The Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the labor union representing approximately 160,000 media professionals, has announced a seven-figure gift from actor Dwayne Johnson to assist thousands of actors during the union strike.

In an exclusive with Variety, union president Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson said they drafted a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors outlining the financial need that many would face in the work stoppage, and Johnson and his team responded with a generous donation. While the exact amount is not being disclosed, Wilson told Variety it was “the largest single donation that we’ve ever received from one individual at one time.” The foundation’s grants provide up to $1,500 per individual member, but in extreme conditions, a lifetime member can receive up to $6,000 in emergency financial assistance. The foundation’s emergency relief fund was crucial to supporting many members when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most productions. Wilson told Variety an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 members will need assistance. The foundation and union are hopeful that Johnson’s recent gift will inspire others to contribute.

Members of the SAG-AFTRA union began their strike on July 13 following weeks of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The union is asking for contracts to include better wages, detailed plans and guardrails about the use of AI, and pensions and health benefits, among other things. SAG-AFTRA maintains that AMPTP has not been meeting its minimum contract requirements and plans to remain on strike until they do. Several high-profile celebrities have joined picket lines in Los Angeles.

(Photo credit: Flickr/Joe Piette)