Real-life inspirational poster Michelle Obama is the world’s most admired woman, according to a new YouGov poll.
The lawyer, author, and former first lady topped the list of female public figures who folks most look up to.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey came in second, while actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian Angelina Jolie dropped two places to third. Queen Elizabeth II (most-admired woman in the UK) retained her fourth-place standing globally, followed by fellow Brit Emma Watson in fifth.
Bill Gates and Michelle Obama are the world’s most-admired people (via YouGov)
The top five men, meanwhile, remained unchanged since last year.
Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates is still the most admired man, leading the pack every time YouGov conducts this survey.
Former President Barack Obama came in second, while the third through fifth places are all occupied by Chinese figures: actor Jackie Chan, President Xi Jinping (whose wife, Chinese singer Peng Liyuan, landed a place among this year’s women), and businessman Jack Ma, respectively.
More than 42,000 people in 41 countries were interviewed to compile the list.
Unsurprisingly, entertainers dominate the female list: 12 of the top 20 are actors, singers, or TV presenters—though some, like Jolie, Watson, and Ellen DeGeneres, are also known for their charity work.
Other inspiring women include Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai.
The Obamas top Americans’ list (via YouGov)
In the U.S., the Obamas reign supreme, capturing a majority of each sex’s admiration score.
And while I’m thrilled to see Notorious RBG (Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren made America’s list, where’s Beyoncé? Or Shonda Rhimes? How about Serena Williams?
Even frenemies Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin cracked the top 20 (number 2 and 15, respectively, among U.S. respondents).
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