Steve Irwin for sure. I always loved watching his show and learning about the different kinds of animals. He always taught kids to respect nature and be curious.
Weird Al is a massive source of inspiration for me. The guy has been doing nothing but making whacky music through decades of music trends coming and going and never missed the mark.
From a really young age, I appreciated that not everyone has to take everything so seriously.
Good: Mr. Rodgers But more influencal (unfortunately): Tyler Durdin
Rogers. Fred McFeely Rogers. If you’re over the age of 30 that’s the answer, and if not then it’s still a good answer.
Captain Jean Luc Picard and Captain Benjamin Lafayette Sisko
All 5 of the Mythbusters. Adam and Jamie in particular really embodied two aspects of my own neurodivergence, respectively showing me that it’s okay to have ADHD and Autistic traits, and what it looks like to be successful while also having those conditions.
(Yes, I know Jamie has never been publicly open about having ASD, but c’mon, it’s obvious. Even Adam, who worked closely with him for decades has said publicly that he’s fairly confident Jamie is on the spectrum)
Levar Burton on Reading Rainbow. That show was our Friday afternoon treat in grade school.
I loved Bill Nye. When the tv cart got rolled into class I knew we were gonna have an amazing time.
Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill…
As far as celebrities go: The dad from the “Dad, How Do I” YouTube series.
Maybe not exactly what you’re looking for, but If we’re talking meaningful people for your child to look up to, find an IRL male who has good morals and an open mind. They make great role models. If you’re a decent parent, that should be you.
Utah Phillips
I struggle to think of someone for my generation, but someone who I’ve looked up to is Carl Sagan, even if he passed before I was born.
A bit more recent - Sam Gamgee.
My grandpa
What made your grandpa a great role model for you?
My parents were shit but he always made sure I was taken care of. Did his best to protect me from adult issues and even though his son, my dad, has screwed home over a lot, he has never talked poorly about my dad to me. He’s just a man’s man and I try to let him know he’s the one who made me what I am today.
Bill Nye for sure. He’s smart and kind, and just generally awesome. We got to watch him in class a handful of times, and it was always fun.
