Actor Andrew Shue: 70% of Americans Believe the American Dream Is Dead

Former Melrose Place star Andrew Shue believes most Americans have lost faith in the promise that once defined their country. During a chat with Fox News Digital, the 59-year-old actor and founder of The Forum offered a grim take on how citizens across the political spectrum feel right now. He argues people are struggling regardless of where they stand economically or politically.

"There's nobody in this country right now that thinks we're in a good place," Shue stated plainly. "You look around and you say, how do we feel about our kids? How do we fill it feel about our kid's future? What kind of anxiety level do we all have? You're seeing 70% believe the American dream is dead or dying."

"So we're all in this boat together," he continued without hesitation. "There's nobody who's jumping out, whether you're a billionaire, a bartender, everybody in between, we are all in this together."

Shue insists that growing pessimism stems from systemic problems accumulated over decades rather than a single election or specific political figure. "We're realizing that the engine is broken and the main systems that drive that engine are our political system and our economic system," he explained clearly. The political setup currently rewards those in power, many of whom are elderly, while fostering performative conflict. The economy simply hands out big gains to the top tier. Ninety percent feel like they're treading water or underwater, a condition persisting for decades. He noted all these issues existed long before Donald Trump entered the scene.

"And so, as we look around, and we're fighting each other, and we try to figure out, what are we gonna do? Who's coming to save us?" he asked rhetorically. "The answer is right in front of us," Shue replied firmly. "It's us. It's the American people. The question is, 'Oh, that seems kind of obvious. Yeah, the consent of the governed.' We are the ones who are supposed to be the ultimate authority."

To tackle this widening divide, Shue launched The Forum, a nonpartisan civic group uniting Americans with different political views to find common ground and craft policy solutions. The project has already rolled out in three early primary states: South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Nevada. "We have launched the Forum that I've been working on for the last eight years with an incredible team," he said proudly. "It's the place and the process for the American people to co-create that renewal agenda." Over 300,000 individuals have participated so far. The group maintains perfect political balance with conservatives, liberals, and folks from the far left or right all showing up. This mix grants them credibility and legitimacy.

"Elected leaders from both sides who put down their arms are actually leading the efforts in each state," he added seriously. "So this is the way forward. The question is, will the legislators, the elected leaders, follow? The American people are ready to lead."

As the initiative expands across these three states, Shue told Fox News Digital he was struck by how fast participants find common ground despite their differences. "I think that the thing that surprised me the most was that when you give people this assignment, you say, 'It's now on you, you are going to be the hero of the story.

Everyone simply has to work together, listen to one another, hear their lived experiences, and find common ground," Shue stated. "Seventy percent must agree on the supermajority number, 70% or higher, before draft legislation moves forward." That is the requirement he laid out. The beauty of bringing diverse people into a room appears when they cannot tell who is Democrat or Republican. They see shared values instead. They spot a common goal. Once listening begins and people feel like teammates with a single aim, anything becomes possible. People are desperate for this shift. They are truly ready for something new.

America marks its 250th year, yet our greatest chapters remain ahead. Shue, a native of Delaware, spoke on what restores his optimism regarding Americans and their capacity when united. "We know what makes America, America," he said. It rests on confidence and belief in what is possible. Secretary of State Marco Rubio put it best: "Anyone from anywhere can become anything." People believe that line and live it out daily. America offers a shot to everybody. This is the moment for the American people to act as heroes.

Shue has largely stepped away from Hollywood, but his fame on "Melrose Place" helped shine a spotlight on The Forum. "It certainly hasn't hurt," he admitted. Confusion exists among some observers. He explains what he has done over the last eight years and how committed he remains to this project. This initiative creates a pathway for renewal, a new power source to break partisan gridlock, and an opportunity for everyone to participate. Consider even MAGA; it was strong because people belonged to something. We need to belong to something that does not beat the other side but moves us somewhere together. We want to be on the same team. Politics exhausts us all.

"The American people can create a renewal agenda," Shue asserted, "then we build the power base to enforce it." Elected leaders must go along because this is the only way forward. Reflecting on personal challenges in recent years, Shue noted that difficult experiences change how he approaches relationships and community. "It definitely makes you try to put yourself in other people's shoes," he said. Walking in others' footsteps builds understanding. We are all flawed. We strive to be better people. Sometimes we make decisions that fail for us or our children. Painful struggles teach who you really are.

Now Shue spends his time helping others rediscover faith in the American Dream. He felt it firsthand during his acting career when he landed the starring role on "Melrose Place." That job gave him a ton of confidence.

I gave me doors that were opened and it gave me a platform. And it came at a time in my life where I was a little bit trying to figure out my direction and what I was capable of. But it did give me possibility. I mean, it was the ultimate example of the American dream."

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"It was a real boost to my confidence and a boost to my thought process about what could be possible.