Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has long been a staple in the world of fantasy role-playing games, creating a legacy that spans decades and generations. Since its inception in 1974, this iconic game has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing everything from literature to film, and even music. As the game’s popularity soared in the late ’70s and ’80s, its influence permeated mainstream culture, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide.
Among its devoted fans are some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, who have openly embraced their passion for Dungeons & Dragons. In this slideshow, we take a closer look at 24 celebrities who proudly roll the dice and delve into fantastical worlds.
1. **Vin Diesel**: Known for his action-packed roles in movies like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ series, Vin Diesel has been a longtime fan of D&D. He credits the game for honing his imagination and storytelling skills. Diesel even contributed an introduction to the book ‘Thirty Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons,’ where he shares his love for the game.
2. **Stephen Colbert**: This Emmy Award-winning comedian and talk show host has been a fan of D&D since his youth. Colbert often reminisces about the game, citing it as a significant influence on his ability to craft characters and tell engaging stories.
3. **Joe Manganiello**: Actor Joe Manganiello, known for his roles in ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike,’ is an avid D&D player. Manganiello frequently hosts games with other celebrities and has even incorporated elements of D&D into his wedding.
4. **Matthew Lillard**: Famous for his role in ‘Scream’ and as Shaggy in ‘Scooby-Doo,’ Matthew Lillard is a dedicated D&D enthusiast. Lillard co-founded a tabletop gaming company called Beadle & Grimm’s, which creates high-end D&D accessories, further showcasing his passion for the game.
5. **Felicia Day**: Actress and writer Felicia Day, known for her work on ‘The Guild’ and ‘Supernatural,’ is a well-known D&D fan. She often shares her adventures in the game on social media, engaging with fellow enthusiasts and encouraging more women to join the gaming community.
6. **Wil Wheaton**: Actor Wil Wheaton, famous for his role as Wesley Crusher on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ is not just a D&D player but also a Dungeon Master. Wheaton’s love for gaming is evident in his involvement with tabletop gaming shows and podcasts.
7. **Dan Harmon**: The creator of the hit TV show ‘Community,’ Dan Harmon, has often incorporated D&D references into his work. His love for the game is apparent in the ‘Community’ episodes centered around D&D, which have become fan favorites.
8. **Patton Oswalt**: Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt is a well-known advocate for D&D. Oswalt has spoken about how the game helped him develop his creativity and storytelling abilities, skills that he has carried over into his successful career in comedy and acting.
9. **Anderson Cooper**: Emmy Award-winning television personality Anderson Cooper has been open about his D&D fandom. Cooper, who is known for his journalistic work, finds the game to be a relaxing and imaginative escape from his demanding career.
10. **Chris Hardwick**: Comedian and host Chris Hardwick is a self-proclaimed geek and D&D enthusiast. Hardwick often discusses his love for the game and how it has played a role in shaping his passion for all things nerdy.
11. **Jon Favreau**: Director and actor Jon Favreau, known for his work on films like ‘Iron Man’ and ‘The Lion King,’ has credited D&D for inspiring his storytelling and creative skills. Favreau has remained a fan of the game since his youth, appreciating its role in sparking his imagination.
12. **James Franco**: Actor, author, and director James Franco has dabbled in D&D, embracing the game’s imaginative nature. Franco’s interest in the game aligns with his diverse creative pursuits, which span film, literature, and art.
13. **Moby**: Musician and singer-songwriter Moby is another celebrity who has openly shared his love for D&D. Moby finds the game to be a perfect outlet for creativity and imagination, providing a unique escape from the music industry.
14. **Robin Williams**: The late Robin Williams, beloved comedian, and actor, was a long-time fan of D&D. Williams appreciated the game’s ability to bring people together and foster creativity, often playing with his children and friends.
15. **Mike Myers**: Known for his iconic comedic roles, Mike Myers is a proud D&D player. Myers has spoken about the joy and camaraderie the game brings, often engaging in sessions with fellow comedians and actors.
16. **Terry Crews**: Known for his larger-than-life persona and infectious enthusiasm, Terry Crews has openly expressed his love for D&D. The actor and former football player finds joy in the game’s ability to transport him to fantastical realms and embrace his inner storyteller. Crews has even been a part of D&D sessions with his sons, making it a cherished family activity.
17. **Judi Dench**: Yes, Dame Judi Dench, the legendary actress known for her impeccable performances, is a fan of Dungeons & Dragons! Her regal presence and captivating talent extend beyond the stage and screen into the realm of D&D, where she enjoys the role-playing and imaginative storytelling that the game offers.
18. **Ta-Nehisi Coates**: Celebrated author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates has spoken about his affinity for D&D, highlighting how the game has influenced his narrative skills. Coates appreciates the game’s ability to foster creativity and challenge players to think critically in creating compelling stories and characters.
19. **Tim Duncan**: Former NBA superstar Tim Duncan, renowned for his impressive basketball career, is also a Dungeons & Dragons player. Embracing the strategic and collaborative aspects of the game, Duncan finds D&D to be a perfect balance of fun and mental challenge, much like his approach on the court.
20. **Joseph Gordon-Levitt**: The actor with a flair for versatility, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has dipped into the magical world of D&D. Known for his creative pursuits and acting chops, Gordon-Levitt finds that D&D provides an exciting platform for unleashing his imagination and connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
21. **Rivers Cuomo**: Weezer’s frontman Rivers Cuomo has embraced the nerdy side of life through his love for Dungeons & Dragons. The musician finds the game’s imaginative nature to be both inspiring and grounding, allowing him to channel creativity into his music and role-playing adventures.
22. **David Benioff**: As a screenwriter and producer known for epic tales like ‘Game of Thrones,’ David Benioff’s passion for D&D is no surprise. The game’s epic campaigns and intricate plots resonate with Benioff’s storytelling ethos, making it an ideal creative outlet for his narrative drive.
23. **Lexa Doig**: Sci-fi fans may recognize Lexa Doig from her roles in popular TV shows, but did you know she’s also a D&D aficionado? Doig’s love for the fantastical and her ability to embody diverse characters naturally extend to her role-playing adventures, where she embraces the full scope of D&D’s imaginative gameplay.
24. **Kevin J. Anderson**: The prolific science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson has often expressed his admiration for Dungeons & Dragons, noting how its imaginative worlds and creative mechanics have influenced his writing. Anderson uses the game as a source of inspiration to craft his own expansive universes.
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