29. Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler is an American comedian, actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist and according to Time Magazine, one of the most influential people in the world.

Handler’s smash-hit late night comedy series, Chelsea Lately, ran for 1,000 episodes. She has also written six best-selling books and been given her very own publishing imprint, Borderline Amazing/A Chelsea Handler Book.

In 2009, Chelsea was honoured with the “Ally for Equality Award” from the Human Rights Campaign, which recognised “the outstanding efforts of those who dedicate time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBT people”.

Handler was raised in Reform Judaism – her father was Jewish, her mother a Mormon. In 2015, she visited Israel for a documentary to explore her Jewish roots and examine the country from social, economic, historic and military angles.

The comedian went to the Western Wall, met with Shimon Peres and took part in a fundraiser for cancer patients. Of her connection to the Jewish faith, Handler is clear – “It’s the only religion I identify with.”