Celebrities back Kamala Harris for president after Joe Biden drops reelection bid

Hollywood is giving a heartfelt salute to President Joe Biden — and rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a historic move, Biden announced Sunday that he is ending his bid for reelection amid intense pressure from Democratic leaders, who had been sounding the alarm that his path to beat former President Donald Trump in November had vanished.

Biden quickly endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee in a separate statement on X. Harris responded that she was honored to have Biden's endorsement and that her "intention is to earn and win this nomination."

Following the political bombshell, several stars have taken to social media to thank Biden for his presidential work. They also showed their enthusiasm for Harris' possible candidacy as the Democratic nominee.

U.S. presidential election: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race and endorses Kamala Harris

In an X post, "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill gushed that Biden has “a record of accomplishments unmatched by any president in our lifetime.”

"He restored honesty, dignity (and) integrity to the office after four years of lies, crime, scandal (and) chaos," Hamill wrote. "Thank you for your service, Mr. President. It's now our duty as patriotic Americans to elect the Democrat who will honor (and) further your legacy."

George Clooney endorses Kamala Harris after calling for Biden to step down

A-list actor and Democratic fundraiser George Clooney endorsed Harris in a statement to CNN Tuesday.

“President Biden has shown what true leadership is,” Clooney told the cable network. “He’s saving democracy once again. We’re all so excited to do whatever we can to support Harris in her historic quest.”

Clooney previously publicly aired his grievances with Biden's fitness to run for office in 2024 in a New York Times op-ed published July 10.

“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate,” Clooney wrote.

"This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and congress member and governor that I’ve spoken with in private. Every single one, irrespective of what he or she is saying publicly," he added.

George Clooney argues in new op-ed that Democratic Party needs a new nominee

Barbra Streisand, Octavia Spencer, more tribute 'true patriot' Joe Biden

“Joe Biden will go down in history as a man who accomplished significant achievements in his four-year term," Barbra Streisand wrote on X. "We should be grateful for his upholding of our democracy."

Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer shared a photo of herself speaking to Biden on Instagram alongside an emotional thank-you message.

"Thank you for being a true patriot and public servant for this country," Spencer wrote. "You can retire knowing that your constituents have tremendous affection for you and all that you’ve sacrificed. You built back a better America. Thank you."

“I see a person putting the people before themselves and their pride today,” Finneas, producer and brother of popstar Billie Eilish, wrote on Instagram. “And for that, I have an enormous amount of respect.”

"Thank you President @joebiden for your service and decades of leadership," Julianne Moore wrote on Instagram. "And for leading the strongest gun safety administration in U.S. history."

After the news was announced, "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, who had been critical of Biden's decision to remain in the race, wrote simply on X, "Legend."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who famously played a vice president who became president on "Veep," also thanked Biden for his service, "extraordinary leadership" and "love of this country and all its people."

Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee support Kamala Harris after Joe Biden resignation

Harris is widely seen as the Democrat most likely to take Biden's place atop the party's ticket, and the vice president received votes of confidence from the celebrity world.

"Once again a sista comes to (the) rescue," director Spike Lee wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris: As President Joe Biden steps aside, would America be ready for President Kamala Harris?

"I support wholeheartedly @joebiden and his decision to step down and to endorse unreservedly @kamalaharris," Jamie Lee Curtis wrote on Instagram. "She is trusted and tested, and she is a fierce advocate for women's rights and people of color and her message is one of hope and unity for America at her time of great national divide."

"All in for @kamalaharris," Amy Schumer wrote on Instagram. "Let’s (expletive) go!"

Sharing a photo with Harris on Instagram, "Abbott Elementary" star Sheryl Lee Ralph wrote, "When she wins, we win!"

"If you believe in America's future and want an honorable leader, you KNOW it’s time to vote @kamalaharris for President this November," Lynda Carter wrote, posting a picture of Harris posing in front of a Wonder Woman painting.

After praising Biden as an "American hero," Josh Gad vowed to do "whatever I can to get" Harris elected president "so that my girls can see that a woman in the United States can become leader of the free world for the first time in 235 years."

On X, Kerry Washington said that Harris "can and will win this," adding, "I believe in her and I believe in us. Let's gooooooooooooo!"

Viola Davis reshared Harris' post about Biden's endorsement and wrote, "I'm with her!"

Tina Knowles, Beyonce?'s mom, endorsed Harris as well, writing on Instagram, "Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President."

Charli XCX also seemed to back Harris by writing on X, in reference to her album "BRAT," "kamala IS brat."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Joey Garrison, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Michael Collins, Karissa Waddick, Marina Pitofsky, James Powel, Kathryn Palmer, Francesca Chambers, Sarah D. Wire, Rachel Barber and Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Celebs back Kamala Harris as Joe Biden drops reelection bid