Wilson Center Experts
Steven J. Ross
Affiliation:
Steven J. Ross, Professor of History at the University of Southern California, Co-Director of the Los Angeles Institute for the Humanities
Related Content for this Expert
Hollywood Left and Right: How Movie Stars Shaped American Politics
October 01, 2012 // 4:00pm — 5:30pm
Steven Ross challenges the commonly held belief that Hollywood has always been a bastion of liberalism. The real story, he argues, is far more complicated. First, Hollywood has a longer history of conservatism than liberalism. Second, and most surprising, while the Hollywood Left was usually more vocal and visible, the Right had a greater impact on American political life, capturing a senate seat (Murphy), a governorship (Schwarzenegger), and the ultimate achievement, the Presidency (Reagan). more
Hollywood Left and Right: How Movie Stars Shaped American Politics
October 01, 2012 // 4:00pm — 5:30pm
Steven Ross challenges the commonly held belief that Hollywood has always been a bastion of liberalism. The real story, he argues, is far more complicated. First, Hollywood has a longer history of conservatism than liberalism. Second, and most surprising, while the Hollywood Left was usually more vocal and visible, the Right had a greater impact on American political life, capturing a senate seat (Murphy), a governorship (Schwarzenegger), and the ultimate achievement, the Presidency (Reagan).