Ellen DeGeneres
Host of her own talk show, Ellen, Ms. DeGeneres is one serious poker player. Famed for being the first woman comedienne to be asked by Johnny Carson to take the seat next to him, Ellen also has not one, but three different free online poker games you can play from her TV website.
Mark Twain
Image via Wikimedia Commons by steamboattimes.com
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Mark Twain mastered the written word with the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,but this Floridian also enjoyed poker and cigars. He said of poker, “Learning to play two pairs is worth about as much as a college education, and about as costly.” It has been said Twain’s humor helped to develop his poker face and playing style.
Don Cheadle
Image via Flickr by Bob Bekian
This actor who starred in remakes of the Oceansmovies about robbing casinos probably stopped at a casino here and there between filming to get in a hand or two. Along with playing for big pots, Cheadle also employs his wit as a favored guest at charity poker events.
Walter Matthau
Image via Wikimedia Commons by Photographer-Henry Grossman, New York
Baby Boomers remember Matthau for his role as the poker-playing sportswriter in the movie The Odd Couple with Jack Lemmon, but Matthau loved to play poker in real life as well. It is said his quote on poker playing rings true: “The game exemplifies the worst aspects of capitalism that have made our country so great.” We think he’d be thrilled with the online no deposit casinos of today!
Jennifer Tilly
Image via Flickr by California Cthulhu (Will Hart)
The actress was brilliant in her role in The Cat’s Meow playing Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons, but she’s also one serious poker player. She’s racked up three first place wins and her winnings to date are $645,000+. Tilly has won the 2005 World Series of Poker No-Limit Holdem tourney and achieved victory in the World Poker Tour Ladies International. Still, many fans of Bullets Over Broadway and Liar, Liar have no clue this actress loves to bluff.
James Woods
Image via Flickr by Alan White
Famed for his dark portrayal in The Onion Field, Woods isn’t afraid to talk about his love for poker or the people he enjoys playing with most—Woods often mentions actress Nicollette Sheridan of Desperate Housewives fame. Never afraid to take on a dramatic role and become the character, we’re pretty sure his poker face is hard to read.
Paris Hilton
Image via Flickr by Eva Rinaldi
Hilton is a self-made celeb, but that didn’t stop her from telling Hollywood her poker skills are pretty good: “I’m really lucky in Vegas—I always win!” This not-so-dumb blonde might seem like an easy “take” at the tables, but watch out, she definitely has the bank account to back her while she masters the game. Everyone loves to play poker—even the famous. Another testament to just how fun the world of gaming can be, especially with the continued popularity of online play.