Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw donated $1.5 million to support the Hollywood actors and writers strike.
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In a statement obtained by Variety on Monday, the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF) thanked the Jurassic Park director and his wife for collectively donating $1.5 million to their organization since the walkout began. Writers Guild of America in May 2023.
“Thanks to the transformative support of Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, as well as many other generous donors, the Fund helps film and television workers in need with emergency financial assistance to cover basic expenses (rent, food, health insurance, medical costs, etc.). .), including support for mental health,” we read in the ECF press release.
ECF, formerly known as Actors Fund, supports entertainment professionals in need of financial support. They also did this during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw also donated to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s emergency relief program. The program has reportedly processed up to 100 financial assistance applications per day since the work stoppages began.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation also released a statement saying, “This significant donation from Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg to the Foundation’s Emergency Relief Program will not only help meet the current and overwhelming demand for financial assistance, but will continue to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.” AFTRA community as it faces financial difficulties and long-term challenges in the coming years. »
The WGA has called on Hollywood screenwriters to strike starting May 2 this year. Two months later, SAG-AFTRA also called on Hollywood actors to strike.
Other celebrities who have contributed to the strike effort include Shonda Rimes, Seth MacFarlane, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney.