Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has etched its name into the annals of fantasy role-playing,and has become a true cultural phenomenon since its 1974 debut.
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, the powerhouse behind ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ is a dedicated D&D enthusiast who believes the game sharpened his imagination and storytelling prowess, even contributing a heartfelt introduction to ‘Thirty Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons’ to share his passion.
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, the talented actress and writer celebrated for her roles in ‘The Guild’ and ‘Supernatural,’ is an open D&D aficionado, frequently sharing her gaming escapades on social media and inspiring more women to dive into the D&D 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, the esteemed Emmy Award-winning journalist, has openly embraced his D&D fandom, finding the game to be a much-needed imaginative and relaxing respite from the intense demands of his prominent career.
10.Chris Hardwick, a comedian and host with an unapologetic love for all things geeky, openly declares his D&D enthusiasm, often sharing how the game has fundamentally shaped his deep-seated passion for nerdy culture.
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.The charismatic actor and former football star Terry Crews, known for his larger-than-life presence, enthusiastically shares his profound love for D&D, relishing its power to transport him to magical realms and awaken his inner storyteller, even enjoying it with his sons.
17.Prepare to be surprised: none other than the legendary Dame Judi Dench, celebrated for her captivating performances, is a devoted fan of Dungeons & Dragons, bringing her distinguished talent to the imaginative storytelling and role-playing 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, the iconic frontman of Weezer, has fully embraced his nerdy side through a deep affection for Dungeons & Dragons, using the game’s imaginative spirit as both a creative spark and a grounding force for his music and adventures.
22.It’s hardly surprising that David Benioff, the mastermind behind epic narratives like ‘Game of Thrones,’ is passionate about D&D, as the game’s grand campaigns and complex plots perfectly align with his natural inclination for compelling storytelling.
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.Prolific science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson has frequently lauded Dungeons & Dragons, citing its fantastical worlds and innovative mechanics as significant influences on his writing, often drawing inspiration from the game to construct his own vast literary universes.
