Dwayne Johnson's Jaw-Dropping 7-Figure Contribution Unleashes Unprecedented Support for SAG-AFTRA Strikers!

Dwayne Johnson. George Pimentel/Shutterstock

Dwayne Johnson has extended his support to the SAG-AFTRA strike by making a generous donation to the union members who are currently unemployed.

The 51-year-old actor, known for his action-packed roles, has contributed a substantial amount to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's relief fund. This fund has the capacity to provide grants of up to $1,500 per member. In more critical situations, where a union member's livelihood is at risk, a lifetime member could receive emergency assistance of up to $6,000.

Johnson's donation amount is confidential, but SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance revealed that Johnson's team reached out after the foundation sent a letter to the union's highest-earning members regarding the financial struggles other members will face during the strike.

Recalling his phone call with Johnson about the donation, Vance expressed his gratitude and admiration, emphasizing that Johnson's support highlights the urgent need for assistance. Johnson's commitment sends a powerful message to others, encouraging them to rally behind the cause.

According to the executive director of the foundation, Cyd Wilson, Dwayne Johnson's donation is the largest contribution the organization has ever received from an individual. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, which is separate from the union but affiliated with it, aims to support actors in various ways. Wilson expressed gratitude for Johnson's generosity and emphasized the significant impact the funds will have in providing actors with financial stability and security. Despite Johnson's humility, Wilson acknowledged that his contribution will serve as a catalyst for the organization's progress.

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike on July 14 due to an ongoing dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The decision to strike followed the Writers Guild of America's strike two months prior, which was centered around issues such as residuals from streaming content and the use of artificial intelligence in scripts.

During a press conference on July 13, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher expressed the significance of this moment, stating, "This is a very pivotal moment for us. I initially believed we could avoid a strike, but the gravity of this decision is not lost on me." She emphasized the serious impact this strike has on thousands, if not millions, of people in the industry, and those in other industries that support it. Drescher stated, "We had no other option. We are the ones being victimized by a highly avaricious organization."

The actors and writers unions are currently on strike simultaneously, which is a historic event not seen since 1960 when former U.S. President Ronald Reagan served as the president of SAG.

Numerous celebrities have demonstrated their solidarity with the strikes by protesting outside studios located in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, several prominent figures have publicly disclosed the minimal residuals they receive from streaming platforms.

Mandy Moore recently emphasized that residuals, which used to provide actors with financial stability during gaps between projects, are no longer sufficient.

"We are incredibly fortunate as working actors, having been part of successful shows in various ways. However, many actors who came before us in similar positions were able to sustain themselves through residuals or at least cover their expenses," she revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on July 18. Moore, who portrayed matriarch Rebecca Pearson on the NBC family drama, "This Is Us," from 2016 to 2022, also shared her experience of receiving small streaming residual checks, as low as 81 cents. She further expressed her concerns about residuals in a recent Instagram post, where she joined the picket line outside Disney."

In my more-than-20-year career as a performer, I have experienced the unpredictable nature of our industry," Moore stated. "There have been periods when I had difficulty finding work, and traditionally, during such times actors could rely on residual earnings from their previous projects to support themselves. However, with the evolving world and business landscape, I am optimistic about finding a substantial resolution going forward."