Famous Mormons

By Amy Choate-Nielsen

Deseret News
Published: Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 7:00 p.m. MST

David Letterman knows how to get a laugh.Like most comics, he riffs on the day’s news, deadpans the camera and revels in audacity.”Oh, did you hear about this?” the host of CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman asked his audience recently. “A campaign staffer on the Newt Gingrich campaign was fired because he was making negative comments about Mormons. I thought, now, wait a minute — isn’t Newt in favor of multiple wives?”
Laughter rumbled from the audience followed by applause. The polygamy punch line is a familiar one when it comes to poking fun at Mormons — as though Mormons and polygamy are synonymous in mainstream media. Ironically, the practice that’s most linked to Mormons is a practice most Mormons oppose, according to a groundbreaking new study of Mormons in America released Thursday by the Pew Research Center‘s Forum on Religion and Public Life.

According to the study, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unequivocally reject polygamy — only 2 percent said the practice is morally acceptable — evidence of a yawning gap in what Mormons believe and how they are perceived. Mormons’ opinions are overwhelmingly conservative, the study shows, but in many ways, their views are also surprising — especially when it comes to opinions on moral issues, divorce, homosexuality and polygamy. Read the rest of this entry »

Famous Mormon entertainer Donny Osmond recently addressed a question on his website Donny.com.  He was asked how he reacts to friends in same sex relationships who consider themselves married.

Despite the controversy, boycotts, threats, vandalism of LDS buildings, and even an Anthrax scare at two of our temples due to the church’s position on the issue and most recently, the vote on Proposition 8 in California, Donny stood by his beliefs as he explained how he can love his friends but disagree with the choices they make.

He explained that whether you consider yourself straight or gay, we all face temptations and are expected to live up to the same standards.  He referred to a statement released by The First Presidency of the Church in 1995 called “The Family  -  A Proclamation to the World“.  In it contains our beliefs that marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman, the family is ordained by God, and that children are entitled to have a mother and a father who are bound together by marriage, who love each other and will raise their children in righteousness.  It warns:  The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

Donny states his belief that this statement was issued by true prophets of God.  His courage in standing by his convictions is an inspiration to Mormons everywhere who have faced a variety of trials due to their position on gay marriage.

In other Osmond news, he recently released a Christmas Single titled “Little Drummer Boy” just in time for the holidays.  More information on the album can be obtained by contacting terri@jayosmond.com.

Peter Vidmar, born June 3, 1961, was the first US male gymnast to ever win an Olympic medal. In fact, as captain of the 1984 men’s gymnastics team, Peter led them to their first gold medal as a team as well as earning a gold medal for his perfect pommel horse routine and the all-around silver medal. Peter Vidmar is the author of Risk, Originality, and Virtuosity: The Keys to a Perfect 10.

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Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes nicknamed Mormons, are well-known for their clean cut, family centered image. It is less well-known that there are many members of the church making a name for themselves in the world. There are famous Mormons in many fields, including publishing, music, politics, and television. This website showcases just a few of those people, all active in the church and proud of their church membership.

As you explore this website, you’ll find names you’re likely to recognize as being LDS, such as Osmonds or Mitt Romney. There may be names that surprise you as well, such as Shannon Hale and Gladys Knight. Some have been members of the church all their lives, and others joined in recent years. You’ll be able to learn about their personal and professional lives, but also be able to explore how being a member of a church that remains a mystery to many has affected their lives and their careers. Learn how it’s possible to be the squeaky clean Mormon we’re most often seen as and still succeed in the world.