Poll : Analysing the A-List – Spotting the Narcissist
Whilst the dust settles on the nuptials of the marriage of a A Very Royal Narcissist and those of you who watched the Royal Wedding ruminated on the parade of royals, politicians and celebrities, it is time to apply your increased learning gained here at the House of Tudor and consider which (if any) of the people listed below you believe is a narcissist. You can choose as many as you like and I look forward to reading more about why you believe those chosen are narcissists and also why those you have not chosen, were not chosen.
So, reflect on what you know about these people, reflect on what you have learned and then make your choices.
My determinations will follow in due course.
Thank you for participating.
H.G. Tudor
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I do not know much about most of the people in the list. I clicked George Clooney and David Beckham (among others) also based on the behavior of their women (eating disorders, not showing much confidence in themselves, etc).
Your Majesty, I haven’t particularly followed the carrers (and personal lives) of all the suggested potential narcs, so I’ll stick to those I know a bit better, if you allow me.
MADONNA seems to me a super empath with narcissistic traits, specially the desire to be the noticed as an overachiever. However, she does not have an inflated sense of entitlement, as she reportedly works very hard to achieve her goals, as opposed to singers who expect their fans to worship them without providing any new material, i.e., Mariah Carey. Madonna also has at least cognitive empathy and treats her public with a lot of consideration differently from so called divas who show up late to concerts drunk and refuse to apologise.
OJ SIMPSON I was 10 years old when he murdered Nicole Brown and remember seeing him on TV with a helpless stare as if he was the victim of a very cruel plotting. Now I have seen The Run of His Life and, as Cuba Goodin Jr. portraited him, I’d guess he is a Somatic Upper Lesser prone to outbursts of physical violence and very low control threshold.
GEORGE MICHAEL I am not sure about this one, he was very arrogant indeed, refused to take responsability for a few of his notorious escapades and even capitalized on them with songs as Outside but he has displayed empathy (or faked very well) and deep sorrow over the loss of many people close to him so I’d label him as potential Greater for his advanced pretending empathy skills or simply non narc.
TAYLOR SWIFT oh no, she’s just an entitled millennial overly indulged by her parents whose unrealistic expectations towards love and romance land her in relationships she is not able to cope with as an adult. One day she’ll learn. Hopefully before menopause.
KIM KARDASHIAN I have never seen a celeb so annoyingly self absorbed, entitled, shallow and shamelessly vain. Lower Somatic Lesser is my bet.
KANYE WEST interrupting Taylor Swift in her Grammy speech is a perfect narc related meme for me. He might as well gace declared “My opinion is the only that matters and I think who deserves this award is Beyonce, not Taylor Swift, who I will not allow to grab this mic to thank you for choosing her”. He was outrageous, rude and incredibly selfish not keeping his opinions to himself that moment. Upper Somatic Lesser is where I think he belongs.
Thank you, Beloved Sovereign, for proposing this Poll.
You are welcome.
Madonna is not a Super Empath. She’s not an Empath, period. An Empath does not have a sense of entitlement. They don’t seek the limelight. They’re not self absorbed. Please learn what it means to be an Empath. There are many good books out there such as Awakened Empath. Madonna is a Narcissist. The polar opposite of an Empath. She’s highly materialistic. She is a show off. The world is her stage and the stage is her world. Empath? Absolutely not.
Thank You, Survivor, I am purchasing Awakened Empath right now!
Thank You Survivor, now I know Madonna is a greater narc. She even wrote in her own words: “All my achievments have been pushed by my NPD”.
My new interpretation of a Super Empath in pop culture now is Lana del Rey. Cheers!
Kate – tell us what you really think. Lol.
O.J. is a murderer. He terrorized Nicole Brown Simpson and battered her for years – he is a Lesser.
Kim Kardashian is so in love with herself that she has books published of some of her selfies.
Kanye West jumping on stage and taking the microphone from Taylor Swift – entitled, no boundary recognition. He does seem sensitive and vulnerable, so I am not sure about him.
Taylor Swift throws her boyfriends aside unceremoniously, repeatedly. She is stiff in her dancing, facial expressions and poses. Robotic.
Madonna is an attention-seeking whore with no concern for how her behaviors affect her children. Entitled. Brutal. Heartless.
Tom Cruise controlled both of his wives and got his separation from Nicole right before the ten year marriage mark, ensuring that she was limited in how much she would get – and it took her by surprise. He isolated and controlled his second wife, Katie, who escaped and moved 3000 thousand miles away with her daughter.
Bill Clinton is an entitled pig, getting blow jobs in OUR Oval Office from a young woman (close to his daughter’s age) while his wife was down the hall and we were paying him to work – and housing him there. He should have been fired, evicted, divorced, kept away from his daughter and her friends, as well as shamed and rejected by anyone with morality.
Kate
If I recall Kayne West proclaim himself a god and was creating a religion.
Thank you, Twilight,
I pay little attention to Kanye, but do recall that now because of you saying so. I am dumbfounded.
Kate
I rewatched a video of his claiming to be a god, the way he words things could convince some people it is ok to proclaim this. He has many that follow him, yet just looking at his lifestyle. I am not sure for the pictures we actually of the inside of his home yet it was white and perfect. My impression was a look of purity.
The man I dated and was talking marriage with, our home was perfect. Nothing out of place. Thinking about it now, reminds me of HGs article The Stepford devaluation, I was in a car accident and was told I would never be able to take care of myself…he left.
Little things like that catch my attention. It doesn’t always mean the person is one of HGs kind. I see subtitles with in subtitles ever sense I was with my ex.
Hi Twilight,
You got me thinking more about Kanye today.
I think that he was an only child raised by a devoted single mother . Kanye’s mother was a very intelligent, accomplished woman who loved her son very much (from what I remember reading). They were very close and she died unexpectadly just over ten years ago (and before he started dating Kim K). I read that some have said that he feels responsible for his mother’s death. I hope that he is able to realize that his mother was an adult who chose to have extensive plastic surgery procedures all at once – and not advise her surgeon that she had a heart problem because she really wanted that surgery (if my memory serves me correctly?).
I think that Kanye may be very damaged and unable to deal with the grief from losing his most loyal supporter and he depended on her (it appears). I think he may be unbelievably lost without his mom and the 10 year anniversary of that event just past -, but I do not know him. He seems to be an intelligent, talented, accomplished person who appeared to be enjoying his life in a carefree manner while his mother was still alive.
I have never met him and do not claim to know how he thinks or feels etc. Just looking at the facts and trying to interpret them..
Kanye just tweeted last month that his new album is dedicated to his mom..
Weird – Kanye has a hit called “Gold Digger” (with Jamie Foxx – who is or was dating Tom Cruise’s second ex-wife, Katie). (This is an odd coincidence to me because I referred to Katie in my earlier comment about Tom Cruise).
It seems that Kanye did have awareness that women like this exist (gold diggers) (NOT his mom), but I guess he is okay with it (because I think he wrote the song about his then-girlfriend, whoever she was.) I don’t know if that is a factually accurate statement??.
I am really confused.
I like how you think.
Thank you, Katie!
I believe that every person listed is a narcissist. Some to a greater degree than others but all of them nonetheless.
I want to point out that I do not know any of these people personally, my opinion is solely based on the information that is publicly known to me, be it rumours or facts. I only met Bill Clinton once during a work related event.
OJ Simpson:
No empathy: during the trial not showing any emotions whatsoever while looking at the horrible pictures of Nicole, no consideration for he’s children or family of Nicole and Ronald, for example calling he’s book “If I did it”
Entitlement: infidelity during his marriage, not letting go of her after the divorce, probably murdering her and her new partner (this is a confusing part for me, probably during heated fury), being chased by the police while the whole world was watching live.
Manipulation: lying during the process, charming the public, deflecting murder accusations by using race, feigning emotions on other less emotional events
Grandiosity: after the not guilty verdict showing up on chat shows, exploiting the case by earning money, thinking he can go on with he’s acting career like nothing has happened, living the high life by partying and using drugs, 10 years later kidnapping someone and assaulting him.
Tom Cruise
No empathy: blindsiding Nicole Kidman by filing for divorce after 11 years of marriage and not having any consideration for her miscarriage of their child. Reports of him not being seen with he’s only biological child for a long time (this can have something to do with Scientology, but still).
Entitlement: wearing a mask of the good guy. Leah Remini speaking about people being terrified of offending Cruise, he’s treatment of less influential people in Scientology and how extremely well he is treated when at head quarters of Scientology.
Grandiosity: He’s performance during the Oprah show while announcing he’s love for Katie Holmes, do I need to say more? He’s involvement and high rank in Scientology (he’s enablers). All he’s ex wives not being able to talk about their marriage and divorce, there are rumours that he or Scientology have something that they can use against the ex wives.
Also inviting Brooke Shields to he’s wedding with Katie Holmes, especially when you think how they famously gotten into a media fight over antidepressants, image control maybe.
Bill Clinton
No empathy: he showed more feigned empathy. He’s interventions during both civil wars in Balkans and Rwanda came much later than what was expected from him, resulting in death of millions of innocent people. After the war in Rwanda he claimed he didn’t know what was happening at that time, but there is evidence that he’s claims were false, as there are documents which show that there were warnings of potential genocide and that Clinton was aware of this. Of course this all can be part of a political decision, but he had the power to do something about it. Because when he eventually did, both wars were stopped immediately.
Entitlement: infidelity, the whole Monica Lewinsky case, who can forget “I did not have sexual relations with that women”.
When I met him he was extremely charming and charismatic, just like he’s image in the public. But also flirty with every good looking female and a bit dismissive towards helping staff.
Madonna
Extremely provocative behaviour especially during her younger years, going against the Catholic Church, using a black Jesus in her video, “expressing” herself by using sex. Later while married to Guy Ritchie, wearing a mask of a “lady”, dressing that way, suddenly writing children books, even adopting a British accent (maybe mirroring??).
Kim Kardashian
For me this is an obvious one. Very calculated (using publicity in a smart way for own gain), exploitive (her 2d marriage is a good example). Ending her 2d marriage when she got Kanye West in her clutches. I think Kanye West is an empath, even if I do not agree with him on a lot of he’s views. But him having a mental break down, I also believe he is genuinely hurt by Jay Z ending their friendship.
Steve Jobs
There are a lot of rumours surrounding Steve Jobs persona by he’s former workers and after he’s death. That he was “difficult” to work with, very charming but if you failed him or break he’s trust having mean streaks. Also people claiming him lacking some social skills. Finding out peoples insecurities and using it against them. Turning against he’s long time friend and one of Apple’s first employees Daniel Kottke. He once didn’t want to acknowledge he’s first child, claiming he was sterile. It was Kottke who accidentally revealed this secret to the world, apparently Jobs was furious. At the start of he’s career he and Steve Wozniak did some jobs together and would split the pay 50-50, but it is known that at least on few occasions he lied about the amount of payments. Example, getting payed by client (Atari) $5000 and telling Wozniak they only got $750 for the job and paying him $350.
Taylor Swift
Her relationships seem to have the same cycle. Adoration, being seen in public, arranging pictures for them to be seen in public. Than suddenly out of the blue break up and using this “experience” in her songs, portraying these people in a bad light and her being a victim. Also her ongoing feud with Katy Perry about some back dancers seems very childish. Her recent feud with Calvin Harris about credentials regarding the song “How deep is your love”, firstly agreeing to use a pseudonym but after the song became a huge hit, claiming it was her writing the song and publicly fighting over it. The same goes with her ongoing feud with Kanye West, first giving him permission to use her name in a song, but when she came in a bad light claiming that she never knew anything about it. Only she didn’t consider Kim K. (Another narc) to record her agreeing and publishing this later.
Tony Blair
I don’t know much about he’s personal life, only a bit about he’s political career. Like he’s doubtful role in Iraq war and than after he left office, working as a Middle East special representative for the Quartet, striving for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestine. It is a bit hypocrite IMO, but he didn’t seem to be bothered by this. Also when he left office many people accused him of being greedy, because of he’s consultancy work advising Arab governments and US investment bank JP Morgan. Again this could be him being a smart businessman, but it could be something to do with entitlement, lack of accountability, or other NPD related symptoms
I think Oprah is one as well, but I don’t know enough about her to give examples.
Pretty exhaustive, most interesting.
Haha. Yes it was indeed. What can I say I like details.
I don’t know enough about any of them to fairly comment in this poll sorry HG
I listens to some Taylor Swift tunes on my in to work this morning. I would like to advance my opinion that she is a super emapth. Her early work is all fairy tales and white knights and unrequited love. As she became famous, she naturally travelled in social circles heavy with narcissists thereby increasing her chances of being ensnared. In fact, so much so that she learned how to spot them and how they work and has actually become “jaded” to her juvenile view of true love. Her later work is quite sarcastic and snarky but she clearly has a handle on the narcissistic dynamic. She has the “have fun while it lasts but get them before they get you”attitude.
As you know, I’m with you MB. Team Taylor Super Empath. I had forgotten about all the fairy tale love songs she did before. I enjoyed those, but really gravitate toward the ones with a little bite to them.
I like her “Red” album the best. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened! It’s in between her polar opposites. Beautiful songwriting. I went to two concerts on that tour! I want to go sooooooo bad on the current tour but she’s not coming to my state at all for the Reputation tour. I’ve looked into flying somewhere, but that gets super expensive. It would be worth it to me though
MB
Love “22.” Favorite driving song!
Windstorm
I’d go back to 22! My favorite is “Begin Again” but I love that entire album.
Isn’t it the greatest feeling to roll down the windows, open the sunroof, turn the music up wide open and drive the back country roads! Haven’t done that in a while. Road Trip! Let’s go!
Yes! MB, the Red album is what won me over as a true fan. “Treacherous”… that song gives me chills every time. And “I Knew You Were Trouble” is very much a narc song. “I Almost Do” is beautiful, and so many others. “Girl at Home” is cool too. She is so gifted and the lyrics on the album are so vulnerable.
🎶“We are never ever ever…getting back together! WE are never ever ever ever…getting back together. Like….ever!”🎶
🎵“Everything will be alright if we just keep dancing like we’re …22!!! Oooh!”🎶
Right in the feels….
See, I say T-Swift is Narcissist. She casts the spell of love, unrequited, vengeful, brokenhearted or whatever through her lyrics as the great illusion they mirror back to us while she collects her millions. She is a perfectionist which serves her well to maintain mass control in all areas of her life and the fans reap the benefits of amazing concerts. She absolutely wants to give her fans what they want. This is her legacy after all.
She gets bored with all of her relationships. I just don’t see a true Empath residing there.
Clarece
Agreed
Hi clarece…you nailed it with describing taylor swifts narkiness.
MB
I respect your opinion
This mine and why I have repeated another.
Many go by what they have experienced from her music and what their perspective says of the music she has produced. Her work is amazing and causes many to feel what the lyrics are. Then project what they are feeling towards the music and what it says to them, at that point emotional thinking has just taken control and will explain any and all behavior. Now many are only seeing her as “good” and explaining her behavior towards her ex as they were in the wrong, not seeing she got the first word in.
What do you know of her ex’s? Do you know anything beside what has been portrayed?
Greaters are very dangerous because they are very very good at what they do
That’s certainly another way to look at it, Twilight. and I don’t deny the fact that just because she can write heartfelt lyrics that she can feel them. I am certainly one that identifies with many of her lyrics. Those not familiar with her work tend to focus on the negative songs. “She only writes about breakups.” I know them all from “Tim McGraw” onwards. More of her songs are positive than not. She had the narcissist pegged to perfection in “Dear John” at the age of 19. I don’t know her or John Mayer but have more than a sneaking suspicion that he is a narcissist. I’m looking forward to what HG has to say, but I think with Taylor, there’s enough information out there to make a case either way.
I think you will be disappointed when HG reveals his views.
She does produce amazing heartfelt songs, and I have an admiration towards her for her work. I also know this is all she cares about…..the attention on her. I could list the many traits that makes her stand out as superior to societies standards. Yet her heart is black. It is in her eyes and the way she moves. The subtleties are there.
Twilight
Agreed
But just because she is a narc,
Doesn’t take away from her music. Tons of famous musicians r narcs.
Correct.
Windstorm
I know. Many have admirable qualities. It is in the intimate situations that take a hit. Even thou I understand the anger I don’t understand the name calling. I have a hard time even calling my ex or even my late husband by any negative names, even calling the, a narcissist bothers me.
We all fell in love with them, even thou I understand it was an illusion for most, it wasn’t for me. I loved my ex for who he was. I was only angry because I could handle her death and I was alone. I never would have hurt him in the way i did if I had the understanding I got after the fact.
I have been accused of seeing the world as a child, I just don’t understand I see them, I feel them, and those I love….
Ok I have to stop before I get overly emotional and this storm is increasing my feelings and make them intense. I actually feel as if I am going to explode. Time for a walk in the rain.
It’s all good. I won’t be crushed. I don’t know her personally or anything. I’ll still be a fan of her music. Hell, I’m still a loyal HG fan and there’s no doubt what he is!
MB
Haha I know many that are amazing and have taking whatever field they are to levels many can not. They have drive.
It is in the more intimate relationships that suffer.
Twilight
Yes, very true. You can never trust the words of really smart narcs, even in song lyrics. Like any great manipulator, they thoroughly understand those different to themselves, how they think and what they want to hear. The only reliable way to identify a narc is by their actions.
Dammit… another one bites the dust.
Jess
You made me laugh and think of that song from Queen.
Nothing has changed, her music will still be amazing and she does understand how to convey the emotion behind the words even if she doesn’t feel them.
At least she isn’t out trying to behead another or proclaiming herself a God and creating a religion (if I remember correctly, I will be looking into that later today), i am going to stop now before I go through the entire list.
Twilight
‘… and think of that song from Queen.’
There’s another one right there. Freddie Mercury.
(& Pink, Mark Hunter, Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey… etc. etc. (I could name a couple more Aussie ones but I had better not…)
Whilst Taylor Swift may have empathic traits, being an Empath is something else entirely. Empaths don’t seek the limelight. Being around others too much exhausts them. I’m reading many comments on here, placing celebs in only one of two camps. They’re either a Narcissist or an Empath. What about Narcissism on a spectrum? What about other Cluster B types? (Psychopath, Sociopath, Histrionic, Bordeline). What about those who are highly empathetic but who are not an actual Empath? What about the Codependent? I read a comment on another thread about a Bordeline being an Empath. No! If this was the case, the DSM would include Empath as a Cluster B type. From what I can gather, being Borderline is to have a limited amount of empathy and even if some Borderlines have more empathy than other Borderlines, this still does not amount to being an Empath. An Empath does not have a Personality Disorder although Depression and Anxiety are common symptoms.
Survivor
Yes and what about those who may be somewhat narcissistic which is often needed to be in these positions but not narcissists using machinations and manipulations? I see a few that I view as being neither narcissist or empath on the list. Others HG has commented on previous so I am not weighing in. Its interesting to see peoples guesses and comments. My guess is that some are going to be disappointed.
So true Survivor. It’s not black or white. A lot of grey on the spectrum. Some boxes can be ticked and not others. That’s why I think with a lot of people, a case can be made either way and that would be because as you say, they are not either/or. Is having a little narcissism like being a little bit pregnant? I think you either are or you aren’t a narcissist. But one certainly can have a large number of narcissistic traits making us lean that way in our assessment/opinions. Thank you for that perspective.
Taylor Swift could possibly be Borderline. Definitely not an Empath. Anyone can write lyrics. Anyone can evoke emotion in others whilst having none themselves. I’d say Taylor Swift is either a borderline or narcissist. Singing Fairy Tale love songs doesn’t mean she’s an Empath. Look how Narcissists portray themselves? As the perfect person. Taylor knows what works. She knows how to pull in the crowds and fans. She knows her looks (one of innocence, attractiveness and girlishness) gets her audience in believing she’s just the cutest, sweetest little singer. Whatever she is, singing sweet love songs does not make one an Empath!
All of them.. bill clinton is the dirtiest on list. What type of narc is oj
These days it’s much easier to spot, thanks to HG.
I just look the person up on Google images.
The narcissists/sociopaths are the ones with the intense stable gaze/stare,
never showing fear or nervousness or uncertainty (which are signs of empathy).
Beckham & George Michael (& Tom Cruise too, actually) show some Healthy Uncertainty in their eyes on some photos, They seem like compassionate ppl. At least sometimes.
But George Clooney and Amal and Oprah and Jobs, look very ‘badass’ on exactly every photo. Never uncertain eyes. “you don’t mess with them”
Hillary & Madonna & Katie Holmes, all have those ‘Kevin Spacey eyes’.
Looking tired and intense at the same time, on all photos.
Bill Clinton looks quite empathic, though. Healthy uncertainty on several photos. Same with George Bush.
Often the famous narcissists come from unpriviledged groups, like women or black.
It is the unjustice of this world.
White men in power want women/wives who ‘don’t seem to complain/whine’.
People from unprivileged groups who can at times put up a total illusion of strength, not having complaints or problems.
The unprivileged are not allowed to show emotions, in the same way as the privileged. Or they lose their powerful positions/fame.
Forgot Taylor Swift. Yes, she seems to have that childlike a bit monotone voice, which Lauryn Hill & Madonna also have
+ all three have that bitsy bored or intense stare. On all photos.
But in history, I think most famous singers have empathy. The nuanced singing voice, with a character, probably demands a deep personality.
Dave Gahan, John Lennon, Tina Turner, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Paul MacCartney, Beyonce Knowles, Sting, Aretha, Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, Ray Charles
I believe all these have/had empathic traits. Their singing has too many dimensions and nuances to be pulled off without a personal integrity
I do know a ‘Holy narcissist’ – You are describing him to the last T in your post – however, whose singing i enjoy. Not supermuch nuance, but extremely good at keeping correct rhythm and correct pitch whenever he sings solo at church. Also, he never sings too loud, very modest sound. I guess this quality is due to his very high intelligence
Dear Mr Tudor,
I think they are all narcissists but with varying degrees of narcissism
OJ to me is a psychopath and he should never have been let out of prison
I did hesitate over a couple for a second but then my woman’s instinct kicked in…. haha
Looking forward to your thoughts on this
Thank you
Loooooooooove the new look
But can’t vote, is it closed already?
No – did you bring your voting card though?!
Mr Tudor, you’re an absolute card ….. 😂
HG –
This poll reminds me –
Did I miss the answer to the classroom narcissist re which one was the narcissist?
Along the same lines, did I miss where in the fuel matrix the “A Very XXX Narcissist” subjects lie?
These types of exercises are among my favorites these days – they help me to implement the knowledge I have gained through your writings into real life. I am starting to be able to spot them.
My curiosity is through the roof on all of the above!
No, I haven’t detailed that as yet.
Oh yes!!!!!!!!!!! Now, THAT is fun!
Maria sharipova
Re; Madonna
I recall being a teenager and reading an interview done with Madonna around the time period of her “Like a Virgin” tour which obviously prompted the question of when and who did you lose your virginity to? Her answer was “at 15 to an older schoolmate” and she viewed it as a “career move.” There was obviously no bonding whatsoever in that coming of age moment.
I also recall her saying she became more and more driven as she aged due to the emptiness in her that her mother’s death from breast cancer left when she was only 5 years old. So you have the age that a child trauma caused a fracture within her.
She is also quoted as saying, “I won’t be happy until I’m as famous as God.”
Majority of people, myself included, just always brushed that off as her saying things like that for shock value. Who knew she was a narcissist? Not me. lol
Hi clarece…good point about her mother dying having a huge impact on her development. I dont know much about madonna and didnt realise her mother passed from cancer very sad 🙁
Everyone on the list has strong narcissistic qualities are difficult to deal with because of their entitlement and self – involvement typical of celebrities. However, Narcssitic Personality Disorder is a whole other level ,and would suggest a person who harms, hurts, betrays others repeatedly and had no remorse or guilt about it.
OJ and Kanye fit into that Catergory based on their documented actions & behavior.
Well… the most obvious narcissists on the list is Bill Clinton. I will never forget watching Bill Clinton speak at Rosa Parks’ funeral; somehow he managed – in that speech – to make her legendary act of protest about himself. He claimed that he heard about it as a boy and the next day he insisted on sitting in the back of the bus. BS if I ever heard it. That man is so oily… Plus there is his compulsive cheating and lying.
I don’t know that David B. is a narcissist…don’t know that much about him. I do know that he cheated, but his wife seems more narcissistic than he does.
George Clooney, I think, is a narcissist. The way no woman was good enough to marry, and then he marries this really intelligent woman and acts like it is because he finally found his intellectual equal when we all know he is no great intellect..
Steve Jobs from what I remember reading sounded like one, but I haven’t heard much about Gates that would suggest he is.
Madonna – um yeah, of course she is.
Kanye West – yes, of the Trump variety, and Kim K too.
Usain Bolt, I don’t know enough about him.
Oprah – probably…
OJ – yes and a psychopath too
Tom Cruise – yes, of the cult leader variety
Tony Blair – don’t know enough about him to say, but many politicians are.
George Michael – not really sure if he was… don’t know that much about him, but what I read didn’t sound like he was.
Taylor might be more like a Borderline…
HG, what about current and past members of the Royal Family? it would be interesting to hear your opinion on them.
Agree about GM, he just appeared very authentic to me. Thrived when doing what he loved, but otherwise preferring normalacy rather than fame. Not saying he didn’t have his diva moments, but rarely heard anything negative in terms of his attitude/treatment of others.
I think OJ could be a psychopath on the far end of the narc spectrum. He has zero empathy and had no issue with killing. He could also be a lesser who acted out in knee jerk fashion in a fury without thinking it fully thru. I dont think he “enjoys” killing but did so as a reaction to his narc injury and fury.
Narc affair,
In 100% agreement with everything you said about OJ.
My thoughts ? .. They’re ALL Narcissists ..
Great poll! I chose all except two id not heard of. I think in reality its difficult to know who out of the list is 100% a narcissist. Narcissist is a thrown around label nowadays but only a very small percentage are actual diagnosed narcissists. I do think a lot of that percentage are those in the entertainment industry which makes sense with self absorbtion and the need for an audience and also politics. Then there is a higher population of highly narcissistic individuals that love the attention and have a lot of narc traits but they dont lack empathy completely. I feel oprah is in this category. I do remember years ago in the 90’s she mentioned on her show how she had a bad habit of mimicing people she was around like accents and mannerisms and how it was automatic. I think this is a narc trait yet i do know shes empathetic. Shes came out and shared her abuse as a child and shes allowed many a voice to share their painful experiences. Yet shes not entirely empathetic bc shes turned her empathy off at times and was more self focused.
Madonna being my 8th cuz i cant disrespect lol but yes she most certainly is a narcissist!! She loved the spotlight. She loved to shock the public and was always turning it up a notch to secure her place in popularity. Shes working on a new album which should be out this year 😄
George clooney…gawd im so sick of him! I dont see why people think hes so attractive hes nothing out of the ordinary as far as im concerned but yes both him and his wife amal are imo huge narcissists!
I do think to be in these types of careers you have to be either highly narcissistic or a full fledge narc because you have to be able to turn your caring switch off of other people and onto yourself. Compartmentalization is crucial!! If you cant ignore certain aspects youd be eaten up alive. That said many of these people are too into themselves and their creatures eventually devour them once theyre no longer #1. They use drugs to ease the narc pain and they overdose. Many use plastic surgery and end up deformed. Or have eating disorders. They can no longer control what they once had control over and they slip from their facade pedestal and their reality that they are human and not what they were and they cant handle it. They are no longer #1 and they dont know who they are. The business is the boss narc and consumed their identity and gave them something non sustainable. They lose themselves to it and find themselves like a victim themselves lost and not sure who they are anymore. So their narcissism can only protect them so much. No one is invincible except those that are true to themselves and remain humble and grateful. Facades/fake self are so dangerous and flimsy.
Great new look for the blog HG. Is there any particular reason for making the change?
About the list of famous people, I think a few of them stand out, like Bill Clinton, Kanye West, Tom Cruise and Madonna. All of these have consistently shown controlling, entitled or attention-seeking behaviour, and these seem to be their strongest character traits. Although looking at the list, there’s a chance that all of them are. And then there’s OJ Simpson who I think is not only a narcissist but probably a psychopath too. The documentary about him, “OJ Simpson: Made In America”, is very interesting and clearly shows the typical patterns of a narcissist.
I have a feeling that anyone who ambitiously pursues fame or power or attention and seems to thrive off it for many years is a narcissist, or has very strong narcissistic traits. I’m not so sure about people who became famous due to a physical skill like Usain Bolt, or who started off in business and made it big like Bill Gates.
Thinking about this reminds me of an interesting documentary I watched recently called “Five Feet from Stardom”. It’s about backing singers who were/are very talented, even gifted, however, for various reasons they weren’t able to hit the big time as “front of stage” singers. They discuss their views on why this was the case. Some of them said things along the lines of: …it takes more than talent to break through to being famous and to survive in the spotlight.
It will be interesting to read about your views on this list HG.
Thank you. No particular reason.
PS – also Reese Witherspoon, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, and Miley Cyrus. Possibly Sarah Jessica Parker.
A few others came to mind: Tiger Woods, Charlie Sheen, Sean Penn.
There were a few i didn’t vote for but not necessarily bc they’re not a narcissist, only bc I don’t know much about them. I’ve watched Matt Lauer on the Today Show for 25 years. When I became educated enough to start recognizing narcs, Matt Lauer was one of the highest on my suspect list. This was before the metoo news broke on him. Oprah, Dr Phil, OJ, Megyn Kelly, and Scott Petersen were high up on my list too.
Ive seen dr phil mentioned a lot as a narcissist? He never striked me as a narc more an empath. Why do people consider him a narcissist?
(SO hard to upvote the answers, omg now)
I only picked Kardashian because they poisoned the pop media so much recently it was hard to avoid hearing about all their toxicity.
I don’t pay much attention to celebrities. I feel I never really know who they are so who cares about them as a real person- they calculate their images so who knows what’s true.
If I like their music or movie that’s it. I feel no ‘affinity ‘ or like…. oh I relationship LIKE them- or believe I know they are a fine human being.
Elon Musk somebody?
Well , I did some research online now and interestingly I found word ‘ narcissist ‘ associated with every single name listed in this poll.
Yes , even George Clooney ( history of commitment issues, never ending quest for the perfect partner ) and Oprah ( omniscience, omnipotence, obsessive need to control her image, excessive self importance and grandiosity).
I just noticed you changed your blog banner, HG.
Very nice.
It is more subtle and subdued.
Does it reflect you viewing yourself as less Evil?
Thank you. No.
Interesting poll, I voted all but four.
I hate tom cruise and Madonna always have voted for them and oj.and oprah
I never thought of Oprah as a narc when her show was airing but when it came out she might run for president I went back and rewatched old episodes on utube and she was rolling her eyes at so many guests and interrupting them she seemed so fake
Viktoria Beckham is a narcissist and David B is not. Clooney is not , Bill Gates is not. Oj simpson is also one. About Taylor Swift im not sure… she has this cold stare..
Taylor swift looks like a supreme narc to me. Victoria beckham too! Victoria beckham looks like a snob. She seemed less so as a spice girl.
yes both as you say!
Oprah (team empath)
Bill Gates (may be an empath)
George Clooney (highly narcissistic/not sure if he is NPD)
Usain Bolt (not sure/leaning towards NPD)
All the others are narcissists and I learned here that Tony Blair is a greater.
OJ: I think he killed his wife and Ron Goldman, plus he tried to steal back his sports memorabilia in Vegas and ended up in prison.
Steve Jobs: I read that he was a terrible father which is typical of narcs.
Bill Clinton: I read here that he is a narc, plus he cheated with Monica Lewinski.
George M: He had a substance abuse problem, red flag.
Tom Cruise: seemed controlling and I read that Katie Holmes had help from her family to “escape” from Tom.
Kanye West: Body language, something ain’t right with that dude. His eyes are empty.
Kim K: I don’t get warm and fuzzy from her.
Madonna: no warmth or fuzziness there either. Cold as ice.
Taylor S: I get cold and calculating from her. Snow Queen.
David B: I read that he cheated and sometimes I wonder if excessive tattoos are for attention (fuel). Lessers/LMRN love tats.
sometimes by analyzing their attitude you can… Oprah is probably not a narcissist but has big traits. The employee almost got fired because she did not know her.
The unfortunate fact is that the majority of the names on the list are narcissists. They are all powerful influencers, and they are part of setting the agenda for which qualities that are important to reach the top.
Although some of the names on this list are empathic individuals, they too often have to play by the rules made of narcissists.
HG, if you were to make an approximate estimate: How many of the world leaders and influencers are narcissists?
Influencers is a somewhat elastic description. As for world leaders – most of them are either narcissists or highly narcissistic.
…and men or who support the same hierarchical-patriarchal structures
Oh, weird. I just came to the poll and it said I already selected but didn’t. Ugh!!! Inless you already closed the poll?
I want David Beckham…hehe…but he’s not looking promising in this poll.
And did you all see his get up at the wedding? Smoking. He looks the part as a narcissist, with channeling that cool Bond vibe. But, if he is just a happy go lucky dude with not much else, unexpectedly refreshing.
HG, I have been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift and think she is a Super Empath. She even references being “loved” by narcs in a song called “I Did Something Bad.” The song is about how good it feels to turn narcs’ trucks back around on them.
Is Taylor a Super Empath, HG?
Somatic on the cusp of an elite Greater
She is not an empath.
I hate Taylor swift but for personal reasons
Hi mary…i think the fact taylor swift understands so well the emotions involved with both empaths and narcissists points to her high cognitive abilities in this area. Shes definitely an elite.
This exercise is fun. I chosen few answers where it’s obvious or it has been mentioned here before that this individuals are narcissists. In other cases I find it difficult to ascertain despite all learning I gained here. I don’t have enough info , I don’t know if this people lack real empathy and therefore it would have been a pure assumption or guess on my part so i’d rather not do it.
Abrokenwing
That’s my feelings, too. Some of those names I’d not even heard of. And I don’t feel comfortable labeling someone a narc if I haven’t met them and gotten a feel for them personally. How people appear in public can be very deceptive. I checked the ones HG had already identified.
Same here. I mainly relied on the names HG had previously mentioned on the blog.
Also, if memory serves me well, one of the celebrities high on this list might be mistaken for a narcissist, but according to HG is not.
P.S. Curious about DB.
Where is Victoria Beckham on this list? She must be one, going by her face at the wedding.
So all miserable people are narcissists?
ABW
It seems that some people think that. That there are only two kinds of people-narcs and empaths, and if anyone seems miserable or reacts in a way that is not bledding heart or stands on a tough issue they must be a narc. Pretty narcky thinking in my view.
NarcAngel
I agree we tend to divide people into two camps here on the blog – narcs and empaths. In reality there are a lot of people in the middle who are neither. They have the ability to empathize, but often do not.
To me, if a person doesn’t show empathy most of the time, but they could if they chose, they are not an empath. They are just normal people. And you’re only a narc if you never feel empathy, other than cognitive empathy. Normal people often act like narcs, but they’re still normals.
No but although u can’t develop.npd as an adult I do believe your status on the continuim can change three years ago I showed 20 percent narc traits 80 percent empathic now I’d say I show 60 percent narc traits and 40 percent empathic traits. I believe it’s an evolution that took place from marrying a narcissist, a survival instinct that got kicked into overdrive originally and then continued on when I realized my empathy was self defeating in my case , I wish this changed years ago ,I feel I’d be at a much better place in life if it had changed earlierthats just my personal opinion on my personal situation
Great points on narcs or empaths. Its so true there is a whole multitude of ppl in between.
A true narcissist is like you say windstorm they lack any real empathy its just not there but cognitively they know what it looks like and can mimic it.
Thats why it makes sense only 1% of the population is truely narcissists. There are so many that are highly narcissistic but still possess empathy but rarely use it.
Hi narc affair, I believe true narcissists account for way more than 1%. At least based on my experience..
I regard it as higher, but I understand what NA is driving at.
EmP
I agree. More like 6-7%
Hi emp…i think id read 1% but i agree i think its way higher than that. You dont need a full fledged narc to cause damage tho bc highly narcissistic ppl can create just as much chaos.
Borderlines possess empathy yet can use many of the narc tools and manipulate.
Normals can turn a blind eye when a persons in dire need of support. They possess empathy but choose to not get involved.
To me a highly narcissistic individual, any of the cluster b personality disorders and narcissists all have the capacity to be toxic.
NarcAffair
I’ve seen the 1% statistic too, but it sure doesn’t match my reality. I wonder if that’s the number who have been actually diagnosed with NPD? If so, we know it’s way low because few would ever want to be diagnosed.
Also that number would not include the vast majority of midrangers, which are the largest category since they blend in to society easily and don’t often draw attention to themselves.
Correct.
Windstorm
I would agree with you. If I went by just my experience alone.
Narc Affair, I agree with you when you say that highly narcissistic people can be toxic too, as well as normals.
And I keep wondering: where do you draw the line between a narcissist and a highly narcissistic person?
In some individuals narcissism is very obvious, they literally tick all the boxes, whereas others reside in a ‘grey area’ (at least from my perspective).
I can’t wait to read HG’s reasoning behind the classification of the celebrities listed on the poll. I am sure a few of them are just highly narcissistic (while some of us probably thought they were narcissists).
As to BPDs – honestly no idea. I have read they can be toxic but I don’t think I’ve engaged with any so far.
Hi windstorm…youre probably right that the statistic doesnt include many not yet diagnosed and narcissists would be avoidant in getting diagnosed so that could be a way higher percentage. When you think about feeling zero empathy and having no real insight or being in 100% denial it would seem a small percentage. I cant see that many being this way. Moreso highly narc traited individuals being confused as narcissists.
I know with autism it seems to be growing but as you say we are diagnosing more people bc were more aware of the signs.
Hi emp…thats what i keep telling myself does it matter if someones diagnosed with narcissism or is the more important question how are they treating me and do they respect my boundaries?
Borderlines can be just as toxic as narcissists and thats not to say they lack empathy bc they can be very empathetic. They operate similiar to narcissists in many ways and have black and white thinking(splitting). They struggle to know who they are and are very intense in their relationships. They like the narcissist fear abandonment and are shame based.
This isnt to cast a bad light on those with bpd bc there are many with bpd that are wonderful people but they struggle with a personality disorder. Its very difficult to be involved in a relationship with a borderline.
Unless she’s an empath in devaluation.
If harrys a narc id suspect itd be too early for a major devaluation. Theyre still in the lovey dovey honeymoon phase. Once theyve been together a bit longer thatll happen. Now that they are married the mask/s will start slipping in time.
I think victoria beckham is a somatic narcissist and david as well. They both give off this picture of perfection but it comes off creepy and harsh. Very plastic and phoney. They probably live at the plastic surgeons.
Seems a narc-heavy list. So far all my choices are at the top of the poll. That never happens on these polls!
Same here, Windstorm! I chose OJ, Kanye and Tom Cruise. All three at the top! That’s a first. LOL
Lily Allen is 100% a mid ranger.
I agree.
I find this soooo interesting who belongs in N-pot 😜😜😜
Me too!
Although there are more N’s on the list, I only picked the two that I have enough information to make a determination without research. OJ Simpson because of his lack of accountability, lack of remorse, sense of entitlement. Bill Clinton because of his promiscuity, lack of accountability, sense of entitlement.
I notice you included my girl T Swift on here. My jury is still out on her. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on this poll!
Taylor is tough for me… I have a feeling she’s a super empath. I remember when it was just her and a guitar singing country. Everyone I’ve spoken to disagrees with me🤒
Her songwriting is what makes me think she’s an empath. The lyrics in “Dear John” we’re spot on textbook narcissist. One may argue she was writing about herself? (I don’t think so, however.)
Of course HG is proof that narcissists have the ability to make us believe they have warm, fuzzies. Maybe she is just that good.
Taylor swift i dont know a whole lot about but her and katy perry hate each other and theres a lot of competition there. Just looking at taylor swift she comes off snooty and perfect but that of course is just my opinion. I do think most entertainers are either narcissists or highly narcissistic.
One person that sticks out as a narc is martha stewart!! I remember she was popular in the 90’s and then she got into some legal troubles surrounding the stock market. Her sense of entitlement was her downfall.
MB, I honestly think Taylor Swift is a super empath. That’s just my guess. She def has some high narc traits, but so many of her lyrics reference guys who are serious narcs and also she sings about turning their behavior back around on them in “I Did Something Bad” and of course she has the “Dear John” song which is one of my faves.
HG, is Taylor a super empath? Dying to know what you think.
Mary, I just don’t want to believe she is a narcissist. I love her so much! I’ve been to concerts in huge venues where she has the ability to talk to her fans like it’s an intimate venue. Most of her lyrics are empathic, but she does seem to have a good grip on the narc dynamic. She does seem to have a tough time with keeping any LTR’s. Some of her songs are pretty mean too. I actually like “This is Why we Can’t Have Nice Things” We will just have to wait and see what HG digs up. I know what he thinks already.
MB,
Same here, I do not want her to be a narc. It’s possible that her relationships don’t last long because she constantly attracts narcs. The guys she sings about, like John Mayer, often don’t have long term relationships either, and are known players, so I don’t think she is smearing them in the lyrics, I think they come from an honest place. I also like “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.” Her mean songs can be fun. Could those mean lyrics just be Taylor in Supernova mode? Like you, I really don’t want to see her as a narc. I could still enjoy her music and find the lyrics empowering even if she did turn out to be narc herself.
I have a feeling the next narcissist blog will be a highly musical narcissist taylor swift ..😄
Oprah came to Zurich to Trois Pommes and the sales lady did not recognize her and offered her the bags in the back which are more affordable ( bags in the front were around 10.000) and she made a scandal because she felt discrimanted ! Hello??? Easily Offendend ! -= Narcissist
I did some research as I am not interested in celebrities.
Considering I do not know enough about all of them and their private and public lives, those who do *NOT* seem to be narcissists are:
David Beckham
Bill Gates
Oprah Winfrey
All of them.
I agree RH ..
What a crock of shit. Biggest delusionist in the world is HG Tudor, creating a patch of cyberspace to form his own multiple love interests/fandoms
Hello mother, good of you to drop by again.
Ha, ha, ha!
LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!
Mr. Tudor, I love your wit… so sharp.
I’ve been chuckling to myself for several minutes.
😂😂😂
Bahahahahha!
You again here!! Why do you follow the blog if you hate it so much??
She is short of fuel.
Aha thats is what I thought, but I said better not write that “ peace and love” even when other want war 🤣🤣🤣
E.B.
Ha ha ha…that was funny as hell!
@Ainslie Cox – Victims of Narcissists are finally gaining full insight into the behaviours of why Narcissists do what they do, thanks to HG. Without him, many of us (victims / survivors) would still be held in the dark, confused and unable to move forward. HG gains very little fuel (if any) from blogging. He is not targeting or seeking love interests. He loves to write (and he writes exceptionally well, is articulate and to the point) and it is part of his therapy to write and explain why he and his kind do what they do. That sets him apart from Narcissists who create a patch of cyberspace to form his (or her) own multiple love interests/fandoms. You don’t have to believe this. What you believe is entirely up to you. Your opinion however, on this occasion, is not valid.
Hear hear! Survivor
Dear Survivor,
You articulated that brilliantly….. I totally agree and very much ” liked” thank you 😊
Well said survivor x
Hey hey hey AC calm down!
Did we have a bowl of bitchy for breakfast or what!?
We are Mr. Tudors students, not his fans. Vast majority i dare say.
Interesting poll HG and I can see will be insightful on reading the perspectives and opinions of those here.
Indeed, once appreciates the caveats that people may not truly know a person, however it is a useful exercise for people to contemplate and be able to air their views – that is process behind such a poll.
Is it all of them? I think Clooney, George Michael and Bolt, who i don’t know, —less so? It’s like neoliberalism creates high narcissism as an aspirational character trait: it’s morally good to compete (ignoring at what cost), the reflected ego is how we progress!
We all need a bit of narcissism to be confident though.
Thatcher was malignant. Skip the moral facade and just kill the objects to futher the aims.
Awesome new look by the way….
Thank you.