongside their original nationality. Notable names include Jim Carrey, Pamela Anderson, and Ryan Reynolds, who hold dual citizenship.

Jim Carrey, an actor with Canadian roots, recognized the U.S. for shaping his career in 2004. He expressed gratitude for the nation that helped fulfill his aspirations, while maintaining pride in his Canadian heritage.

“This country has helped define me and make my dreams come true,” Carrey once noted.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson, originally from Northern Ireland, took American citizenship after losing his wife, Natasha Richardson, in 2009. He cited personal loss, combined with living in the U.S. for over two decades, as his motivations to become a U.S. citizen.

“I’ve been living here for 20 years and America’s been very, very good to me,” Neeson stated.

Sofía Vergara

Colombian-born Sofía Vergara achieved U.S. citizenship in 2014, proudly sharing her success on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” She detailed her experience of facing a test to demonstrate her eligibility, passing with a perfect score.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron of South Africa became a U.S. citizen in the early 2000s. She revealed on David Letterman’s show the challenges she faced during the complex naturalization process.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who hails from Austria, celebrated 35 years as a U.S. citizen in 2018. Reflecting on his journey, he credited America for helping him realize his ambitions since arriving nearly five decades ago.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt, originally from London, gained U.S. citizenship in 2015. Her husband, John Krasinski, supported her during the ceremony. She shared this experience on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” mentioning the participation of actress Camila Alves.

Camila Alves

Born in Brazil, Camila Alves became a U.S. citizen in 2015. She marked the milestone’s fifth anniversary with gratitude towards American freedoms and those who defended them.

Pamela Anderson

In 2004, Pamela Anderson achieved dual citizenship, wanting to vote in the U.S. and facilitate bringing family to America as needed, while remaining proud of her Canadian identity.

Billy Idol

Billy Idol, the British rock star, became a U.S. citizen in 2018. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services acknowledged his new status.

Ryan Reynolds

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds earned dual citizenship in 2018. By 2020, he exercised his voting rights in the United States for the first time, sharing the experience with fans.

Michael J. Fox

Canadian-born Michael J. Fox became a U.S. citizen in 2000. His career and life continue to flourish in his adopted homeland.

Salma Hayek

Originally from Mexico, Salma Hayek acquired U.S. citizenship in 2013. She previously stayed in the country on an expired visa, facing legal challenges before gaining her official status.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan, an actor from Ireland, achieved U.S. citizenship in 2004, solidifying his ties to the country alongside his successful film career.

Daniel Craig

English actor Daniel Craig declared his American citizenship in 2020, emphasizing the nation’s immigrant history and his part within it.