Dwayne Johnson has proved once again he’s a great guy.
The Fast and The Furious star has made the largest single financial gift in SAG-AFTRA history.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson said they drafted a letter to the union’s top-earning performers after the strike began two weeks ago.
They explained the financial help required to support the union’s 160,000 members during the work stoppage.
“Having been through this during COVID and having such a great response from our own membership to take care of their own, when the strike was decided, Courtney and I sat down with our team and said, ‘Here we go again’,” Wilson told Variety.
Wilson added that the foundation depends on donations and grants to run its programs.
She said they were fortunate to have raised enough previously to cover ongoing services.
“We rely on donations and grants to provide services — we have been very fortunate that we raised enough money to be able to cover all of our programs.
She noted, however, that a crisis like this requires spending “millions and millions of dollars” in direct assistance.
That made reaching out to high-profile talent who can give especially important, she said.
Soon after the letter went out, Dwayne Johnson‘s team contacted the foundation and offered help.
Johnson and Vance then spoke by phone.
“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 said.
“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.”
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation issues grants that provide up to $1,500 per member and up to $6,000 in emergency cases.
Johnson’s seven-figure donation will therefore help thousands of fellow performers directly.
“It’s the largest single donation that we’ve ever received from one individual at one time. And what is amazing is that that one check is going to help thousands of actors keep food on their table, and keep their kids safe, and keep their cars running. And it’s not lost on me that he’s very humble about this, but it is a way to get us started,” Wilson said.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher announced the union’s plans to strike on July 14.
“We stand tall. You have to wake up and smell the coffee. We are labor and we stand tall and we demand respect and to be honored for our contribution. You share the wealth because you cannot exist without us,” she said in her speech at the time.
The union is striking to press for higher pay and improved terms as the industry shifts toward streaming.
Many in entertainment have revealed what they earn for weeks of work to make the case.
They argue streaming has driven down their pay over time.
Members say they will not return to work until stronger protections and fairer compensation are secured.