Actors are a busy lot. All the research, workshopping, meetings, studio time, press releases, premiere events, Oscar screenings and after parties must get exhausting. And that’s just for one film. But, there are some go-getting young gunslingers in the acting community who want to go the extra mile and really get involved with the world outside the film industry. And here they are. A list of my favourite actors who want to make a difference.

For a while there Pirates 4 was all looking a bit pear-shaped; Orlando had stepped down, Keira walked the plank and it looked like it would be Johnny Depp sailing solo. However, then Penelope Cruz climbed aboard, Ian’s stowed away (we’re rapidly running out of piratey metaphors) and things are generally looking up for team Pirates.

Sneaking under the radar to a cinema near you on December 4th is 44 Inch Chest. Some jaded souls might groan at the prospect of another addition to the long link of Brit gangster flicks, but this is no Guy Ritchie knock-off, oh nosiree Bob. This one’s got pedigree. Breeding, like.

Following in the footsteps of Simons Callow and Pegg, Hollywood star Brian Cox is rumoured to have signed up for a guest spot in the upcoming Christmas episodes of Doctor Who. The actor, probably best known for his portrayal of a pre-Hopkins Hannibal Lecter in Michael Mann’s Manhunter, is to provide the voice for an as-yet unidentified alien in the specials.