9 Famous Men You Did Not Know Are Freemasons

Throughout its centuries-long history, Freemasonry has attracted many of the world’s best leaders, Monarchs, Presidents, scientists, entertainers (and others) to its ranks.

This is due to a wide variety of different reasons and benefits of becoming a Freemason, and it’s no secret there are many “influential people” today who also happen to be Freemasons.

While there are definitely many more (more than we can ever know about), today we’re taking a look at 9 famous men you probably did not know are also Freemasons today.

These are superstar athletes, politicians, tech wizards, royalty, and more.

Here’s a quick overview of the people we will discuss below.

9 Famous Men Who Are Also Freemasons:

  1. Shaquille O’Neal
  2. Scottie Pippen
  3. Silvio Berlusconi
  4. Steve Wozniak
  5. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
  6. The Duke of Kent
  7. Jesse Louis Jackson Snr.
  8. John Elway
  9. Micheal Anthony Richards

famous people who are freemasons

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Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal

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Is Shaq a Freemason?

Yes, Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal famously known as Shaq, is a renowned former USA basketball star.

He retired from the sport a couple of years ago and currently works as a sports analyst on the Inside the NBA show on TNT.

Shaquille was made a Freemason after retiring from his athletic career. His initiation was at Widow’s Son Lodge No.328, PHA in Massachusetts, London. He was made a ‘Master Mason” at sight.

This is one of the rarest honors to happen to anyone in the brotherhood.

His 19-year basketball career saw him rise to the ranks of legends such as Kobe Bryant (not a freemason) and Michael Jordan (also not a Freemason).

Shaq is actively engaged in Freemason activities.

He has been photographed several times with members of his Lodge and others.

Scottie Pippen

Scottie Pippen

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Scottie Pippen is a known Freemason.

His involvement in the brotherhood caused a stir during his career, especially since his Chicago Bulls jersey was number 33, which is linked to Freemason symbols.

However, all these speculations were later put to rest. Scottie is among the highest-profile Prince Hall Masons.

He balanced his Masonic duties and his basketball career very well in life.

Scottie is an NBA legend. In the 1990s, he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan.

The two played a significant role in transforming the Bulls into a worldwide recognized team.

Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi

Italian media tycoon and politician Silvio Bulesconi’s initial involvement with Freemasonry can be traced back to Propaganda Due in 1978.

This Masonic Lodge operated under the Grand Orient of Italy until 1976, when its Charter was withdrawn.

The lodge transformed into a pseudo-Masonic organization. It continued with its activities despite the apparent violation of Article 18 of the Italian Constitution, which banned secret societies.

In 1981, the lodge was dissolved, and Silvio narrowly escaped punishment after concealing evidence of his membership and the fees he paid to the lodge.

Ever since, he hasn’t been actively linked to any Lodge and, since writing this text, has passed away on June 12th, 2023.

Silvio Berlusconi served as an Italian Prime Minister in four different governments.

He has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since July 2019.

Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak is an American engineer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and programmer.

In 1976, he co-founded Apple Inc. with Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne.

Their notable work made them stand out in the technology revolution world during the 1970s and 1980s, which earned them the title of ‘prominent pioneers of the personal computers.’

His invention earned him a spot into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in September 2000.

Steve joined Charity Lodge No. 362, in California, in 1980 and is still a member today.

His records and association with Freemasonry has been open to the public.

Steve tirelessly continues supporting charity organizations as well as inventions/innovations to needy students or groups.

His philanthropic passion has earned him several awards from technology and community groups.

His charitable nature clearly indicates that he abides by the teachings of Freemasonry, which emphasize the importance of caring for and helping our neighbors.

Was Steve Jobs a Freemason as well?

No, there is no hint of proof that shows Steve Jobs was a Freemason along with Bro Steve.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is popularly recognized as the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

He has been a member of the craft for over 60 years. In 2013, he celebrated his royal sixtieth Freemasonry anniversary.

Prince Philip was initiated into the Navy Lodge No 2612 London, England, in 1952.

Up until his death on April 9th, 2021, he was a dues-paying member of his lodge.

Even though he wasn’t actively involved in Masonic activities, his dedication and devotion to the brotherhood were pure and worldwide recognized.

The Duke of Kent

The Duke of Kent

Queen Elizabeth II’s first cousin, the Duke of Kent, is a member of the Royal Family, which has a history with Freemasonry.

Edward George was initiated into the Royal Alpha Lodge No.16 on December 16, 1963.

That marked the beginning of a long Freemason career.

In 1965, he was elected the worshipful master for 1965-1966. Today, Edward holds the record as the longest-serving UGLE Grand Master in England and Wales.

In 2017, he celebrated 50 years as a UGLE Grand Master.

As a British monarch, Edward and his family are in the spotlight. His brother, Prince Michael, is also a Freemason.

Up to date, Edward still attends Masonic activities.

He participated in the 300th-anniversary event of UGLE since the day two lodges had combined to form UGLE.

Jesse Louis Jackson Snr.

Jesse Louis Jackson

Famous American civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister Jesse Jackson, also known as the Reverend, is an active Freemason.

On May 25, 1987, the Grand Master Senter of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois initiated him into the craft.

In the same year, he rose to the rank of Master Mason in his lodge. Currently, the 78-year-old retired shadow US Senator is a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Freemason.

He continues to participate diligently and actively execute his Masonic duties.

Jesse Jackson is recognized for his tireless fight against civil rights discrimination.

He came into the public eye when he started working with Martin Luther King Jr.

John Elway

John Elway

Former American Football Quarterback John Elway joined Freemasonry on June 28, 2002.

John was a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Despite retiring from American football in early 1999, John continues to pursue an executive career in the sport. He holds the titles of general manager and president of the Denver Broncos football association in the NFL (National Football League).

It wasn’t until after retiring from his football career that John pursued his interest in Freemasonry.

He is now a lifetime member of South Denver-Lodge No.93.

Micheal Anthony Richards

Micheal Anthony Richards

American actor Micheal Anthony Richards is one of the members of Riviera Masonic Lodge No. 780 Pacific Palisades, California.

At the time, he was a stand-up comedian and then soared into the limelight as the hilarious Kramer character on Seinfeld.

Ever since, he has been featured in several movies in different genres, most notably sitcoms, romances, and comedies.

Apart from being a renowned actor, he is also a writer and television producer.

Michael’s Freemasonry journey has been marked by high achievements.

He received the Knights Commander of the Court of Honor awards.

He is also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction.


Interested In Becoming A Freemason Yourself?

If you’d like to learn how you, too, can become a Freemason, read our comprehensive guide, which is available here.

However, it must be said that becoming a Freemason does not mean you will become famous (or rich, for that matter). Freemasonry is a way to better yourself, and it must not be used for material gains.

I hope you enjoyed this list of celebrities you probably never expected to be Freemason, the truth is there are plenty more.