10 Famous Freemasons Today: Influential Figures Still Making an Impact
Freemasonry is a global fraternal organization with a long and storied history. Many famous people have been Freemasons over the years, including politicians, artists, and business leaders. The group’s influence and membership have changed over time, but it remains active today.
While many well-known Freemasons lived in the past, there are still notable members alive in the present day. Some current Freemasons continue to make their mark in various fields, from entertainment to politics, carrying on the organization’s traditions in the modern world. I’ll explore a few of these living Freemasons and their contributions to society.
1) Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson is a well-known civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician. He was born in 1941 in South Carolina. I’ve learned that Jackson is also a Freemason.
Jackson became a Master Mason in 1987. He’s part of the Harmony Lodge No. 88 in Chicago. He’s believed to be a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Freemason.
Prince Hall Freemasonry is a branch that split from mainstream lodges due to racial issues. It’s named after Prince Hall, a prominent Black Freemason from the 18th century.
Jackson’s involvement in Freemasonry adds another layer to his already impressive list of achievements. He’s known for his work in the civil rights movement and his presidential campaigns in the 1980s.
As a Freemason, Jackson likely values the organization’s principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. These align well with his public persona and activism.
2) Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak, known as “Woz,” is a famous Freemason who’s still alive today. He is known as the co-founder of Apple, the tech giant that changed personal computing forever.
Woz joined the Freemasons in 1980 at Charity Lodge No. 362 in California. He’s one of the most well-known current members of the fraternity.
Wozniak is more than just a tech genius. He’s also an electronics engineer, programmer, and philanthropist. His nickname “Woz” is widely recognized in tech circles.
Beyond Apple, Wozniak has kept innovating. He founded Efforce, a green tech and blockchain company. This shows his ongoing commitment to technology and sustainability.
Wozniak’s Masonic ties and tech achievements make him a standout figure. He bridges the gap between traditional fraternal organizations and modern innovation.
3) Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin is one of the most famous Freemasons alive today. Born in 1930, he’s best known as the second person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Aldrin became a Mason in 1963 at Oak Park Lodge No. 864 in Texas. He’s now a 33rd Degree Mason, which is the highest honor in Freemasonry.
I find it fascinating that Aldrin took a Masonic flag to the Moon. This symbolic act linked Freemasonry to one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
At 92 years old, Aldrin remains an active and proud Mason. He often speaks about how Masonic values like hard work and integrity have shaped his life and career.
Aldrin’s contributions go beyond space exploration. He’s an author, advocate for space travel, and public speaker. His life shows how Masonic principles can inspire great achievements.
4) John Elway
John Elway is a famous American football player and executive who is also a Freemason. I know he’s best known for his amazing career as quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
Elway joined Freemasonry later in life. He became a Freemason in 2002, after his playing days were over. He took part in a two-day class held by the Grand Lodge of Colorado.
I find it interesting that Elway has risen through the Masonic ranks quickly. He’s now a 33rd degree Mason, which is a high honor in Freemasonry.
Beyond Masonry, Elway stays busy with football. He works as an executive for the Broncos. He also runs the Elway Foundation, which helps kids who have been abused.
I think it’s cool that such a big sports star is part of Freemasonry. It shows that the group still attracts famous people from all walks of life.
5) Shaquille O’Neal
I’m excited to talk about Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most famous Freemasons. Shaq is a basketball legend known for his incredible skills on the court and his larger-than-life personality off it.
O’Neal became a Freemason in 2011. He joined Widow’s Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston, Massachusetts. This lodge is part of the Prince Hall Affiliated branch of Freemasonry.
Shaq has been open about his membership in the fraternity. He’s proud to be part of this group that values brotherhood and personal growth.
It’s cool how Shaq balances his public life with his Masonic duties. He’s a sports commentator and businessman, but still makes time for Freemasonry.
O’Neal’s involvement shows that Freemasonry is still relevant today. It attracts people from all walks of life, even big sports stars like Shaq.
6) Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen is a well-known name in basketball. He is a former NBA player who was a key part of the Chicago Bulls dynasty in the 1990s.
Pippen is also a member of the Freemasons. He belongs to a group called Prince Hall Freemasonry, which has a rich history in the African American community.
Some people have made a big deal about Pippen’s jersey number being 33. This number has special meaning in Freemasonry. But it’s important to note that there’s no proof Pippen chose this number because of his Masonic ties.
Pippen’s Masonic membership adds an interesting layer to his public image. It shows that even famous athletes can be part of this old and respected organization.
Pippen is one of the more high-profile Freemasons in sports. His involvement helps keep Freemasonry in the public eye and might inspire others to learn more about it.
7) Rick Wakeman
Rick Wakeman is a famous musician and Freemason. He was born in 1949 and is best known as the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Yes.
Wakeman joined the Chelsea Lodge 3098 of Freemasons in London. This lodge is known for its members from the entertainment industry.
I find it interesting that Wakeman combines his musical career with Freemasonry. He has spoken about how the values of the fraternity appeal to him.
One aspect of Freemasonry that Wakeman appreciates is its focus on charity. His lodge has raised over £100,000 for various causes in recent years.
Wakeman’s musical style blends classical themes with rock energy. This unique approach has made him a respected figure in progressive rock.
As both a successful musician and active Freemason, Wakeman represents an interesting intersection of art and fraternity. His ongoing involvement shows that Freemasonry remains relevant to public figures today.
8) Michael Richards
Michael Richards is a well-known American actor and comedian. He was born on July 24, 1949, in Culver City, California.
Richards is best for his role as Cosmo Kramer on the hit TV show “Seinfeld.” He played this character from 1989 to 1998, winning three Emmy Awards for his performance.
Richards is also a member of the Freemasons. He joined the organization at some point during his career, though the exact date is not widely known.
Besides “Seinfeld,” I’ve seen Richards in other TV shows and movies. He appeared in “UHF” (1989) and had his own sitcom called “The Michael Richards Show” in 2000.
In recent years, Richards has kept a lower profile in the entertainment industry. He made a guest appearance on Jerry Seinfeld’s web series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” in 2012.
As a Freemason, Richards likely participates in the organization’s activities and charitable efforts. However, like many members, he keeps the details of his involvement private.
9) Prince Edward, Duke of Kent
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, is a prominent figure in Freemasonry. He’s the current Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), a position he’s held for many years.
Born in 1935, Prince Edward is a member of the British royal family. He’s a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and has been involved in Freemasonry for decades.
Prince Edward has been the longest-serving Grand Master of UGLE. This shows his deep commitment to the organization.
The Duke of Kent’s role in Freemasonry continues a long tradition of royal involvement in the fraternity. Many British monarchs and royals have been Freemasons over the years.
Prince Edward’s dedication to Freemasonry is evident in his long tenure as Grand Master. He’s played a key role in guiding the organization in modern times.
10) Silvio Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi is a well-known Italian businessman and politician who is also a Freemason nowaday.
Born in September 1936, Berlusconi has had a long and eventful career. He served as the Prime Minister of Italy four times between 1994 and 2011.
Berlusconi’s involvement in Freemasonry is not widely publicized, but it is acknowledged in some circles. I believe his membership reflects the organization’s appeal to influential figures in business and politics.
While specific details about Berlusconi’s Masonic activities are limited, his association with the fraternity adds an interesting dimension to his public persona. It’s worth noting that many Freemasons, even famous ones, often keep their membership private.
In Berlusconi’s case, his connection to Freemasonry is just one aspect of his complex and sometimes controversial public life. I think it’s important to consider this alongside his other roles and accomplishments when examining his overall impact and legacy.