Kathy Baker, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Kathy Baker among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Kathy Baker »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a reliable source, Kathy Baker is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actress' fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 04/10/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Baker for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 76-year-old actress, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Baker so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actress have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Midland Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Midland (Kathy Baker's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the actress was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Kathy Baker Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 3 Oct 2026
“Congrats! Kathy has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 3 Oct 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Kathy Baker?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 3 Oct 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Kathy Baker?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Kathy Baker: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,3)