Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is supporting the everlasting 2023 Writers Guild of America Strike, primarily in New York City, Los Angeles, Burbank and Culver City, with a seven-figure donation, Variety reported.
While the amount Johnson donated wasn’t revealed, it will help non-A-list artists struggling financially during the strike to keep them afloat.
Actor and SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson wrote a letter to 2,700 of the union’s A-list actors, highlighting the need for funds to help the union’s 160,000 not-so-big actors amid their financial struggles during the work stoppage.
Johnson contacted Vance about wanting to contribute, and Vance expressed his gratitude.
“It was a love fest,” Vance said, according to Variety. “It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it.’ This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.”
Eligible actors can apply for financial assistance from the foundation. However, the website highlights that “loss of work due to a production shutdown or strike alone does not qualify an individual for a grant under this program unless the member can show that the resulting loss of work has created an immediate financial crisis or hardship.”
Depending on the member’s financial situation, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation delivers up to $1,500 per member. It’s possible to receive up to $6,000 depending on the member’s financial crisis.
Applicants should read through the entire eligibility requirements before applying. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation also accepts donations for those in positions to do so.
As Sis2Sis reported, Nickelodeon and Disney actress Giovonnie Samuels posted an emotional video explaining to viewers that non-A-list actors, including herself, were struggling amid the strike.
