Julia Roberts is an introvert, who is also a famous actress. (image by jason-sh, via flickr)
This list of famous introverted movie stars and celebrities has a few names that will surprise you! Included is a test for introversion to help you figure out your own personality traits.
Introverts, famous or not, do not have personality disorders! A reader recently asked me about introverted personality types and traits, and I was shocked at the misperceptions people have about introverts.
Here’s a quick way to tell if you’re an introvert or an extrovert:
“If there is an emergency do you tend to stand still and feel somewhat shut down or in slow motion? If you have a standstill reaction to stress more often, then you are probably an introvert,” says psychotherapist and author Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. “In a crisis do you tend to move your body immediately and feel like taking action, maybe without pausing to think? Then you are probably an extrovert if you react with movement.”
If you’re an introvert searching for a career suited to your personality and skills, read 200 Best Jobs for Introverts — because introverts and extroverts are happier doing different jobs.
And, here’s a list of famous introverts, plus information about introverted personality types and traits…
Common Questions About Introverted Personality Types and Traits
Is introversion a personality disorder?
No, no, no! Introverts are normal. Extroverts are normal. Neither type of personality is a personality disorder. However, I did write an article called When Your Personality Causes Problems – Unhappy Introverts, because some personality types can veer off in unhealthy directions. Of course, this can happen to extroverts, too.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with introverted personality traits, though introverts are commonly seen as abnormal, nerds, loners, withdrawn, shy, and unfriendly. Introverts can also be seen as lacking social skills.
Introverts:
- Enjoy time alone
- Consider only deep relationships as friends
- Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
- Are often good listeners
- Appear calm and self-contained
- Think then speak or act
People with introverted personalities have an inward focus and aren’t usually the “life of the party.” Introverts have a strong sense of self that can make them feel highly self-conscious around other people – making walking into a crowded room a little nerve-wracking. Introverts have a hard time being goofy in front of the camera and telling jokes to more than a couple of people at a time, but they can be extremely witty. They’re less “Larry, Curly, and Moe” and more Woody Allen – but that doesn’t mean introverts’ personality traits are neurotic!
Introverts process their emotions, thoughts, and observations internally. They can be social people, but reveal less about themselves than extroverts do. Introverts are more private, and less public. Introverts need time to think before responding to a situation, and develop their ideas by reflecting privately. Introverts’ personality traits can be passionate, and sometimes aggressive.
Many introverts prefer working at home, in a telecommuting job.
Though different, introverts and extroverts can fall in love and have happy relationship. Read Extroverts and Introverts in Love if you’re an extrovert in love with an introvert, or vice versa!
Is it possible for an introvert to become an extrovert?
I suppose introverts can force themselves to be more extroverted, but why? Not for career success, because introverted people can be just as successful professionally as extroverts – especially if they’re armed with Tips for Networking Successfully for Introverts. Introverts don’t need to become extroverts for relationship success, even if they’re with extroverts.
There’s no reason for introverts to become extroverts.
What advantages does an introvert have?
According to Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, there are several advantages to being an introvert:
- work well with others, especially in one-to-one relationships
- maintain long-term friendships
- flexible
- independent
- strong ability to concentrate
- self-reflective
- responsible
- creative, out-of-the-box thinking
- analytical skills that integrate complexity
- studious and smart
I’m an introvert, and it’s normal to me. Introverts aren’t as common as extroverts (there are more extroverts in the world than introverts), but that doesn’t mean they’re abnormal or have a personality disorder.
Famous Introverts — Actresses
- Candice Bergen, actress, writer, photographer
- Ingrid Bergman, actress
- Ellen Burstyn, actress
- Glenn Close, actress
- Audrey Hepburn, actress
- Helen Hunt, actress
- Diane Keaton, actress
- Grace Kelly, actress
- Jessica Lange, actress
- Laura Linney, actress
- Gwyneth Paltrow, actress
- Michelle Pfeiffer, actress
- Julia Roberts, actress
- Meg Ryan, actress
- Meryl Streep, actress
Famous Introverts — Actors
- Clint Eastwood, actor/director
- Harrison Ford, actor
- Tom Hanks, actor
- Sir Alfred Hitchcock, film director
- Jack Lemmon, late actor
- Bill Macy, actor
- Steve Martin, all around talented guy
- Noah Wiley, actor
Other Famous Introverts
- Johnny Carson, former Tonight Show host
- Jane Clayson, host of CBS Morning Show
- Matt Lauer, co-host on the Today Show
- David Letterman, host of the David Letterman Show
- Diane Sawyer, co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America
- Barbara Walters, host of 20/20
If you’re wondering if you’re an introvert, take this Test for Introverted Personality Traits.
Source of the “famous introverts” information: The Introvert Advantage.
Hey ima Introvert , and this is just an awesome article . Thanx Laurie
I’ve got it twice as bad – I am a bashful as well as an introvert. Life can be hard. For many years I lacked any type of social skills. In high school walking past the loud, bright activity center imagining all eyes on me made me feel physically ill. I never spoke in class, unless I was forced to and I remember how hot my face felt and the butterflies swimming in my stomach.
I always thought I was just shy. But as I became a little more skilled socially and more confident I noticed I still couldn’t stand crowds, super loud noise, and even after doing something fun with others I always hit a wall when I was bored and wanted to escape to chill out read, watch a movie or just be on the internet – reading, of course.
My husband doesn’t understand how I can be on the net reading for hours on end. To him you’re not living unless you’re surrounded by people doing whatever they’re doing. Even if they’re just sitting at home like we are. Getting up from my comfortable home to go sit around someone else’s house makes no sense to me. I guess it does if you’re an extrovert and you crave group interaction of three or more people.
I’m being dealing with this personality situation myself since I was a teeneger. It’s very difficult when you don’t know what is going on until you heard other people with similar situations like yours. Makes me feel comfortable now to know more about it, and knows that I’m not alone in this world feeling like this. The introverts suffers a lot, people abuse ot them, take advantage, demands more of them, etc. Introverts are more smart, cautious, intelligent, preventive, etc., than extroverts in my opinion, extroverts are careless, hipocrits, demanding, offensive, talks on their backs about others, etc., not all extroverts but a huge mayority, I have seen that a lot, in workplaces, school, everywhere…I felt bad for a long while, but not anymore. I considered myself intelligent, caring, loving, cautious, a good thinker, with values,etc., and there’s nothing bad about being like this, even though that we all make mistakes and we are not perfect. I prefer, and thank God that created me introvert and no extrovert. Don’t like what extroverts do. I am pretty sure that the mayor problems of the world nowadays is caused by extroverts people while there’s introvert people trying to fix it. Excuse me if I made any mistakes in my writing, don’t know the language 100%…
Dear Lucy,
Thanks for your comment and question! I had so much to say, I couldn’t fit it all here
This article is for you:
4 Tips for Couples With Wildly Different Personality Traits
Sorry it took me so long to respond. I hope it helps, and welcome your thoughts here or there.
Blessings,
Laurie
I knew I was introverted – I scored 27 out of 29…I don’t think outside of the box…in fact I cannot even find the box. I am not creative that I know of. My parents never introduced us to the arts. We were always bookworms. How do I create calm in my marriage with my very extroverted husband. He thinks I am abnormal because I prefer to be alone, at home, or with family only, especially the grandkids.
I’m glad this list of famous introverts helped you not feel like a loner…there are more of us than we think!
This is indeed very very interesting! I must be an introvert, but seriously I never would have guessed Candice Bergen, Ingrid Bergman, Clint Eastwood (Clint Eastwood of all people?!) and of course Tom Hanks, and Johnny Carson.
That’s amazing!
The character traits of an introvert match me so well – it’s really quite interesting.
I don’t feel like a loner anymore!
So thanks hehe
Thanks for your comments – I’m really behind in responding to you all on this article! I don’t know what happened here…this article on famous introverts has really slipped by me.
If we can accept our introverted personality traits, we can have success beyond our wildest dreams!
Here’s an article I just wrote today, answering a question asked by a fellow introvert:
Best Jobs for People Who Like to Be Alone…Introverts!
Happy “introverting”
Laurie
Thanks Laurie for this article.
It is refreshing to know that there are so many talented artists who are introverted! Definitely inspirational!
Being an introvert is very difficult especially in this economy where who you know and your networks are crucial to making your dreams come true. Also people around you telling you that it is a phase and you will grow out of it. I am 25 years old and still introverted.
But you pointed as an introvert I have discovered that I must take a deep look at what I am good at and passionate about and develop that passion to it’s fullest extent. Because as an introvert I must prove my tale t through my work because it is difficult for me to express myself vocally.
I’ve just turned 20 and have never been able to get or hold down a job. I went for a call center job and the advise i was given by the recruitment agency was “be loud”. I didn’t know what she meant by that but when i got to the interview i was surrounded by about 20 (i know now extroverts) people barking about what they liked and where they went on holiday. I used to be an atheist till i realised there was such thing as hell. When i was in primary school the teachers asked my parents if i was okay because i never spoke. During secondary school i was okay and on the football team, slightly quiet and liked my own time, as i do now. I’m a true introvert and i love it, if i was some how transformed into an extrovert i would be depressed. Being loud mouthed, attention seeking, (quite often) thick and a constant fun time franky would be so demoralising, i couldn’t bare it. I’ve decided to go to college and study the things that interest and stimulate me, and i cant wait, just please don’t ask me about the weather.
“Is introversion a personality disorder?”
Well, according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9:
Code 301.* = Personality Disorders
Code 301.2 = Schizoid Personality Disorder
Code 301.21 = Introverted Personality
http://www.icd9data.com/2011/Volume1/290-319/300-316/301/301.21.htm
So it WAS a personality disorder according to the World Health Organization!
Saying that there is something wrong with introverts is like saying that there is something wrong with gay or lesbians…. I have never felt bad about being an introvert. I love who I am and I don’t let anyone make me feel otherwise.
Cheers!
Jose (241110) said it all:”thank you,thank you,thank you . . “,.eh,after all the the things people made me believe about myself,I DO have a right to exist.Gee whiz,imagine that!!(See,I have become extraverted over the years)
But you know what: Our children need to be protected at school in this respect.Who is doing anything about that?
Hello M,
Thanks for your comments – I’m glad you found this article helpful! That’s great.
Wow! Thank you so much for this article. I’ve always knew there was something different about me. It’s weird though because I was one of the popular kids at school. (I don’t mean to sound like a show off but..) I was an honor student, student council president, varsity player(but not a star), dance troupe member, school journal art editor during highschool, and let’s say I’m not bad looking as well. I was well-known at school but I actually have very few friends. I get invited to the coolest parties but I seldom show up. I was quiet and people always label me as the shy-type. But when it comes to my extra curricular activities(speeches, dance number, ball game), I perform and I perform well. But when it comes to small talks, or being at a party or just approaching someone, I really struggle. I like being alone.
I’m 25 now, and I can’t believe It took me that long to realize it. I guess it’s because of the notion that “there might be something wrong with me”. Interesting read. Again, thank you.
I’m 25 now.
Hello Grace,
Thanks for sharing about your introverted personality traits. I think the older we get, the easier we accept ourselves as introverts. It just takes time…and surrounding ourselves with people who are introverts as well
Thanks for your tips for extroverts!
Laurie
When I was younger, I was so quiet in school that there were kids who would ask me if I knew how to talk. Of course I did– just because I didn’t talk incessantly, people thought I was a freak. I’m 23 now, and still trying to accept myself as an introvert. I have always, always, and still do, feel as if I am different from other people. It’s probably one of the big constants in my life. I have a hard time making friends, and making small talk with people. I would rather sit and have an interesting conversation than engage in the mediocrity of “small talk”. Sometimes when I talk to people, in trying to make small talk, I will usually fumble over words or draw a blank. It’s just not something I’m good at (unless I have a drink or 3) and it makes me self conscious. And extroverts would do well to remember– if you’re in a situation where there is a very quiet person, don’t ask them why they are so quiet..I LIKE to be engaged in conversations, and don’t need it pointed out that I’m quiet!
Ryan,
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! You sound like a very healthy introvert, and I enjoyed reading your comments
Laurie
This information has helped me out tremendously. I always felt like the odd one out, even like I was lost. I absolutely love spending ‘me’ time. Researching things at home on the internet that I’m fascinated with, etc. Nature is also a love of mine and it should be for everyone else as well.
I’ve recently dabbled in simple meditation, and it truly changed my life for the better, and continues to do so. I’ve found that my out take on life was simple and revolved only around physical and mental aspects. While physical and mental aspects change throughout your entire life, there is one thing that always stays the same. I believe that is your spirit, the real you. I’m not talking about an ego, as I believe that is a mental aspect.
I spent so much time looking into myself and trying to decifer who I was and why I didn’t fit in with certain social groups that it drove me crazy. The number one thing that led me to have peace with myself, was dropping my ego. Not caring AT ALL about what others think of who I am, what I do, or what I look like. The next thing was for me personally to stop judging others in any negative ways, or thinking negative about anything in general.
Love who you are, Love mother earth, love father sky, and love and embrace our creator, while thinking positive about everything, and I assure you your life will be greater than you ever expected.
Much love
Yay! I love to hear from introverts who finally realize there is nothing wrong with their personality traits. Being an introvert can feel awkward, especially if your parents or family members didn’t realize you were an introvert, didn’t explain that it’s just a different set of personality traits.
I hope more and more introverts learn to accept themselves for who they are…
Thank you thank you thank you just knowing that I am not crazy means a lot I have never known any introverts so just finding this is a blessing because I always felt different and was much discriminated for this by my family and by basically every extrovert I know who thought that being an introvert was an illness. I am finally proud of who I am because I realize there is nothing wrong with me and I can’t wait to make the most of myself to prove all the people in my life that THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. Understanding brings so much peace of mind I am almost ashamed of myself for living in ignorance for such a long time. Advice to introverts don’t cling too much to people around you who care for you because you have been alienated for being an introvert it will push them away and will make them think you are obsessed.
Great read! thanks Laurie…
I am more of an introvert personality type and want longer hours of life alone. That’s when I reflect and gain energy for rest of the day. Though, I also like to be in groups every now and then. And yes, I love parties!!!!:D
I love my profession of a content writer. I’ve also worked as a network marketeer though.
Hi Stella,
I’m glad you’re here! And, you’re more normal than you think: about 95% of introverts and extroverts have a mixture of introverted and extroverted personality traits. Almost every single one of us — whether we’re introveted or extroverted — have a balance of both types of personalities.
Some introverts are more extroverted than others, and some extroverts are more introverted than others. So, your tendency to feel extroverted now and then is totally normal. I don’t think it has anything to do with your profession per se…it’s just part of being human.
That said, it may be that periods of solitude (if you experience those as a writer) bring out your extroverted personality traits. For instance, I’m an introverted writer who works at home full-time…and if I go for days without seeing anyone but my husband, I tend to display more extroverted personality traits. In other words, I want to PARTY with lots of people!! Even the most introverted of introverts needs human companionship once in awhile
I hope this helps answer your question, and I wish you all the best.
Laurie
Thank you Laurie, I’m very grateful to find this webpage! I understand myself a bit better now. Being an introvert can feel very alienating, especially when so many people don’t recognise this. I wonder if there’s such a thing as an introverts support group(I’m joking of course but it’s not such a bad idea).
However there is something else I’d like to understand, even though I seem to fit the descriptions of an intravert, I also now and then have a great urge to be an extravert, some situations seem to inspire this in me. It it could be with people I know or don’t know.
I’m an artist by profession. I’d be interested to have your interpretation or feedback on this please?
That’s fascinating, thanks Susan!
But I’m not surprised that introverts are better than picking activities for extroverts. Introverts seem, as a whole, generally speaking, more thoughtful and insightful than extroverts. I may take heat from people with extroverted personality traits for that, but I believe introverts tend to think more. Thus, they may have a better handle on people and activities and all that.
Interesting read. It is amazing how much “they are normal” can still end up sounding like there is something wrong with introverts though.
About a decade ago I was teaching an intensive summer course preparing Teaching Assistants to teach their first course that fall. One of the activities was designed to have the students do some perspective taking, so the extroverts were asked to create a class that would work well for introverts and vice versa. As it turned out, the introverts did a great job of creating learning activities that the extroverts loved. When the extroverts presented what they came up with for the introverts, to a person, the introverts were horrified. Turned out the extroverts chose what they thought would be “good for” the introverts–i.e. totally extroverted activities–rather than activities that accepted introverted preferences as normal. What a great lesson it was for us all!
I find the whole introvert/extrovert topic interesting as I have shifted from one to the other over the years. In my childhood, teens and 20′s I was mostly an extrovert – quick to think, respond, enjoyed social outings (even though I was shy in groups where I didn’t know anyone, but very outgoing if I did know people)and was on the go endlessly.
In my 30′s I burned out from all my over activity and was recommneded by an Ayervedic Dr. to slow down, meditate, relax in the evenings etc. I moved to a small, peaceful Island, and also started delving deeper into spirituality and began meditating regularly. Since then I have become more sensitive to the energy around me, and need much more alone time. I enjoy social gatherings every so often, but not for long periods of time. I crave silence and nature. So am I an introvert now?
I’d be curious to hear from other readers if they found a change as they grew older or began meditating etc. I think for me as I have found a richness within – in inner silence and spirituality – I don’t need external activity so much and it can be draining at times to exert myself too much socially.
Thanks for the interesting article, Laurie.
This was a very interesting read, Laurie. I’m definitely an introvert. Although I’ve never thought of this as abnormal, it does make parties and other social engagements uncomfortable. Since I’ve been a work-from-home freelance copywriter, I would say that I’ve become a bit reclusive. (Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.) I truly prefer the quiet creativity of my own mind and intimate one-on-one social interaction to the over-stimulation I feel at larger events. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Hi Ivy,
Good point — I’ve had so many introverts comment on my articles and say they always felt weird, odd, and even abnormal. Yes, people with introverted personality traits can be looked upon as strange, even by members of their own family. I think that’s partly because introverts are less common in North America than extroverts.
I hadn’t thought about being an introvert in a different country…interesting perspective! Japan definitely has different values and cultural norms than North America.
Maybe we can’t accept that people are individuals because we’re uncomfortable with people who are different. We feel better when people are like us, when they have similar values, goals, personalities, and lifestyles. People who are different threaten our comfort zones, I think.
An extrovert may not find the cure for cancer, but an introvert may not be able to raise the financial support or network with the right people to get the resources to continue looking for that cure! We need each other to reach our goals. In an ideal world, we’d all work together and use our strengths to make everyone’s life better. How’s that for fantasty?
Laurie
I think it’s important to mention that different societies favor either introverts or extraverts. I am introverted and would probably be well thought of in Japan, where modesty, good manners and a quiet manner are held in high esteem. Aggressive, always-on-the-go personalities are favored in the US, and to a lesser degree, in Canada. In the latter countries, people who tend to be introverted are looked upon as strange or worse, mentally ill! Let’s remember that a cure for cancer will not be found by a social butterfly. Instead, a quiet, introverted researcher who is able to spend long amounts of time alone observing, pondering, etc. is the one who will find the cure. Why can’t we accept that people are individuals and each person has something of value to contribute to the world?