LeVar Burton probably influenced both my love of reading (Reading Rainbow) and decision to become an engineer (Star Trek).

I really like Adam Savage as well. The tour he did of Grant Imahara's shop was very touching.

It seems like kind of an obvious answer, but Mister Rogers. I grew up watching him on PBS, and he was always so kind and gentle, and he always has good lessons and reminders to be had. I still watch his show whenever I'm feeling down and don't want to get out of bed. For me, they're motivating to get up and do something.

TotalBiscuit taught me a lot about having standards and standing by them. Also about consumer rights and voting with your wallet.

Bob Ross, I've always been an introverted person and didn't make friends quickly as a kid. Bob helped me become comfortable with that and just put my energy into things I do like instead of trying to be something I'm not.

Lady Gaga.

Never met her but seems like one of the kindest people you could hope to meet. She doesn't seem concerned what you look like, just who are you as a person.

Mr. Rogers. Besides all the usual Mr. Rogers stuff even after his death he had the most important lesson for me. Reading an article about him I learned that he kept detailed files on all his friends and acquaintances. He would use them to keep track of birthdays, kids names, etc... all the details that make you a good friend for remembering. To me it really humanizes Fred Rogers and shows that he wasn't just some inhumanly perfect person. Being a good person was work for Fred Rogers just like it is work for the rest of us. What made him special was his choice to put so much effort into being good. I think that's the greatest lesson he has for adults.

Robin Williams

Steve Irwin. The passion he had doing what he loved and sharing it with the world is incredibly inspiring still to this day

I may be a little more comfortable with the weather than I might otherwise be if it weren't for Greta Thunberg making it a bit harder for corporations to fuck everything up. Does that count?

Otherwise, Carl Sagan.

Stephen Fry

My immediate response was also Adam Savage. I say this while laying in bed, background watching mythbusters as I do every night. I'm studying to become an engineer and it's literally because of this show and how interested it got me in science and just understanding how things work as a kid.

It's been a dream of mine for years to meet the man and thank him, but he seems to keep himself quite busy these days. I just watched a 12 minute video of him simply talking about a pencil and I hope he never changes.

Dave Brockie (of GWAR). Taught me not to take things so seriously.

Adam Yauch. You taught us all how to grow up and be better than we were yesterday

I'd say the artists of my music playlist .

I'm not sure how we're defining celebrity these days, but my vote would be for Canadian Astronaut (and engineer) Chris Hadfield.

He's had to accomplish many amazing things to be in the position to become a Canadian Astronaut, and then kept doing more amazing things. He's a humble and approachable style has allow people around the world to connect to spaceflight and the benefits it has to all of humanity.

I saw the question and immediately thought of Adam as well. Funny you should have already done so. He’s more than just a Maker, he really has some interesting life experiences to share and how to deal with one’s own difficulties. I really like his takes on not gatekeeping knowledge, not crushing other people’s creativity, and just generally being kind. His enthusiasm for learning new things and discovery goes a long way, too. I made a little 3D printed plaque of his words regarding failure, it helps when I get frustrated with a project that isn’t going how I want.

Does Richard Wolff count? He's the one who gave me hope when it comes to politics.

Steven Soderbergh

Earthling Ed

Conan O'Brien. Taught me how much fun the world can be when you are just silly.

Anthony Bourdain has always inspired me to seek out the unknown and to keep an open mind about the perspectives of others. Our lives are incredibly short and we often spend too much time trying to pick apart the minutia of those who are close to us. It's important to have a balance and to go out and be in uncomfortable situations with unfamiliar people.

David Bowie and Prince both bent and blurred gender lines while still being attractive, unique, and amazingly talented. Bowie died really close to his birthday, and both dates are close to my birthday.

When he died, I decided to check off some of my bucket list items, like performing in drag. Whenever I’ve felt self conscious, thinking about these icons really helped me be comfortable with myself and my journey.

I really miss both of them as a fan. :/ I wish I had seen them live.

many musicians and authors will influence you as they get you to think. Agree or disagree if what they put out is quality it will have a positive influence on your life. I don't really think of any youtubers in that way really though.