Top 10 Most Interesting Men in the World
#10: The Chef Anthony Bourdain
Chefs are cool to begin with. But Bourdain’s passion for food and devil-may-care attitude make him that much cooler: readily admitting to using every drug you can name during his New York-in-the-‘80s heyday, he travels to “Parts Unknown” to sample exotic gastronomic treats – and he’ll eat anything. A rockstar who’ll say just about anything about anyone, Bourdain is also a writer for the HBO show “Treme.” Because, why not?
#9: The Actor James Franco
This actor’s CV is peppered with extremely varied roles. And for each of them, he practically becomes the subject, meaning he’s learned to ride a motorcycle, started smoking and even lived on the streets in preparation. Outside of acting, Franco’s taught university, and produced short films and short stories – proving he’s not short on creativity. He also has a band – ‘cause he has all the time in the world?
#8: The Athlete Michael Jordan
Competition’s in his blood: that’s what won him six NBA championships, two Olympics golds, and a rep as the greatest basketball player ever. After triumphing over adversities like his father’s murder, MJ represented the U.S. with the Olympic Dream Team, participated in the national pastime, and parlayed his brand recognition into endorsements, an entrepreneurial career and acting roles, capping off his career by returning from retirement twice.
#7: The Prince Prince Harry
While the rest of the Royals sip tea, wear giant hats or walk corgis, this black sheep flaunts his athleticism and mischievousness. Without the pressure of the throne, Harry’s done his time in the military, but hasn’t let it prevent partying. Dressing as a Nazi for Halloween wasn’t the smoothest of moves, but the naked Vegas pics or drunken swimming with Ryan Lochte prove he’s a total bro.
#6: The Hustler Jay-Z
Jay parlayed his success as a Grammy-winning rapper into a brand that spans fashion, music, sports, business and more. That variety may give him “99 Problems,” but it also keeps him relevant and interesting. As part of one of the most powerful super-couples ever, he uses his influence to further his political beliefs. But he’s also got that Z factor that lets him “Run This Town.”
#5: The Satirist Jon Stewart
He’s been labeled America’s most trusted newsman, which is ironic since A) he’s a comedian and B) he constantly rips on newsmen. Even so, Stewart’s been recognized by the White House for bringing awareness to news stories other channels miss. You’ll also find writing, directing and acting on his résumé; but we’re partial to the fact that he proposed to his wife through a NYT crossword, and is a huge Springsteen fan.
#4: The Fighter Manny Pacquiao
Labeled Fighter of the Decade for the 2000s, Pac-Man became the first octuple boxing champion, with ten world-titles across eight weight divisions. He’s the biggest name in boxing today; but Pacquiao’s also an honorary Boston Celtic, plus he has multiple endorsement deals and a fledgling acting career. But we can’t choose our fave fact about this Filipino fighter: it’s a tie between his political career and his musical efforts.
#3: The Giver Bill Gates
Though he might not fit your definition of “cool guy,” Gates is definitely interesting: he got an almost-perfect SAT score, dropped out of Harvard, is an honorary British knight, has a fly named after him, and has the nerdiest mug-shot ever. But here’s the important stuff: with Microsoft, he spurred the personal computer explosion, and he’s since dedicated his time and wealth to charities, causes and research worldwide.
#2: The Pontiff Pope Francis
Once a bouncer and chemical technician, this humble Argentinian became the first pope from the Americas – and used his office to spread the gospel of inclusiveness in a more informal way than his predecessors, shunning the elaborate trappings of his office. His acceptance of twitter and YouTube has made him the first social media pontiff. And, while officially condemning things like homosexuality and abortion, he preaches compassion for his fellow man. In recent years, Russian president Vladimir Putin earned a reputation as THE most interesting man in the world. And, between his shirtless pics, athletic prowess and the random videos of him singing, we kinda agreed. But the recent anti-homosexuality crusade he's sent Russia on now just makes him controversial. So make sure to check out our Top 10 Controversial Men list. And before finding out who took the top prize, some honorable mentions: - Chris Hadfield - Justin Timberlake - Anderson Cooper - Mark Cuban
#1: The Inventor Elon Musk
Y’don’t expect inventors to be this cool: an innovator, philanthropist and entrepreneur attached to companies like PayPal, SpaceX, Tesla and SolarCity, Musk gets to play with rockets, solar power, and sports cars regularly. He’s also admitted to playing Dungeons-and-Dragons, he attended Burning Man and he’s trying to colonize Mars. But the icing on the cake? “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau said Musk was his inspiration for Tony Stark. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think are the most interesting men in the world? For more fascinating top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.