AOL Money & Finance

Money Face-Off: Bono vs. Angelina Jolie

More

This post is part of our Money Face-Offs feature. Let us know who you think comes out ahead in this head-to-head match-up, and check out our other Money Face-Off posts.

In October 2005, I went to hear Bono, the lead singer of rock band U2 and global poverty-fighter, at New York University. He wasn't there to sing, although he was met outside the door by a crowd of adoring fans. He was there to advocate for the world's poor, sick, and hungry, sharing top billing with renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs.

During his talk, Bono explained how Sachs was his mentor, teaching him about the roots of poverty in the developing world, traveling with him to Africa, and convincing him it was possible to end global poverty. But lately, he lamented, when he called Sachs, he was told, "Sorry, he's with Angelina Jolie."

That line brought down the house. At that point, film actress Jolie was just coming under Sachs' tutelage. She was an increasingly important celebrity advocate for the poor, but she had nowhere near the creds of Bono, who was that year nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and named Time magazine's person of the year.

Fast forward two years and the picture has changed a bit. Bono is still large on the world stage as a humanitarian, social activist and rock star. But Jolie, in large part due to constant media focus on her relationship with actor Brad Pitt, has lately become a more prominent fixture in the news media.

Jolie has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency since 2001, but her involvement with Pitt starting in 2005 has increased her influence. Marketers now rank her among the most influential celebrities in the world. She has been photographed repeatedly on UN missions to Africa and Asia, adopting three children from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam.

Bono can still claim the most financial influence. He has helped organize massive charity concerts, including 2005's Live 8, and can claim some credit for convincing politicians around the world to forgive third-world debt and provide billions in foreign aid. His business ventures have grown, including a hotel and board position at private equity firm Elevation Partners. That firm's website praises U2 as a leader in "the management of its business operations and intellectual property."

Bono's artistic achievements as a rock superstar clearly surpass Jolie's film career to date. Her filmography recently includes playing Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart and Clover Wilson in The Good Shepherd. Both Jolie and Bono both have achieved numerous awards and accolades for their abilities.

But when it comes to their ability to change the world by virtue of their own personal endeavors, it's tough to choose which is the more important figure right now. Of course, there really is no competition, but if you had to vote on who had done the most to improve conditions for the world's poor, who would you choose, Jolie or Bono?

Vote in our poll for Angelina Jolie or Bono, and let us know in the comments why your choice has the financial edge in this match-up. Also be sure to check out our other Money Face-Offs.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA-14.2810,318.16
NASDAQ-10.782,146.04
S&P 500-3.521,091.38

Last updated: November 22, 2009: 04:55 AM

BloggingStocks Exclusives

Hot Stocks

DailyFinance Headlines

Latest from BloggingBuyouts

TheFlyOnTheWall.com Headlines

    BioHealth Investor Headlines

    WalletPop Headlines

    My Portfolios

    Track your stocks here!

    Find out why more people track their portfolios on AOL Money & Finance then anywhere else.

    BloggingStocks Partners

    More from AOL Money & Finance

    WalletPop Headlines