Drive downtown and you’ll see one of the most famous Kentuckians, Abraham Lincoln, painted in Technicolor. Visit Louisville and you’ll see portraits of Jennifer Lawrence and Diane Sawyer on buildings throughout the city.

Kentucky is clearly proud of its celebrities, especially some of the most famous Kentuckians who made it a priority to give back.

George Clooney, perhaps the state’s most famous celebrity and philanthropist, is known for donating to upward of 35 national and international organizations and for being at the forefront of human rights crises, like genocide in Darfur.

According to Look to the Stars, a site that lists celebrities’ charities and foundations, Johnny Depp supports 18 organizations both nationally and internationally. None of these organizations are specific to Kentucky, but organizations like the Ronald McDonald House have the potential to hit closer to home.

Lawrence is by far the state’s most adamant supporter. Her foundation gives to various Louisville and Kentucky organizations, like the St. Mary’s House, and West End School. She also supports the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.

While Clooney and Depp don’t necessarily give back to their home states, the money they’re donating and their service as representatives for the United Nations and The Art of Elysium, are changing the world and inspiring others.

However, the potential to help Kentuckians is great. Perhaps it is Lawrence’s youth that makes her such a strong supporter of her home state, since she has not had as much time to grow distant from her roots. With her appearances at University of Louisville games and philanthropy work Lawrence has portrayed herself as a Kentuckian in ways that even Depp’s portrayal of Hunter S. Thompson couldn’t.

Celebrities have a unique opportunity to use fame as a way to highlight specific causes —  such as Emma Stone’s paparazzi plea for causes like Autism Speaks and Gilda’s Club NYC. Clooney has without a doubt capitalized on this and we are proud to call him a Kentuckian.

There are celebrities who could make a difference if they took a lesson from our favorite representatives of the state. Whether one’s wealth is the product of hard work or natural talent, no one makes it in this world without the help of others. There is always a reason to give back, and Kentucky’s celebrities are some of the humble few who extend their hand.

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