Never respect people merely for their wealth, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.

Let us check out some of Hollywood's top Philanthropists who tackled some of the world's most pressing challenges such as poverty, endemic diseases, and illiteracy through audacious and innovative thinking without fear of failure.

Casey Wasserman and Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, 66, enjoys a particularly close partnership with Casey Wasserman, chairman and CEO of the L.A.-based Wasserman Media Group, one of the largest sports agencies in the world. Wasserman, who calls Clinton a philanthropic "mentor," has joined him in efforts to combat the nation's childhood obesity epidemic.

Selena Gomez and Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest long has been an overachiever, what with his hosting and heading Ryan Seacrest Productions. But of his many ventures, none makes the Atlanta native prouder than the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, the non-profit he formed in 2010 with his sister, Meredith, and parents, Gary and Connie.Among the artists who have given their time and heart is Selena Gomez, who was named ambassador of the foundation in 2012.

Gina Torres, Matt Bomer, Bonnie Hammer, Daniel Sunjata and Mark Feuerstein

Growing up in a Jewish family in New York, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment chairman Bonnie Hammer never had issues with prejudice -- until she took a college trip to Kansas.

"They had never seen a Jew before ... and literally someone said they thought Jews had horns," she recalls. That rude awakening was part of the inspiration behind Hammer's creation of Characters Unite, USA Network's campaign to combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance.

Sumner Redstone, Heather Graham, Scott Neeson

Former executive Scott Neeson had a life-changing experience in 2003 when he took a trip to Cambodia and witnessed crowds of desperate children searching for food in the refuse of the poor, war-ravaged nation. After returning home, he decided to leave his $1 million-a-year job (including bonuses) at Sony Pictures Releasing International -- where he had been senior executive vp marketing -- sell all he had and move to Cambodia full-time. There, the single Neeson set up the Cambodian Children's Fund to feed, shelter and educate impoverished children.

TV Writer-Producer, Sam Simon

"It's very smart for big charities to get their donors involved and get some hands-on experience and see what they really do," notes Simon, who left The Simpsons in 1993 to create the Malibu-based Sam Simon Foundation that rescues the hungry (humans -- but with vegan foods only) and strays (dogs, of any variety). "I like direct action. I don't like petitions," he says.

Ø John Prendergast and Robin Wright

It's the incidence of rape in the Congo that convinced House of Cards actress Robin Wright that she had to take action. Teaming up with human rights activist John Prendergast (who advised George Clooney and Don Cheadle on their advocacy for the people of Darfur) and his Washington, D.C.-based non-profit Enough Project, Wright has worked to raise awareness of the issues resulting from the Congolese civil wars.