According to Variety, Dwayne Johnson has made a massive donation to striking SAG-AFTRA members who may need financial assistance if the strike drags on and on.
The nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation was created to assist and provide financial relief to those who face a financial shortfall due to a lack of work. Members can access funds via the foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Johnson, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, donated an undisclosed amount, but it was a major boost to the emergency fund.
The president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, esteemed actor Courtney B. Vance, and executive director Cyd Wilson sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors stating the need for financial assistance for lesser-known actors who can’t afford to be out of work.
Johnson’s team immediately answered the call.
“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,'” Vance told “The Rock” when they spoke about his donation. “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.”
Johnson’s donation was in the seven figures, enabling the foundation to aid more members. SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s grants give members up to $1,500, but in extreme conditions like health issues or other emergencies, a lifetime member can receive up to $6,000. Johnson’s contribution has the potential to help thousands of actors.