Scottish Independence Referendum: 13 Celebrities Weigh In on Historic Vote

These stars had plenty to say about the referendum that will decide whether or not Scotland should become an independent country and break away from the U.K.

By Corinne Heller Sep 18, 2014 4:24 PMTags
OutlanderStarz/Sony Pictures Television

Scores of Scottish celebrities, including Hugh Grant, Susan Boyle and David Beckham, have weighed in on the historic referendum that Scots will vote upon on Thursday to answer the question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

The area has been part of the United Kingdom for 307 years. For centuries, scores of supporters have lobbied and even fought for Scotland's independence, as depicted in the Oscar-winning Mel Gibson movie Braveheart and the new Starz series Outlander.

More than 4.28 million people are registered to vote and if most of them choose to break away from the country, the U.K., which also includes England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will lose about 5.2 million citizens. The most recent polls suggest that 51 percent of Scots oppose the proposal. The polls close at 9 p.m. GMT (5 p.m. ET).

Earlier this year, stars such as Sean Connery have voiced support for Scottish independence, while more than 200 opposed the proposal.

Check out what celebrities had to say in recent weeks below.

Stars who favor Scottish independence:

1. Russell Brand, English comedian and Get Him to the Greek actor

2. Alan Cumming, a Scottish actor who plays Eli Gold on The Good Wife and has appeared in the Broadway musical Cabaret:

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3. Tommy Flanagan, a Scottish actor who plays Chibs on Sons of Anarchy:

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4. Sam Heughan, a Scottish actor who plays Jamie Fraser of the Scottish MacKenzie clan on Outlander (also pictured above, in a scene from the show):

5. Graham McTavish, a Scottish actor who plays Scottish clan leader Dougal Mackenzie on Outlander:

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Celebrities who oppose Scottish independence and want the United Kingdom to remain united.

1. Hugh Grant, English star of films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and About a Boy:

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2. Susan Boyle, Scottish singer and former winner of Britain's Got Talent:

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"Thursday will be the biggest day in Scotland's history," she wrote in the U.K. newspaper The Mirror this week. "For what it's worth, I will be voting 'No.' I strongly believe Scotland should stay in the U.K."

"I am a proud, patriotic Scot, passionate about my heritage and my country but I am not a nationalist," she added. "We have still been able to retain our proud identity while being a part of Britain."

3. David Beckham, an English retired soccer star, model and husband of Spice Girls singer and fashion designer Victoria Beckham:

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"We want to let you know how very much we value our relationship and friendship," David wrote in an open letter distributed by the pro-U.K. unity "Let's Stay Together" campaign, as reported by the U.K. Press Association. "Of course regardless of your decision that will never change, however, my sincere hope is that you will vote to renew our historic bond which has been such a success over the centuries and the envy of the entire world. "What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together."

4. J.K. Rowling, English author of the Harry Potter novels:

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5. Eddie Izzard, English comedian:

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He retweeted Rowling's post and also expressed his opposition to having Scotland break away from the United Kingdom at a rally in London this week.

 

 

 

6. John Barrowman, a Scottish-born American actor who plays Malcolm Merlyn/Dark Arch on Arrow.

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"I'm very proud of my Scottish heritage," he said this summer, according to The Daily Mail. "My firm belief is Scotland should remain part of Great Britain."

 

Celebrities who remain neutral:

1. James McAvoy, a Scottish actor who plays Professor Xavier in the new X-Men movies:

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"I don't trust politicians at all, and I don't really think that actors, i.e. professional liars, are the best people to be commenting and to be backing up other professional liars, i.e. politicians," he told The Wall Street Journal. "I'll go with my country no matter what way they vote, I just hope that my country follows its heart and its gut rather than listening to redundant political debate."

2. Pierce Brosnan, an Irish actor whose father was Scottish and who is best known for his past role as James Bond in three movies.

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"If that's what they want, I wish them well," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "The world will turn the same way with or without their independence."

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3. Hugh Laurie, an English actor who played Dr. Gregory House on House: