Ice Bucket Challenge: Sexy Celebs Help Raise Awareness, Millions For ALS [Videos]

The ALS Ice Buckett Challenge has taken on a life of its own and celebrities are being nominated to do the deed, all over the world. With their star power, these sexy A-listers have the opportunity to bring awareness to the deadly disease and in the process raise millions of dollars for the cause, while making their fans very happy.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) — known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — affects nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. The deadly ailment attacks nerve cells and ultimately leads to complete paralysis, as the mind remains intact. Life expectancy is about two to five years from the time of diagnosis.

Peter Frates — a 29-year-old former baseball player that suffers from the debilitating disease — started the Ice Bucket Challenge campaign at the end of July. The inspirational video, posted on Facebook, caught and was noticed by some very big names including Bill Gates and Chris Christie (we’re still waiting on President Obama to accept at least two nominations) and now it is taking Hollywood by storm.

The Ice Bucket Challenge has lit up social media world, with countless celebrities accepting the nominations from colleagues, to dump a bucket (or cooler in some instances) full of ice over their heads to raise awareness about ALS. After a short speech, which usually includes a pledge to donate money, the subject gets soaked with the freezing water.

Even though the Ice Bucket Challenge is about a very serious matter and the people suffering from the illness have little hope, this new trend is definitely bringing awareness to their condition. The funds raised will go to help in researching a possible cure and treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Some of the hottest leading men are accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge and making their own videos to post on social media and nominating other celebrities. Here are a few of the best videos we found, starring the sexiest stars in Hollywood today:

BEN AFFLECK

Our new Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice took the Ice Bucket Challenge, which also involved his wife, actress Jennifer Garner, and one of their kids. This one is really adorable.

CHRIS HEMSWORTH

He stars in Thor as the titular character and the ladies will really appreciate him taking the Ice Bucket Challenge, even if whoever dumps water on him doesn’t let him finish speaking. Thank you to Robert Downey Jr. for nominating Chris.

TOM HIDDLESTON

Known for playing Loki in Thor Tom is a fan favorite, not only for his good looks, but his talent and great personality. Tom was smart enough to wear a white shirt for his Ice Bucket Challenge and we thank him.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

One of the best footballers in the world, Ronaldo was brave enough to take the Ice Bucket Challenges, wearing nothing but his own line of underwear. Unfortunately, whoever took the video was a little shaky, so it’s blurry.

CHRIS PRATT

The star of the newest blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy also accepted an Ice Bucket Challenge nomination from Disney head Bob Iger and tried to enjoy himself, even though he got multiple buckets dumped on him. This one is funny.

JAMES FRANCO

Franco made his Ice Bucket Challenge video more interesting than most, by wearing a t-shirt and it’s seemed like nothing else. Check it out.

CARSON DALY, BLAKE SHELTON, ADAM LEVINE

The Voice guys has a group Ice Bucket Challenge and fans got a three for one video here. This one’s pretty funny.

Even though some have criticized the motives behind celebrities doing the Ice Bucket Challenge, their involvement seems to be bringing in more money for ALS research. For those with the disease, it may be a welcome distraction and relief that their situation is getting some much needed attention.

As far as Pete Frates, he can no longer speak — one of the devastating effects of ALS — but he has started something bigger than himself, which has touched millions. In December of 2013, Frates posted a touching video about what it’s like to have ALS saying:

“The story right now goes: You’ve got ALS, have it for a little while, a long while, but either way, the end is always the same. ALS always wins. So in order to rewrite the end of it, we need to raise awareness, money.”

It seems his wishes are coming true thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge and we can expect the campaign to continue to grow, as more celebrities become involved, without losing sight of the thousands affected by ALS. To donate and learn about Lou Gehrig’s disease you can visit Alas.org.

[Image via Tom Hiddleston/Twitter]