Ronald Reagan

This one is obvious, yes, but as the best example of just how far in politics a former celebrity can go, it definitely counts. After enjoying some success as a sports announcer, motivational speaker, and actor, Ronald Reagan was elected governor of California in 1966 and again in 1970. Setting his sights higher, he tried to secure the Republican presidential nomination twice before finally winning in 1980.
We know how that ended: He defeated President Jimmy Carter and was elected the 40th president. He ran for — and won — re-election in 1984.