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Myers briggs personality types famous examples


Here's the Movie Star with Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Do you ever wonder which big-screen icons have your personality type? Have you ever felt a special kinship with a particular actor or actress? Today we’re going to explore 16 movie stars and their rumored Myers-Briggs® personality types. If you’re cooped up at home and looking for something to do, you can check out their movies and interviews to see how much you have in common!

Keep in Mind: It’s nearly impossible to type someone without having a one-on-one consultation, so these picks are my best guesses for each type. I researched biographies of each of these actors (as well as many others) to try to find the best picks for each type. There isn’t space to go into all my reasoning in this one article, but I hope you’ll still enjoy this!

Let’s get started!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official MBTI® here.

Table of contents

  • The Movie Star You’ll Relate to, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
    • The ENFP – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
  • Robert Downey Jr. – ENTP
    • The INFP – Robert Pattinson
    • The INTP – Jesse Eisenberg
    • The ENFJ – Emma Stone
    • The ENTJ – Charlize Theron
    • The INFJ – Benedict Cumberbatch
    • The INTJ – Patrick Stewart
    • The ESFP – Will Smith
    • The ESTP – Milla Jovovich
    • The ISFP – Ryan Gosling
    • The ISTP – Clint Eastwood
    • The ESFJ – Jennifer Garner
    • The ESTJ – Emma Watson
    • The ISFJ – Gwyneth Paltrow
  • ISTJ – Morgan Freeman

Estimated reading time: 21 minutes

The Movie Star You’ll Relate to, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

The ENFP – Joseph Gordon-Levitt Photo Credit To: Caryn Loveless

“Being willing to change what you think you know can introduce entirely new possibilities. ” – Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Charismatic and creative, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, Snowden) exudes ENFP energy. He chases fascinating possibilities in his movies and in his day-to-day life. An example of this is Levitt’s web site, hitrecord.org, a place where any creative person can collaborate with others, starting or participating in short films or other artistic works as part of a team. This website was a labor of love for Levitt, who enjoys facilitating a place where anyone can be part of a collaborative pursuit like a short film or a music video. Hitrecord.org is a possibility playground and “a welcoming and positive place to be your creative self.” In fact, Levitt said, “The most valiant thing you can do as an artist is inspire someone else to be creative.” Levitt has also largely shunned the celebrity lifestyle, stating that “Astronauts and teachers are much more amazing than actors.” The gregarious, innovative, and individualistic nature of Joseph Gordon-Levitt is what makes him my top pick for ENFP movie star.

“People get treated like objects on a shelf sometimes…You can tell they have already decided what you are and put you in a box with a label on it.”

“No category ever really describes a person because every person is unique.”

Robert Downey Jr. – ENTP

Photo Credit To: Georges Biard

The quintessential ENTP, Robert Downey Jr. is someone who doesn’t mind “rocking the boat” to chase a new idea. Charming, creative, and sometimes irreverent, Downey Jr. has said that he “loves change” and that he “has a sense of destiny that you are led to the things you are supposed to do.” His ability to improvise and create clever one-liners and arguments at the spur of the moment are typical skills of the ENTP. He’s also someone who enjoys troubleshooting, foreseeing, and trying things that are daring and new. In fact, he once said, “I’m very good at deconstructing. I’m a very good troubleshooter for why something is unlikely to work. And most everything is unlikely to work. ” GQ Magazine said of Downey Jr., “Conversations with him are rarely linear…Sometimes it takes a moment to realize how one thing might relate to the next.” This is a quintessential trait of the ENTP. These types jump around in conversation, seeing random connections everywhere that other people are often blind to. It can be hard work keeping up with an ENTP in this way, and they often overwhelm other types who are trying to track all the connections in real-time.

The INFP – Robert Pattinson Photo Credit To: Nicolas Genin

“If you’re attempting to do something different, you’re always gonna win afterwards. Even if you fail, you still win.” – Robert Pattinson

Everything Robert Pattinson does comes from a place of exploration and curiosity. Often unconventional, he claims to be a romantic soul who is always waiting for change. His curiosity and need for variety shows up in his film choices; he’s played everything from a teen vampire in Twilight to a small-time crook in Good Time. Like all NP types, Pattinson loves the unexpected. In fact, he’s quoted as saying, “I like doing whatever I can to not know what’s going on. To be completely overwhelmed and disorientated.” Pattinson also has a penchant for playing complex, often oddball characters. “I’m not entirely sure how to play, like, a normal person.” Individualistic, creative, and thoughtful, Pattinson gives us a glimpse of the variety and heart that an INFP can bring to the movies.

Read This Next: 10 Things You’ll Relate to if You’re an INFP

The INTP – Jesse Eisenberg Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ

“I’ve never had the tastes of people my own age. All of my friends when I was 15 were in their 40s. I’m not actually mature, just very self-conscious around people my own age because I feel like I’m supposed to act the same way and I don’t know how.” – Jesse Eisenberg

Intellectual, analytical, and lovably awkward, Jesse Eisenberg in many ways seems like the quintessential INTP. In an interview with The Guardian, he’s described as having a tendency to “subject his words to instant examination, sometimes offering an overlaying commentary on statements he just made.” Another article from The Guardian says that Eisenberg, “is like a combination of an arrogant, highly intelligent teenager and a man who has never been properly socialized….To complain that he isn’t always polite feels irrelevant: Eisenberg seems to dwell on a different mental sphere, one far away from conventional niceties.” In articles about Eisenberg you see a consistent sense of internal critique going on at all times. He subjects his words to the strictest analysis, something that INTPs are known to do. He also has a strong sense of where he is in comparison to the big picture, often analyzing things on a meta scale and putting his situations and feelings in the context of the big picture. And while his lack of social ease is sometimes poked fun at, he’s actually a quite caring person (as INTPs frequently are). He fosters animals, has worked in domestic violence shelters and is also a cast member of Theater of War, a non-profit performing arts group that performs for military and civilian communities across the U.S. and Europe.

The ENFJ – Emma Stone Photo Credit To: www.promiflash.de – Bitte bei Bildverwendung auch Link setzen

Warm, empathetic, and generous, Emma Stone embodies the visionary and compassionate ENFJ. Like all ENFJs, Stone has consistently been driven by a vision of her future. In fact, as a young teenager, she created a PowerPoint presentation for her parents about how in 2004 she’d be in Hollywood.  She had the whole plan mapped out, and surprisingly enough, her parents agreed to it! Her road to fame took quite a bit of hard work (she once worked at a gourmet dog-biscuit bakery in Los Angeles and she had to drop out of school at 15) but she refused to give up. Stone also has advice for people struggling with anxiety (something she’s battled since the age of 7): “Something I really like to do when I’m struggling with anxiety is a brain dump. What I do is just write down anything that I’m worried about, I just write and write and write and I don’t think about it and I don’t read it back. I find it’s really, really helpful for me to get it all out on paper.” This is actually a helpful stress-relief tip for all Feeling-Judging personality types. People with high Extraverted Feeling have a need to express their emotions either verbally or through writing. This activity helps them to process and understand their own emotions, whereas Feeling-Perceiving types are better able to internally process their feelings (though they can also benefit from journaling).

The ENTJ – Charlize Theron Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

“You can never get to a place of comfort in this business. As soon as you hit that little cushy spot, somebody’s gonna kick you out. So I have a constant need to do it better.” – Charlize Theron

Bold, straightforward, and future-oriented, Charlize Theron embodies the rare ENTJ woman. She doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind and enjoys projects that get her out of her own head. She’s quoted as saying, “When I’m working I don’t have room to think about myself and my own issues. It’s really freeing. There is no room for me, which is really nice.” This mindset is very common to ETJ types, since they have inferior Introverted Feeling (Fi). They prefer to focus on tasks and projects rather than introspect about their own feelings. Fearless and high-energy, Theron has also stated that she “loves the feeling of being in charge,” and is attracted to characters that are “tough, and you have to break through that tough exterior.” Like many ENTJs, Theron has proved time and time again that she’s an extraordinary leader, becoming a UN messenger and founding a production company called Denver & Delilah. Her vision and work ethic is inspiring and it will be exciting to see what other achievements she brings out in the years ahead!

The INFJ – Benedict Cumberbatch Photo Credit To: Gage Skidmore

“Our daily lives are so mundane, we get taken over by what is immediately in front of us and we don’t see beyond that. ” – Benedict Cumberbatch

Thoughtful, warm, and contemplative, Benedict Cumberbatch personifies the creative talent and insight of the INFJ. Known for his role as the socially awkward but brilliantly intelligent Sherlock Holmes, Cumberbatch might play someone stoic and cold, but he’s actually quite friendly by nature. Elle Magazine describes him as, “struggling to walk a line between being genuine and people-pleasing…veering between honesty and courtesy.” Like all INFJs, he’s very big-picture oriented, stating that, “I love having context that’s so much bigger than I can fathom. It’s fantastic to realize how insignificant you are.” As a contemplative type, Cumberbatch also recognizes the value of stillness. When he volunteered his time to teach English in a Tibetan monestary he loved the focus on meditation and stillness. “Stillness is an essential part of acting,” says Cumberbatch, “In India, I went on a retreat with a lama – several days of incantation to clear and purify the mind – along with a dozen other people. It was incredible, and I kind of floated out of there after two weeks.”

Read This Next: 10 Things You’ll Relate to if You’re an INFJ

The INTJ – Patrick Stewart Photo Credit To: Maximilian Bühn

“I am compelled by obsession. Passion. Commitment to one thing.” – Patrick Stewart

Dignified, focused, and visionary, Patrick Stewart is the quintessential INTJ. His focus on the future and the implications of current events comes up repeatedly in his interviews. “It is what you do from now on,” says Stewart, “that will either move our civilization forward a few tiny steps…or else begin to march us steadily backward.” Brought up in poverty, Stewart would find solitude in the toilet outside his small home. There he would read by candlelight – first American authors, such as Hemingway, and later Russian authors, then Shakespeare. Even though he grew up in a violent household and admits to spending much of his childhood afraid, Stewart was determined to change the world. He has since sponsored a scholarship to fund studies of domestic violence at the University of Huddersfield. He has also worked with Amnesty International on issues of domestic violence against women and with a U.K. Veterans’ Mental Health organization called “Combat Stress.” Stewart is revered by the people who know him as serious, focused, dignified, and driven by integrity.

The ESFP – Will Smith

“Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me, danger is very real, but fear is a choice.” – Will Smith

Charismatic, fun-loving, and action-oriented, Will Smith gives us a perfect example of the ESFP performer. These types love variety and action, and that is obvious in Smith’s choice of career. Both rapper and movie star, Smith has excelled in science-fiction, comedic, romantic, and heavy dramatic roles. While many people are focused on Smith’s charm and energy, he has a distinctly compassionate side that sets him apart. “I want to do good,” says Smith, “I want the world to be better because I was here. I want my life, I want my work, my family, I want it to mean something. It’s like if you are not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.”

The ESTP – Milla Jovovich Photo Credit To: Gage Skidmore

“I like to overwhelm myself. I can’t live normally if I don’t have 10,000 things to do.” – Milla Jovovich

Energetic, clever, and impulsive, Milla Jovovich embodies the ESTP’s drive for action and involvement. Jovovich is drawn to variety, wavering between modeling, acting, singing, creating a clothing line, and even forming a production company. “If something doesn’t happen the way you want it,” says Jovovich, “you have to try it again until it happens. ” Her scrappiness and ability to be a jack-of-all-trades is a trademark ESTP trait. Jovovich brings raw energy, spontaneity, and practicality to her roles as an actress and mother. She views life realistically and even has a no-nonsense appreciation for her appearance. “I think I’m a very pretty girl. I’m never going to pretend to think otherwise. There are even days I feel I’m fabulously hot and sexy. I’m grateful for my looks. My family is doing well because of them. I can make career choices and turn down movies because of them and I have been making money from them for 17 years. My looks are who I am.” Jovovich, like most ESTPs, sees things for what they are and embraces life for the opportunities it provides.

The ISFP – Ryan Gosling Photo Credit To: Raffi Asdourian

“I feel like there’s something nice about not talking. Like you can say more by actually saying less.” – Ryan Gosling

Individualistic, creative, and authentic, Ryan Gosling cares far less about picking roles that will draw in the masses and more about going after his personal passions. While he could have his pick of many blockbuster films, he often chooses offbeat, complex dramas. He plays a reclusive man who falls in love with a sex doll in “Lars and the Real Girl”, a Neo-Nazi in “The Believer,” and a drug-addicted inner-city teacher in “Half Nelson.” Says Gosling, “I have my own taste, and I just try and stick with that.” Actress Emma Stone said of Gosling, “I really like hearing his viewpoint because I know that it’s never going to be tainted. He’s very much his own person.” In true ISFP style, Gosling shows his sensing side in his fashion choices. Friends and co-workers have pointed out his eye for detail in clothing, and how he builds his character by tailoring their fashion choices and perfecting their clothes down to the most minute detail.

The ISTP – Clint Eastwood Credit To: Creative Commons Sharealike

“I don’t believe in pessimism. If something doesn’t come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it’s going to rain, it will. ” – Clint Eastwood

Down-to-earth, independent, and observant, Clint Eastwood captures the creativity and pragmatism of the ISTP. As a young adult, Eastwood pursued a variety of jobs including lifeguard, paper carrier, forest firefighter, and golf caddy. As an adult, his no-nonsense, stoic style made him the “lone wolf” actor that men wanted to emulate and women wanted to romance. In typical ISTP style, Eastwood feels the need to move swiftly on set. “I have a reputation for always going with the first or second take,” says Eastwood, “Of course, I don’t always get it in one or two takes. It’s more that I want to get the feeling that we’re moving.” Deeply private and independent, Eastwood is guarded of his personal life. “Leave everybody alone,” he states, “Let everybody else do what they want. Just stay out of everybody else’s hair.” I think that’s a quote that most ISTPs can relate to!

The ESFJ – Jennifer Garner Photo Credit: Karon Liu

“I am patient and I like to take care of everyone. ” – Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner exudes friendliness and gentleness in every interview she takes part of. A self-proclaimed peace-maker, Garner embodies the nurturing, likable nature of ESFJs. Driven by a sense of responsibility and compassion, Garner is an artist ambassador for Save the Children, promoting national literacy, nutrition, and early education. Since 2014, Garner has served on the board of trustees for the organization. She frequently visits with families involved in the organization’s Early Steps to School Success program, which coaches families to help children to learn in early life. She also has co-founded Once Upon a Farm, an organic baby food company, in hopes of improving early childhood nutrition. In true ESFJ fashion, Garner values her community and her roots. “I’m still really close with everyone at home and their parents – and their brothers and sisters. I was so, so, so lucky to grow up as part of a community and I don’t take that for granted. I try very hard to stay part of it.”

The ESTJ – Emma Watson Photo Credit: Georges Biard

“I give 100 percent. I can’t do it any other way.” – Emma Watson

Sensible, driven, and inspiring, Emma Watson thrives on going after her goals and being 100% authentic. Not only an actress, Watson was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and has been a passionate defender of women’s rights and gender equality. In July 2019, Watson helped to launch a legal advice line for people who have suffered from sexual harassment at work.  Her relentless efforts for good have made her a role model and icon for young women. She’s managed to evade the drugs, partying, and impulsive choices of many of her peers and focus most of her efforts on bettering herself and accomplishing her goals.  In fact, Watson once stated, “(Like Hermione) I’m terrified of getting into trouble. I’m very heady in the same way that she is…She’s very determined. I am as well.” She also stated, “I actually wouldn’t ever need a good behavior clause in my contract. It’s just not necessary. I’m not tempted by parties or drugs.” Elle Magazine said of Watson, “There’s something efficient about her, as though life is a big to-do list that needs to be addressed.”

The ISFJ – Gwyneth Paltrow Photo Credit: Georges Biard

“You need to be accountable and you need to be responsible. You need to honor your commitments.” – Gwyneth Paltrow

Nurturing, dependable, and self-identified as “traditional,” Gwyneth Paltrow embodies some of the best qualities of ISFJs. “I think that people confide in me because they know I’m very loving,” Paltrow stated, adding that she’s “a bit of a mother hen.” She embraces her sensing side through her passionate love of cooking and experimenting with food. And while many of her quotes have been taken out of context or scrutinized as pretentious (and perhaps a few were), she strives to be authentic and grounded. “Invest in what’s real. Clean as you go. Drink while you cook. Make it fun. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It will be what it will be.” Paltrow is also dedicated to helping others. She has served on the board of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charitable organization that aims to alleviate problems caused by poverty in New York City. She has also been involved in supporting at least thirty other charities.

ISTJ – Morgan Freeman

“The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit.” – Morgan Freeman

Grounded, hard-working, and wise, Freeman is the actor who’s calming voice seems to narrate every epic nature documentary you’ve ever seen. At over 80-years-old, Freeman is still creating movies and working hard. When asked by Business Insider about the secret to his longevity, Freeman responded, “Discipline,” going onto explain how he only eats what’s necessary and stays active. His calming and friendly presence makes life on a movie set enjoyable for others around him. “Learn to be still,” states Freeman, “to really be still and let life happen – that stillness becomes a radiance.” Freeman also cares about the planet as well. In fact, he’s been converting his Mississippi ranch into a vast bee sanctuary at a time when honeybees have been experiencing a rapid decline. Like many ISTJs, he finds contentment in nature, peacefulness, and hard work. He enjoys discussing farming, acting, and sailing and has an avid curiosity about the world of animals. “If you live a life of make-believe,” stated Freeman, “your life isn’t worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality. And to me, sailing the open ocean is a real challenge, because it’s life or death.”

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article or have any thoughts to add? Let us know in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Sources:

Morgan Freeman Has a Surprising Hobby That’s Helping to Save the Planet

SAG Honoree Morgan Freeman Proves Life Can Begin at 50

13 of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Most Iconic Quotes

Gwyneth Paltrow – Her Life as an Actress and her Life Outside Acting

Gwyneth Paltrow is Perfectly Aware of How Obnoxious She Appears

Emma Watson Named as UN Goodwill Ambassador

5 Daily Habits to Steal from Emma Watson

Celebrity Types

Clint Eastwood Explains Why He Usually Goes for the First or Second Take

Milla Jovovich Trivia: 57 Fascinating Facts About the Model

43 Fresh Facts About Will Smith

Patrick Stewart Biography

Patrick Stewart on Why He Returned to the Final Frontier

Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock Has Changed My Personality

20 Surprising Facts About Benedict Cumberbatch

How Actress and Entrepreneur Charlize Theron Defines Success

Emma Stones Battles With Shyness, Panic Attacks and Phobias

Emma Stone Has Been Telling the Same Powerpoint since Before she went to the Oscars

Why Robert Pattinson is Perfect for “The Batman”

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