Forbes names 10 most trusted celebrities

In the search for trustworthy celebrities, actors stand out first and foremost, according to Forbes' list of the ten most trusted celebrities in America.

The list, topped by actors James Earl Jones and Tom Hanks, reflected the qualities Americans valued most when it came to trustworthiness.

Back to the Future star Michael J. Fox came in third on the list. Fox revealed over a decade ago that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has since become a driving force in researching the affliction.

"A premium was put on likability, relatability and credibility," Forbes staff writer Lucy Rose told Reuters.

"The stars on our list tend to be endearing characters on screen and off. With private lives that are kept precisely that, they have earned, and maintained, the respect of their fans."

It should come as no surprise that formerly squeaky-clean golfer Tiger Woods does not appear on the list. Forbes reports that two economic professors at the University of California Davis have estimated shareholders of companies he endorses have suffered losses of up to $US12 billion since details of his sordid personal life became public knowledge.

* The ten most trusted celebrities according to Forbes

1: James Earl Jones (Actor: Star Wars, The Lion King)
2: Tom Hanks (Actor: Philadelphia, Forrest Gump)
3: Michael J. Fox (Actor: Back to the Future, Family Ties)
4: Mike Rowe: (TV host: Dirty Jobs)
5: Morgan Freeman (Actor: Invictus, The Shawshank Redemption)
6: Sally Field (Actress: Brothers and Sisters, Steel Magnolias)
7: Ron Howard (Actor, director: Happy Days, Apollo 13)
8: Will Smith (Actor: I Am Legend, The Pursuit of Happyness)
9: Bill Cosby (Actor: The Cosby Show, Ghost Dad)
10: Denzel Washington (Actor: Training Day, The Bone Collector)

- NZ HERALD ONLINE