Top Ten Famous Influences

Images from Google and Gordeeva.ru

Everyone has their own celebrity inspirations. Mine just so happen to be actors and actresses, musicians, activists, and athletes.

Ranking in order of influence:

1. Ekaterina Gordeeva. 2-time Olympic champion, this woman figure skates with grace and beauty, surpassing all others. In late 1995, her husband (see: Sergei Grinkov) died of a fatal heart attack while practicing on the ice. She took the ice in a solo tribute just four brief months after his death. Gordeeva is a role model for women of all ages around the globe. She shows resilience, strength, and delicate beauty.

2. Daria Grinkova-Gordeeva. Daughter of legendary figure skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. Daria is a beautiful, intelligent young woman who handles life with stride and grace, has an advanced outlook on numerous situations, and an amazing fashion sense--to mention just a few things I admire.

3. Michael Jackson. The man known as "Peter Pan" who overcame ginormous accusations, tabloid hate and insults, Michael Jackson can be considered a strong inspiration for those who have been victims of hatred, violence, and bullying. His dancing and singing talent is still yet unmatched and I believe it will remain that way for years to come.

4. Sergei Grinkov. 2-time Olympic champion who passed away at the age of 28, was married to Ekaterina Gordeeva and fathered their daughter Daria. He was known as being a very friendly man and extremely honest. He was the one that brought the sunlight into the room with his smile and humor. For his positive, reassuring outlook on life and infamous quote: "Our honor depends upon our honesty.", he is one of my inspirations.

5. The Beatles. Of course, each "beatle" has his own touch; Ringo has his humility, John has his "bad boy" ego, Paul has his sweet sense of humor, and George has his boyish, hippie charm. I adore all of them for their musical talents and activism, but their wild, enriching personalities will never be found again in the music business.

6. Hilary Duff. While I was growing up, it wasn't so much pop stars like Britney Spears or Madonna that I looked up to, I looked up to Hilary Duff: the Disney "Lizzie McGuire" sensation who created T.V. shows, movies, albums, perfume, and clothing lines. Duff is still admired today and talked up to be one of the most confident Disney child starlets that never lost their way, turned to substance abuse, or self-harm. She is currently enjoying time out of the tabloid circuit, and married Canadian hockey player Mike Comrie last August.

7. Diane Keaton. Infectious charm on the movie screen since the 70s, this woman has been nominated for countless awards (and won some). She is currently 65 years of age, single, free and lovin' it! She lives on her own with her two adopted children, daughter Dexter and son Duke. Keaton is a perfect example of success without romance (a big newsflash to people like myself who believe love answers every calling).

8. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spoke with words of strength, dignity, and love for human kind. King was an influential figure for America during the Civil Rights Movement in the early-late 60s. While a lot of him and I's beliefs differ, his peaceful outlook inspires me to become more accepting of my community and confident of my part in it.

9. Lucielle Ball and Desi Arnaz. Television icons of the 50s, this husband and wife duo is unmatchable in hilarity, wits, and glamorous appeal. Throughout countless ways of laughing at their own sillyness, and at each other, "Lucy" and Desi changed modern T.V., giving the later generations much to be thankful for.

10. Mahatma Gandhi. A man who cannot be put into a few words.Through his teachings and countless inspirational quotes (not to mention, Twitter updates), I find him a spiritual adviser and optimistic force.