Quirky Comedians Take Top Honors in Annual Contest
For Immediate Release:
June 28, 2011
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Los Angeles — Comic superstars Kristen Wiig and Russell Brand were named 2011's Sexiest Vegetarians in PETA's annual contest, conducted entirely via social networks this year to help PETA select the winners. Other celebrities who made it to the top 10 include Natalie Portman, Joaquin Phoenix, Bill Clinton, Steve-O, Mos Def, Anne Hathaway, and previous winners Leona Lewis and Olivia Wilde.
Brand has been a vegetarian since the age of 14, and he makes it clear that he spares fish from his diet. When asked by Kelly Ripa if he takes fish oil to remain sharp, he said, "I'm vegetarian. I think it's cruel to squeeze oil out of a fish. … ['C]ause they're lovely little guys, aren't they?" He then went on to say, "You shouldn't eat animals; it's mean to them."
Wiig considers her vegetarian diet an integral part of her healthy lifestyle. In an interview with Women's Health magazine, the Bridesmaids star explained that she stays healthy by running and practicing yoga and because "I'm a vegetarian; I eat a lot of tofu and soy."
Previous winners of PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities contest include last year's Sexiest Vegetarians, Olivia Wilde and Bob Harper, as well as Carrie Underwood, Prince, Natalie Portman, Shania Twain, Chris Martin, Milo Ventimiglia, Kellie Pickler, Anthony Kiedis, Leona Lewis, André 3000, Tobey Maguire, and Alicia Silverstone.