Positive Male Role Models: 9 Examples for Us All

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Positive male role models come in all shapes, sizes, ages and professions. They could be celebrities who double as philanthropists, athletes who portray leadership and good sportsmanship or musicians who provide good examples to the youth. Whatever the case, positive masculine role models inspire you to lead better, fulfilling and meaningful lives by how they carry themselves. Here are some examples of men from all walks of public life who make exceptional role models.

1. Barack Obama (Politics)

The former president inspires through his intelligence, integrity and unquestionable leadership. Obama exudes confidence in his abilities, and his level-headed approach to problem-solving calms those around him, even in public appearances since leaving the White House. 

Like him or not, you have to admit that Obama’s inspirational delivery of his “We Will Finish the Race” speech following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing brought a sense of calm and togetherness to all who heard it. Let’s face it, Barack Obama exudes confidence and inspires belief, making him an incredible role model. 

2. Russell Wilson (Sports)

The New York Giants quarterback — an NFL Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks — is a positive role model in ways other than for his football prowess. He also played baseball for MLB affiliate teams in the early 2010s, making him one of a select group of multi-sport athletes to play both sporting codes.  

While in Seattle, Wilson was involved in the community, regularly visiting the Seattle Children’s Hospital. In NFL offseasons, he still hosts the Russell Wilson Passing Academy for youth footballers in several cities, and is currently the Chairman of NFL Flag. This business brings awareness of football to young athletes across the globe.

3. Elton John (Music)

Sir Elton John, the man who has inspired so many fledgling musicians with some almost-perfect piano-based tunes, is a role model in more ways than one. In 2024, Sir Elton left the Yellowrick Road and gave up touring. Who will ever forget his array of stylish sunglasses and outfits on stage? 

Despite leaving the live arena, his long-standing fight to curb the spread of HIV and reduce its stigma is reaching new heights. The “Rocket Man” recently donated 5.7% of his fortune to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and other causes. This positive role model’s gift is undoubtedly more than just his song. 

4. Keanu Reeves (Cinema)

What is your impression of Keanu Reeves? You’ll often see the Matrix trilogy star dressed down, unkempt — although his beard always does him justice —and seemingly uncaring in paparazzi photographs, which is unusual in Hollywood culture. Ultimately, the Canadian film star finds no reason to be anything other than himself — a positive trait for a role model — and often displays that publicly. 

According to many of his peers, Reeves is an authentic, intelligent, and gentle man. He is a massive supporter of cancer research, with his own foundation, and volunteers for cancer charities. With the money Reeves has, the actor says he could live comfortably for the “next few centuries,” so he gifted around $75 million of his Matrix trilogy earnings to the crew and some Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the stunt team. Generosity is another reason Keanu Reeves is an admirable role model. 

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Sports)

You must respect Ronaldo for his inspirational soccer achievements over a prolonged period, but his backstory and clean lifestyle make the Portuguese superstar even more of a role model. After growing up in poverty, the 17-year-old Cristiano had to overcome heart surgery before getting his big break. 

Now, over 30 years later, at 40 years old, the powerful forward still harasses opposing defenses.  Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t drink alcohol, sticks to a strict healthy diet and workout plan, while enjoying the odd well-cooked steak, and involves himself in assisting the less fortunate — a positive role model status indeed. 

6. Nelson Mandela (Politics) 

Although Mandela passed away in 2013, a list of positive male role models is incomplete without him. There’s no need to explain who this great statesman was, which entrenches the point. After enduring 27 years imprisoned by South Africa’s Apartheid government, Mandela became the country’s first democratically elected President in 1994. 

“Madiba” showed no resentment toward his persecutors throughout his five-year term. Instead, he worked alongside them in government to smoothly transform South Africa into a “Rainbow Nation.” Mandela even wore a Springbok rugby jersey — a symbol of the Apartheid regime for so long — to promote unity when South Africa won the 1996 Rugby World Cup. He will forever be a role model for his patience, humility, forgiveness, proactivity and supreme statesmanship.

7. John Cena (Sports Entertainment)

If you’re aware of John Cena’s life outside WWE wrestling, you’ll know his current “heel” persona in the ring is all part of the show. Besides being a nice guy, the Hollywood muscleman is a masculine role model for his work ethic and willingness to drop everything to answer a call from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

Since 2002, Cena has granted over 650 wishes to critically ill children through the nonprofit, one of a handful of celebs reaching the 200-wish mark. John Cena cares — the mark of a positive role model.

8. Dave Grohl (Music)

You should realize one thing about the Foo Fighters lead singer and ex-Nirvana drummer — Dave Grohl gets involved. He is an inspirational role model to many who’ve sat on the sidelines for too long and are looking to participate in life more often. Grohl clearly states his views on same-sex marriage, gun control and American politics. 

Grohl participates in protests and wears regalia promoting his causes. In 2006, he even met an Australian miner rescued from the Tasmanian Beaconsfield mine collapse for a drink. He also frequently speaks about his past drug use in efforts to promote abstinence among his fans. Whether or not your views differ from his, you must admit Grohl’s willingness to speak out and involve himself is admirable.

9. Leonardo DiCaprio (Cinema)

Everybody knows DiCaprio’s name — you’ll know him from his starring roles in movies as diverse as Titanic, The Wolf of Wall Street and Inception. However, you may not realize how active he is in addressing climate change and advocating for the environment. 

The mega Hollywood superstar is a role model for the world. He uses his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to channel millions into promoting environmental awareness and sustainability while vocally supporting the World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace. Look out for his documentary films “The 11th Hour” and “Before the Flood.”

Positive Male Role Models Exist Everywhere

While the above are all well-known names, you’ll find positive masculine role models in all walks of life. It may be your sports coach, manager at work, a good friend or your father — anybody who displays a healthy, motivational and progressive attitude in how they live their lives and interact with others is worthy of becoming a role model for somebody. Watch out for them and use their examples to improve yourself and your relationships with others.