Natalie Portman starred in the film “V for Vendetta,” but off-screen her lifestyle could well be titled “V for vegetarian.”
The petite star joins a list of 233 celebrities in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal’s sixth annual Sexiest Vegetarian poll, which runs through June 23 at goveg.com. According to PETA, Portman had fake leather shoes made for her role in the 2006 comic-book movie.
And Joaquin Phoenix, another staunch vegetarian, wore vegan cowboy boots when he played Johnny Cash in 2005’s “Walk the Line.”
“A lot of folks take their cues on what to wear and what to eat from celebrities,” said PETA spokesman Michael McGraw. “It’s a fantastic thing that vegetarianism has taken root in Hollywood.”
Which sexy stars qualified for PETA’s contest? Here are a smattering who may dethrone reigning champs Kristen Bell and Prince: Alyssa Milano, who stars in PETA’s upcoming “Let Vegetarianism Grow On You” campaign; Tobey Maguire; Common; Morrissey (the “Meat Is Murder” singer); Forest Whitaker; David Duchovny; Milo Ventimiglia of “Heroes” fame; Shania Twain; Carrie Underwood (the “American Idol” alum says she’d rather sing to cows than eat them); Ruben Studdard, another “Idol” alum; Josh Hartnett; Alicia Silverstone; Mos Def; Def Leppard’s Phil Collen; Paul McCartney; Boy George; and Jared Leto.
Why’d they go veg?
Here’s what several celebs had to say about how long they’ve been vegetarian, why they gave up eating animals and good-tasting faux-meat products:
Daryl Hannah
Actress
“Since age 11. … I was no longer able to disassociate what I was eating from the creature it had been. Many fake meats have soy isolate … which can cause health problems. I really look at the ingredients and try to stick to whole foods.”
Rep. Dennis Kucinich
“Twelve years ago. … Initially, it was for health reasons. Then it also became a matter of respect for the lives and the treatment of animals.”
Emily Deschanel
Actress
“Sixteen years ago, after watching [a school video about] the meat and dairy industries. … I do eat some meat alternatives. I love [the wheat/soy protein] Gardein. You can only get it at Whole Foods. It’s very tasty.”
Constance Marie
Actress
“No red meat [for] 23 years. … Meat made my body feel heavy and bloated. I started to think, what’s the difference between eating a chicken or your family pet? Both are living, breathing animals with a face.”
Chrissie Hynde
Singer
“Since 1969. … I cannot justify the unnecessary exploitation of an animal. I will eat whatever I am offered, providing no animals have suffered.”
