Time Magazine has named its 100 most influential people and many a Malibu face can be found in the pages. The categories include pioneers, artists, leaders, titans and icons. Local Robert Downey Jr. honored “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” Rami Malek. The upcoming “Avengers: Endgame” star had high praise for Malek’s mind-blowing role as Queen frontman Freddy Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Writes Downey, “Queen entrusted Rami Malek with representing their legacy, the story of their lives and the memory of their bandmate … He’s downright mercurial. Crucially, he’s a good man evolving alongside his potential. As a fan and a friend, that’s what I am particularly proud of.”
Speaking of friends, Malibu’s Leonardo DiCaprio has long enjoyed a close relationship with animal advocate Jane Goodall. In his tribute, he writes, “I admired Jane Goodall long before we ever met … she has committed her life to environmental protection. Even now at the young age of 85, Jane spends nearly every day spreading optimism and raising awareness worldwide.” The Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist adds, “Hers is a powerful message to protect the inherent right of every living creature … and to sound an urgent call against the greatest environmental threat of all—climate change.”
LeBron James made the list as a favorite role model. His tribute came from industry titan Warren Buffet. The Berkshire Hathaway CEO wrote, “Early heroes will mold a person’s future. LeBron has justified the adulation of millions and millions of young people.”
Artist David Hockney, who has been inspired by many a Malibu pool, has been called a relentless innovator. Edwin Becker wrote his tribute, noting that after moving to California in the mid-1960s, he became one of the “best-known representatives of Pop art.” One of Hockney’s famous whimsical pool paintings recently sold for $90 million, a record for a living artist.
Also among the most influential folks around is our own Lady Gaga. Her tribute was composed by fellow diva Celine Dion. “I love Lady Gaga,” she writes. “I think she has one of the greatest voices in the world: powerful, convincing, passionate and sensitive.” The “My Heart Will Go On” singer says of Gaga, “Yes, she is an amazing musician, composer, performer and as we saw in a ‘A Star is Born,’ an incredible actress, but her legacy reaches well beyond show business. She will continue to inspire love and freedom around the world for generations to come.”