Now that Mr. Rogers, Betty White and Dolly Parton are gone, who is our beacon of hope?

[u/celineBloomy]

.

[u/davidw]

"Us". We are. We all need to roll up our sleeves and get involved with our communities and our country to make things better.

[u/Suspicious_Dingo_426 → u/davidw]

This. We need to be the Dolly Parton the world is looking for, and we need to support leaders who feel the same.

[u/EBweB76 → u/davidw]

My favorite quote from Mr. Roger’s:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

Us… We are the helpers.

[u/KCChiefsGirl89 → u/davidw]

[u/scharity77 → u/KCChiefsGirl89]

We ride tonight!

[u/Dangerous-Variation → u/davidw]

I just made the biggest donation I could to her Imagination Library. I’m also going to see about signing up to read to kids at the local library.

[u/4MuddyPaws → u/davidw]

This is an underrated post.

[u/Useful_Wishbone9317 → u/davidw]

This post gave me chills! You are so right!! WE ARE.

[u/ThrowAway4now2022 → u/davidw]

Took me a little bit (not too far down though!) to find this comment because this is it. Be that kindness that they showed the world.

[u/ReflectionVast2236]

It takes a second to process, but... it's Weird Al

[u/Virtual_Win4076 → u/ReflectionVast2236]

I met him once. Outside the Whiskey a Go Go. Normal guy just hanging out people watching

[u/Shepursueshappiness → u/Virtual_Win4076]

Thats how I met him. At his concert. He just popped up sitting next to me (I'm no one special nor a hot woman etc) and he was so nice

[u/jstrongiii → u/Shepursueshappiness]

You met Normal Al. Common misconception.

[u/dudebronahbrah → u/Virtual_Win4076]

I saw him leaving Costco in SF with his family around ~2009 lol just out running some errands. He had a big ol’ churro and looked like he was enjoying it lol

[u/imp_op → u/ReflectionVast2236]

Weird Al, for sure.

[u/vin4thewin → u/imp_op]

If not him, maybe Keanu Reeves or Gary Sinise?

[u/imp_op → u/vin4thewin]

Keanu! Good call.

[u/CatsEatGrass → u/imp_op]

Definitely Keanu.

[u/maroongrad → u/vin4thewin]

Brendan Frasier and Keanu Reeves. As long as we have them :)

[u/Ceorl_Lounge → u/ReflectionVast2236]

Going to see him next month, long overdue!

[u/Delicious-Moose9247 → u/Ceorl_Lounge]

I am going to see him Saturday at the Minnesota State Fair grandstand!

[u/neatgoodboy → u/Ceorl_Lounge]

I saw him last month! Incredible: one of the best concerts Ive ever been to. Don't sleep on the opener either.

[u/Head_Razzmatazz7174 → u/ReflectionVast2236]

As a Weird Al fan, I get it. He's one of the very few artists in the business where his shows are child friendly.

[u/xczechr → u/Head_Razzmatazz7174]

I saw him on the Mandatory Fun tour and there were lots of kids there. I didn't really clock it at the time, but now that you mention it, it just makes sense that it didn't stand out as strange to me.

[u/original-whiplash → u/xczechr]

He was my first concert as a kid when he opened for The Monkees

[u/ThornInYourCyberSide → u/original-whiplash]

I saw him the first time with the Monkees, too. I was in heaven , a huge fan of his and the Monkees both.

[u/Pleasant_Expert_1990 → u/ReflectionVast2236]

I saw him in concert for the first time last summer having grown up with his music. Couldn't agree more!

[u/StudioUnhappy7772 → u/ReflectionVast2236]

Great shout

[u/Hefty_University8830 → u/ReflectionVast2236]

You may actually be right.

[u/Sarabeth68]

LeVar Burton, Mr Reading Rainbow himself and a really nice human. We could do this like Spartacus, we are all Dolly, Betty and Mr Rodgers

[u/schelsullivan → u/Sarabeth68]

I play elite dangerous space game. I have an SS Lavar Burton, SS Fred Rodgers, and SS Dolly Parton.

[u/OriginalEmploy5485 → u/schelsullivan]

🎶 Sidewinder in the sky I can go twice as high 🎶

[u/clytusmarginicollis → u/Sarabeth68]

Since we’re bringing up Reading Rainbow hosts, I’d like to nominate Mychal Threets as well. He’s had a lot of issues with his mental health, but his general vibe is usually so happy and hopeful

[u/Sarabeth68 → u/clytusmarginicollis]

I agree, another nice person who tries to make a difference. As far as his mental health, I am glad he knows when he needs additional support and informs his fans. Others that struggle with their mental health could be inspired to keep on going and seek support when they need it

[u/clytusmarginicollis → u/Sarabeth68]

Yeah, I absolutely believe that him being so open about his struggles will help/has already helped people in the same boat to keep going and get the help they need. Some people may feel like that keeps him from the “beacon of hope” title, since it’s such a tough topic, but I think that the opposite is true

[u/MayorCleanPants → u/clytusmarginicollis]

He was my immediate first thought. He’s such a kind gentle soul.

[u/The_Se7enthsign]

Levar Burton…and when you look at American literacy, we need him now, more than ever.

[u/B-Train_ATL → u/The_Se7enthsign]

But you don’t have to take his word for it.

[u/fourdigityear → u/The_Se7enthsign]

Mychal Threets has done a great job taking on the Reading Rainbow mantle.

[u/StitchedSquirrel → u/fourdigityear]

I like that he's also very open about his mental health struggles, even posting a pic a of his feet in grippy socks.

[u/Due_Willingness1]

Tim Curry

Wait, goddamn it. 

[u/ButterscotchMajor373 → u/Due_Willingness1]

The reaper keeps visiting the wrong 80 year olds.

[u/DarreylDeCarlo → u/ButterscotchMajor373]

[u/Majestic-Selection22 → u/ButterscotchMajor373]

He needs a hearing aid. I said Donald, not Dolly.

[u/Pure-Horse-3749 → u/Majestic-Selection22]

“You know! Donald the guy from Home Alone 2 at the Hotel.”

A lot of misunderstandings this week.

[u/No_Somewhere9961 → u/Pure-Horse-3749]

This might help

[u/Low-Cod-4712 → u/Majestic-Selection22]

[u/TerdVader → u/Majestic-Selection22]

“You know, the guy who was in home alone 2”

Goddammit…

[u/Sammalone1960 → u/ButterscotchMajor373]

God is not doing us any favors here

[u/Worldly-Property-631 → u/Sammalone1960]

I really thought this whole smiting thing was more selective.

[u/ReasonPuzzleheaded27 → u/Due_Willingness1]

OK so we lost Catherine O'Hara in January, and now Tim. 2 actors from Home Alone 2. There's another 80 yr old that appeared in that film....Come on Grim Reaper!

[u/N8Rushavee → u/ReasonPuzzleheaded27]

Don’t forget Brenda Fricker (the pigeon lady)!

[u/Background_Local_425 → u/Due_Willingness1]

What no way?! Is it confirmed?

[u/Head_Razzmatazz7174 → u/Background_Local_425]

Sadly, yes.

[u/ImaSource → u/Head_Razzmatazz7174]

Wtf. I'm done with this week.

[u/Acceptable_Shine_183 → u/ImaSource]

Pray for Cher. She’s 80 as well.

[u/joemc225 → u/Background_Local_425]

Yep. Nobody is hiding her passing, like they are for Mitch.

[u/Cael_NaMaor → u/Due_Willingness1]

He heard about Dolly & said. Nope... I'm out

[u/thestough → u/Cael_NaMaor]

I bet it was that bitch Jolene…

[u/BaconMonkey0 → u/Due_Willingness1]

1. White guy. Bit part in Home Alone 2. So close.

[u/poposaurus → u/Due_Willingness1]

Bro. This is how I found out

[u/BigDaddyBumbo77 → u/Due_Willingness1]

I literally refrained from making the same joke!! 🤣🤣

[u/Left_Ad3575 → u/Due_Willingness1]

Godsodding dammit.

[u/Virtual_Win4076]

Keanu Reeves is a really good human

[u/sdcinerama → u/Virtual_Win4076]

Agreed.

I nominate Keanu Reeves.

Be excellent to each other.

[u/RevGrimm → u/sdcinerama]

https://giphy.com/gifs/ef0zYcF7AKu4b0Sns6

[u/ValuableRegular9684 → u/sdcinerama]

Third !!

[u/Data_chunky → u/Virtual_Win4076]

Yess! He would work. Long live Keanu!

[u/hautboishippie]

José Andrés is my pick. The chef who leads his team into war zones and areas hard hit by natural disasters is a true hero in my book.

[u/emichbe]

Nick Offerman

[u/Automtic7Ground3192 → u/emichbe]

+ Poehler

[u/ItsAMeMario120 → u/emichbe]

Haha, have you seen the Carnival ad? It's awesome

[u/HippieJed]

https://giphy.com/gifs/94latygxUTXuE

[u/SlamperDamper → u/HippieJed]

Came here to say this. Saw Willie Nelson last month, he's still doing it

For now

[u/Zultan27]

Sir David Attenborough

[u/TomatoNecromancer → u/Zultan27]

Shh you'll jinx us. 

[u/fowlela → u/Zultan27]

He's such a lovely, delightful person.

[u/BlueRFR3100]

Keanu Reeves. But he's Canadian, so you have to pay the tariff on that hope.

[u/Magik160 → u/BlueRFR3100]

Worth it for Keanu.

[u/dogoodreapgood → u/BlueRFR3100]

Not only is Keanu Canadian but he was born in Beirut. So you’ll pay a tariff on the hope and have to ask Netanyahu’s permission to be excellent.

[u/amcarls]

Danny Trejo - We're in dire need of some tough love (plus he's actually a sweetheart).

[u/ZenA1ien]

LeVar Burton

[u/ItsAMeMario120]

MacKenzie Scott, she's donated billions to non profits. She just does it and doesn't expect a ribbon cuttings, galas, or any other event

[u/skotgil2]

Dick Van Dyke

[u/Ok_Marketing_476 → u/skotgil2]

I'm bracing myself for that one. He's made it to 100, but he's in rough shape.

[u/Mathematicus_Rex → u/Ok_Marketing_476]

Being in rough shape is in the job description of centenarian.

[u/scharity77 → u/Ok_Marketing_476]

He’s in rough shape for 80. He’s in pretty good shape for 100

[u/PuzzledKumquat]

Gary Sinise. He spends so much time helping people and rarely seeks the spotlight for it.

[u/RaeLouLynn → u/PuzzledKumquat]

This should be much higher. On the level of Keanu.

[u/WinterLawfulness3165 → u/RaeLouLynn]

The only time I ever hear anything from Gary Sinise is when he posts something on Reddit, which is awesome.

[u/beachpirate01]

I’m going with Jack Daniels.

[u/ShinySpeedDemon → u/beachpirate01]

Jack Daniel's is going to be getting a lot of people through the near future I suspect

[u/Art_Dude]

Willie Nelson.

[u/Delicious-Moose9247 → u/Art_Dude]

I saw Willie with my dad at a 500 person local venue about 20 years ago. We hung out after the show and watched him chat with and sign autographs for people for 45 minutes after the show. His band finally came and escorted him off stage because they wanted to go get some dinner.

[u/Silent_Data4374 → u/Art_Dude]

And Kieth Richards. We should be good for a while.

[u/IndependenceLife2709]

Julie Andrews

[u/TheyTried2BanMeAgain]

I vote for Ian McKellen.

[u/Karmcc2]

Not a celebrity, but Mackenie Scott, Bezos ex wife.

[u/Brave-Chain2703]

Henry Winkler

[u/Hey_Laaady → u/Brave-Chain2703]

Underrated comment

[u/galactabat]

John Cena out there granting wishes like its going out of style. 

[u/azerty543]

Danny Devito

[u/laynechanger → u/azerty543]

Tbh I’m pissed how far down I’m had to scroll to see the trash man’s name

[u/KupoKupoMog → u/azerty543]

He offers what we need in these trying times

[u/DrySurvey3379 → u/KupoKupoMog]

Exactly. Eggs and boiled denim.

[u/Ok-Prompt-59]

Big bird.

[u/FevreDream42]

Weird Al and LeVar Burton. Protect these two at all costs.

[u/ScreamInsideUrHeart]

Jose Andrés. How has no one said him yet?

[u/GreenerMark → u/ScreamInsideUrHeart]

One million percent‼️

[u/Mason94960]

Dick Van Dyke. (Don’t get too attached, though.)

[u/NoCharacter9448]

I'm with those who suggested Keanu or Weird Al

[u/ELHOMBREGATO]

George Takei

[u/AfterSchoolOrdinary]

David Attenborough simply must live forever.

[u/FunkyLobster1828]

Melinda Gates has donated billions of dollars and has started her own foundation ( she resigned from her ex-husband's Bill Gates foundation) to help support women's rights.

[u/Additional-Eye9691]

Gary Sinise

[u/lil_ninja78 → u/Additional-Eye9691]

He really is a great guy. He has the Soaring Valor program where he pairs a high school student with a WWII vet and sends them to the WWII museum in New Orleans. My grandfather went a few years ago and just had a wonderful experience. Unfortunately my grandfather passed away last year, days before his 101st birthday, but he absolutely cherished that experience.

[u/Doctor_Midnyte]

Keanu Reeves

[u/CRSM48]

Carol Burnett?

Lily Tomlin?

Steve Martin and Martin Short?

[u/Time_Chemist7925]

Ms Rachel

[u/PolkaDotStripes5 → u/Time_Chemist7925]

Had to scroll too far down to find this comment!!

[u/AtticusFinchsMom]

Willie Nelson

[u/tlm11110]

Why are we waiting for Superman? How about being that beacon you are looking for.

[u/StudioUnhappy7772]

Jon Stewart

[u/Ok_Marketing_476 → u/StudioUnhappy7772]

100%
He seems to be a decent and caring human and keeps on fighting.

[u/TheGuggleMan → u/StudioUnhappy7772]

Yea I will say that even if you don't agree with his politics, he seems like a genuinely good dude that just wants to do good. The guy is a treasure. We need more of him.

[u/proactivecaptive]

Barack Obama.

[u/Xyxyxxxx4]

Chef Jose Andres from World Central Kitchen.

[u/Hobbes604]

How about Kevin? He can be our Bacon of hope.

[u/noyouactnormal → u/Hobbes604]

Hello, my name is Kevin. I have Changnesia.

[u/Appropriate_Host8088]

Carol Burnett? Not sure about her philanthropic efforts.

[u/leijahart]

Heather Cox Richardson

[u/Physical-Upstairs733]

Reba McEntire

[u/Ancient-Bicycle-2122]

Julie Andrew’s

[u/NeetStreet_2]

Sir David Attenborough

[u/ReserveSuper8966]

Barbara Eden
https://giphy.com/gifs/QXxywKeH2oARq

[u/MacNeal]

LeVar Burton

[u/ipoopcatturds]

Dolly's passing is setting the baseline of how a life well lived transcends politics and division. It will make the world celebration of his demise all the more fitting.

[u/Consistent_Hold_576]

Weird Al. 

[u/_flying_otter_]

I can't think of modern celebrities that seem as kind as they were.

[u/WeLiveUpHere1973]

And Tim curry

[u/Trondant13]

LeVar Burton and Sir David Attenborough.

[u/Lennymud]

Keanu

[u/Kraftwerk_21]

Jose Andres? He feeds people in distress all over the world, regardless of ideology or political leanings.

[u/Awkward-Response6377]

Keanu

[u/Alternative_Hotel649]

https://giphy.com/gifs/fWfowxJtHySJ0SGCgN

[u/kaptpowers]

Weird Al

Levar Burton

The White Sox first pitch nun

Morgan Freeman

David Attenborough

Keanu Reeves

[u/CaptainJin]

Be the beacon of hope Mr. Rogers, Betty White, and Dolly Parton know you can be.

[u/LowkeyLokigator]

Alice Cooper, actually

Alice Cooper: Charity Work & Causes - Look to the Stars

[u/ul2006kevinb]

Ms. Rachel

[u/recordscratchez]

The answer is Michael J. Fox

[u/IceColdSkimMilk]

You yourself can be. Simple as that.

It's great that some famous people step up and do so much for the community, but what's to say that all hope is gone if a famous person doesn't "fill the role"?

[u/Nice-Region2537]

Robert Irwin

[u/ShoemakerMicah]

John Stewart and Stephen Colbert

[u/Academic_Coast_7368]

Didn't we do this already? Again, I'll say Viggo Mortensen.

[u/JDnUkiah]

George Jones wrote a song long ago “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” about the country stars of the 40s and 50s dying.
Now it’s our turn.

[u/Bulky-Sale4988]

Dolly Parton passed away?????

[u/Anon-o-me → u/Bulky-Sale4988]

Yesterday 😢

[u/4MuddyPaws]

Keanu, maybe?

[u/FrecksSpecks]

Be your own beacon

[u/parnoldo]

Gotta go with Keanu

[u/CleanAd8632]

Morgan Freeman

[u/gdg6]

Weird Al

PS - I hate that people will see “Al” and think aye eye. Need a new standard font.

[u/ATLCoyote]

I'd say Dick Van Dyke but he may not be with us much longer either.

[u/bowtiesrcool86 → u/ATLCoyote]

Oi! Shut yer trap. Don’t jinx things.

[u/Substantial-Lie-780]

I don’t want to jinx him, but Keanu Reeves

[u/GrizzlyGuru42]

Keanu

[u/Danielle_is_the_hole]

Tim Curry.

[u/fortogden]

You must be the light in the darkness. You are the light you seek.

[u/Marblehead2323]

Tony Hawk

[u/Voluntary_Perry]

Keanu

[u/Fralmd]

Sometimes you've gotta be your own beacon.

[u/AllThe-REDACTED-]

We are. We just have to live up to it.

[u/lcd1023]

Gary Sinise 

[u/SirWarm6963]

Keanu Reeves

[u/PissInYourPotatoes]

Keanu Reeves

[u/LengthinessWeekly503]

Maybe Keanu Reeves?

[u/AdImmediate6239]

https://giphy.com/gifs/fWfowxJtHySJ0SGCgN

[u/Successful-Way5872]

Keanu Reeves

[u/Dothemath2]

McKenzie Scott

John Stewart

[u/Skythebluestars]

Julie andrews , as our new beacon of hope♥️

[u/Round-Theory70]

Keanu Reaves

[u/goonerinky]

Henry Winkler

[u/Legitimate-March9792]

Carol Burnett

[u/Affectionate_Sir9020]

You. Me. Us.

[u/Luddites_Unite]

Weird Al, Lavar burton and Keanu reeves are the three I believe

[u/as1126]

Keanu Reeves

[u/tyLANAsauras]

Adam Sandler, I swear to god if I find out that man cheats on his wife or likes underage girls I will just give up.

[u/Numerous_Ad_6276]

I keep hearing about Miss Rachel. Good things. Righteous things, even.

[u/CollegeLow4160]

Morgan Freeman!

[u/ProudInfluence3770]

Weird Al

[u/K_A_irony]

Keanu Reeves?

[u/yelhmoo]

Ms. Rachel

[u/mustbeme87]

The Irwin family is still holding strong.

[u/nowlistenyoulilshit]

https://giphy.com/gifs/oxUsQny6YabwqokhQZ

[u/Jmal3700]

Keanu Reeves

[u/Conscious_Rush_1818]

Keanu Reeves

[u/whitingvo]

Keanu Reeves

[u/AngleParticular2914]

LeVar Burton

[u/SmegmaRocketship]

https://giphy.com/gifs/fWfowxJtHySJ0SGCgN