Surprising names among Time's 100 most influential people in 2023

When TIME magazine revealed its 2023 Time100, a yearly list of the world’s most influential people, there was a lot of celebrity/celebrity back patting in it.

The list, released in April 2023, placed individuals into 5 categories: Titans, pioneers, artists, leaders & icons. The list gives recognition to people for changing the world, regardless of the consequences of their actions.

Some of the names on the list were to be expected, such as activists and world leaders. Joe Biden made the selection for the 6th time, more than any other person on the list this year. But other names may have surprised you.

The new monarch appeared in the icons list. Surprising? Media are currently focused on his tumultuous relationship with his son and daughter-in-law, Harry & Meghan. But what has the new King done to merit being so influential? British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful told us.

In his tribute to King Charles, Enninful wrote about the impact the Prince’s Trust charity had on his friends and family: "He didn’t have to do any of it. He could have let his privilege shield him from the realities of our hardship… but he always met us with an open mind and a listening ear."

Not only is this Palestinian-American model beautiful, but she is also ‘good’ as Christy Turlington Burns writes for TIME. Surprising? Perhaps, but the supermodel has a ‘unique power’…

Hadid is being recognized for using her voice, talking about mental health, human rights, government oppression, and civil rights. Turlington Burns wrote, "When an industry is struggling to stay culturally relevant and inclusive, putting a single name would be near impossible. If anyone comes close, it’s Bella Hadid.”

MrBeast is the online handle for Jimmy Donaldson - a man who made himself a YouTube sensation. He has over 140 million subscribers. A surprising name on the TIME100? More than just a YouTuber, this multi-millionaire is well known for his charitable efforts.

His crazy and unique videos are the tip of the iceberg now for this entrepreneur who launched Feastables and MrBeast Burger. And then we have the philanthropist who champions environmental causes, funds surgery, donates thousands of shoes to South African children and rebuilds home for tornado survivors. He plans to donate all his money to charity throughout his lifetime.

AKA Elvis. The actor who portrayed the King of Rock ’n’ Roll made it onto the list. Surprising? Playing a role well (but no so well as to get the coveted Oscar) certainly seems a little strong. But is there more to the actor who took Hollywood by storm?

Fellow TIME100 list member Angela Bassett seems to think there is more to Butler than just doing his job well. She wrote, "A lot goes in to an actor’s finding their way into an icon, not pretending to be them but offering a perspective on the artist." Let’s see what Austin Butler does next, as certainly now, people are watching.

Another actor made it onto the list - and this time not just the list, but he was also one of the four front covers of the world-famous publication. Surprising? Not according to Ryan Coogler who knows him from behind the scenes. He says the ‘reality’ behind the press tours and interviews that Jordan has had to contend with earns his place on the list.

"It’s like climbing a mountain summit through enemy territory with your heart exposed. But I knew Mike had it in him. Because over that quarter-­century of work, nothing was given to him. Everything was earned," said the director. Meanwhile. Michael B. Jordan himself says he has "accepted my role as leader."

The actress seems as though she has been around forever and is currently not even acting. But she continues working as the producer and host of her own TV series, 'The Drew Barrymore Show.' So is it surprising that now, in 2023, is her time to appear on the TIME100?

What really is surprising, is the list of achievements this lady boasts.

Jimmy Fallon writes about the 48-year-old actress: "When I say this woman can do anything in the world, I mean, this woman can do anything in the world." He proceeds to list her beauty line, kitchen appliance line, furniture business, and producing projects. Barrymore is clearly joyful and motivational, never taking ‘no for an answer’ and never seeing ‘anything as impossible.’

A chart-topping artist certainly sounds influential, but is the addition of Doja Cat to the TIME100 surprising? Her appeal, success, and capacity to influence others come from her ability to “bring everything she does to the highest possible level,” as director Baz Luhrmann wrote about the singer.

He continued to explain his admiration for Doja Cat: "She can’t be boxed in. She’s a rapper, a singer, a performance artist — she’s the canvas on which she expresses a character or an idea. There’s no 'brand' to Doja Cat. You never know what she’s going to do next, and that’s exciting."

We are excited to see what she does next and how she can influence young people to be freer, hard-working, and, ultimately, happier.

An actress who has just hit the screens in 'Avatar: The Way of Water' is being launched further into the spotlight. Surprising? It would be surprising if she were just another Hollywood actress who, as stated by Marca, took home a casual $8 million for her role. Reportedly, she did take home the cash, but what people don’t report on, is the woman behind the dosh.

Mila Kunis wrote about Zoe Saldana and called her "the ultimate bada__ in the entertainment industry," paving the way for women and people of color in Hollywood. Kunis explained: "She’s not afraid to speak out for what she believes in, and uses her platform to make a positive impact." So, yes, she’s influential… and clearly wonderful.

These are the surprising names on a list of 100 artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and athletes. From Beyonce to Salman Rushdie; Jennifer Coolidge to Bob Iger: all these names have the power to transform, educate and change the world for the better. Long may it last.