A-List Stars Donate Millions to Help Struggling Actors During Strike

Recently, more than a dozen A-list celebrities, including George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, donated at least $1 million each to SAG-AFTRA (the actor’s union) to support struggling actors during their ongoing strike.

The foundation announced that over the past three weeks, George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, and Blake Lively have all donated at least one million dollars each to SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Hugh Jackman and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, and Oprah, also contributed. The total donation was more than 15 million dollars.

Courtney Vance (who is married to Angela Bassett) is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s President. She said, “The entertainment industry faces a crisis, and we are currently processing 30 times more applications than usual for emergency assistance.”

He continued, “We have received 400 applications just in the past week.” The Emergency Financial Assistance Program helps to make sure that those in need do not lose their home, can pay for utilities, feed their families, get life-saving medications, and cover medical expenses.

He described the situation as a “major challenge,” but added that the foundation will “meet this moment.”

Last month, the Writer’s Guild of America, which represents writers, joined the actor’s union in striking after negotiations with studios about fair pay, residuals, and artificial intelligence failed. Since May, the writers’ union is on strike over similar issues.

He said: “For over 38 years, The Foundation has provided a safety net to our community in its most difficult times. And, like the COVID epidemic, this work shutdown magnifies the precarious conditions of living and the financial distress of so many actors who live paycheck-to-paycheck.”

Streep recalled hustling for multiple minimum-wage jobs before she succeeded in the industry.

In a press release, the actress of “Sophie’s Choice”, said: “I remember the days I worked as a waiter or cleaner, or even a typist. Even my time in the unemployment line is a memory.” “I am fortunate to be able to support those who are going to fight a long battle to maintain against Goliath in this strike action.” “We will stand together in strength against these powerful corporations that are determined to take the humanity, dignity, and even human element out of our profession.” “I am most proud of my colleagues who immediately offered to finance the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.”

Clooney said that he was ready to continue the negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (the trade association that represents studios and production firms) for a fair deal.

“Until then, I’m proud to be able to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and my fellow actors who may be struggling in this historic moment,” the “Ocean’s Eleven” actor said. “We’ve stood on the shoulders of the likes of Bette Davis and Jimmy Cagney and it’s time for our generation to give something back. I can’t thank Courtney enough for his determination in putting this effort together by shedding light on the human toll happening right now, and how we can work together to alleviate some of the pain and suffering.”