The late Paul Newman was the most generous celebrity in Hollywood. Other stars with a huge spirit of ubuntu are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Newman, the late ’Cool Hand Luke’ actor who passed away in September 2008, donated more money to charity than any other US star, giving a staggering $21 million away last year to various initiatives and campaigns.

This is according to a list compiled by The Giving Back Fund for Parade magazine.

Angelina and Brad spent an estimated $13.4 million on good causes including a health clinic in Ethiopia and the redevelopment of New Orleans last year. The couple also donated $1 million to help children caught up in the Iraq conflict, through education programmes via their Jolie-Pitt foundation.

Upon donating the money, United Nations ambassador Angelina said: "These educational support programmes for children of conflict are the best way to help them heal". Brad added: "We hope to encourage others to give to these great organisations".

Meanwhile, other notable acts include Mel Gibson investing $6.5 million to causes including a Holy Family Church in California and Oprah creating scholarships for kids in the hometown of her longtime partner, Stedman Graham.

1) Paul Newman - donated an estimated $21 million

2) Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt - donated an estimated $13.4 million

3) Mel Gibson - donated an estimated $6.5 million

4) Richard Childress (former NASCAR racer) - donated an estimated $5 million

5) Oscar De La Hoya - donated an estimated $3.5 million

6) Oprah Winfrey - donated an estimated $2.4 million

7) Sam Waterston - donated an estimated $2.1 million

8) Yao Ming (basketball player) - donated an estimated $2 million

9) Patricia Cornwell (author) - donated an estimated $2 million

10) Barbra Streisand - donated an estimated $1.7 million

Bang Showbiz