#8 – Russell Brand

Probably best known for his comedy routines, acting and short-lived marriage to American singer Katie Perry, Brand is making waves of a different kind these days and generating a good deal of controversy as he goes. His interview with Paxman on Newsnight in October of last year has had over 10  million YouTube views to date. Many argue that he got the better of this hard-nosed interviewer in arguing that current political systems are not working, but are just creating larger gaps between the rich and poor, destroying the planet and only serving big businesses and those who are the most powerful in society. Powerful stuff from a man who is probably better known for having sex with lots of women.