Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone was born October 4, 1976 in San Francisco, and is an American actress, author, and former fashion models. While she initially performed in music videos with Aerosmith, she is best known for her roles in films such as Clueless (1995) and her portrayal of Batgirl in Batman and Robin (1997).

Why A Role Model?

There are many celebrities today who are admired for more than their professional talent. But many still endorse products that they would not consume themselves because of their detrimental effects. These leading actors, singers and models may consume a pro-vegetarian diet, but are cautioned by their managers not to mention this fact, because they may be boycotted by television producers who represent an industry that is financed by ads for processed foods and fast food restaurants.

The exception to this is Alicia Silverstone. There are several well known vegetarian actors and actresses such as Daryl Hannah, Dustin Hoffman, William Shatner, Brad Pitt, Drew Barrymore, Liv Tyler, Kim Bassinger, Alec Baldwin, David Duchovny, and Richard Gere. But few will admit it, and even fewer take positive action. Even though it adversely affects her career, Alicia has consistently used her celebrity status against the processed food and dairy lobbies in order to positively affect her young fans with healthy eating habits.

This is no small thing. Many behavior problems in children, including ADD and ADHD, can be addressed by improving diet in addition to applying good parenting skills. It takes a person with a strong self-image and commitment to one’s values to take such a controversial stand.

She has even acknowledged that she hates the trappings of fame, saying, "Fame is not anything I wish on anyone. You start acting because you love it. Then success arrives, and suddenly you're on show".

Personal Life

Alicia married her longtime boyfriend, rock musician Christopher Jarecki (lead singer of group S.T.U.N.) on June 11, 2005. They live in an eco-friendly Los Angeles home complete with solar panels and an organic vegetable garden. She bought the house, shared with a "menagerie of rescued dogs," in 1996.

In 2009, Silverstone released The Kind Diet, a guide to vegan nutrition, and launched its associated website The Kind Life. The Kind Diet has topped the New York Times best sellers list.

Silverstone is noted for being an animal rights and environmental activist. She became a vegan in 1998 after attending an animal rights meeting. "I realized that I was the problem. I was an animal lover who was eating animals." She has revealed she struggled with childhood vegetarianism stating "There were times when I would get selfish and eat meat—at eight years old it's hard to stick to your guns—and so through the years I was always starting and stopping trying to be a vegetarian."

In 2004, Silverstone was voted, "Sexiest Female Vegetarian," by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). In 2007, Silverstone set up a sanctuary for rescued pets in Los Angeles.

Alicia Silverstone meets the requirements of a positive role model with her compassion for others, high values and standards, community service, and strong commitment to her causes and beliefs. Life is much more than glamour and applause, and Alicia is a role model that makes a difference in the lives of others. Click here for the Transforming Child Behavior Home Page.

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