Why did Dwayne Johnson donate seven-figure sum to SAG-AFTRA? Union leadership hails The Rock's generosity amid ongoing strike

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emergency Financial Assistance Program is actively helping actors in need during the strike

PUBLISHED JUL 25, 2023

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson donated a seven figure sum to the SAG-AFTRA strike (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has reportedly made a generous donation to The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) amid the ongoing strike by the actors union. The donation is said to be a "seven-figure" amount, highlighting Johnson's commitment to supporting his fellow actors during the challenging period.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emergency Financial Assistance Program is actively helping actors in need during the strike. They offer up to $1,500 per individual member and up to $6,000 for lifetime members. As the strike continues, the demand for aid is increasing.

Why did Dwayne Johnson make a seven-figure donation to striking SAG-AFTRA union?

Following the declaration of the strike by SAG-AFTRA leadership, the union's highest-earning actors, including Johnson, received a letter from president Courtney B Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson. The letter emphasized the financial difficulties that many individuals would face due to the work stoppage during the strike. Johnson's contribution serves as a significant show of solidarity within the entertainment industry.

Dwayne Johnson speaks onstage at the Warner Bros. theatrical session with — Dwayne Johnson donated a seven-figure sun to SAG-AFTRA (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

'We rely on donations and grants'

In their letter, Wilson and Vance emphasized the financial challenges that many individuals would encounter due to the work stoppage. "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," Wilson told Variety. "But when we hit a crisis like this and we’re going to spend millions and millions of dollars in financial assistance, this is when we need our high profile talent who can afford it, who are in a situation to help others."

A sign reads 'Unions Stand Together' as SAG-AFTRA members walk the picket line in solidarity with striking WGA (Writers Guild of America) workers outside Netflix offices on July 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Industry insiders concerned about the possibility of a potential actors’ strike will have to wait a little bit longer to know for sure. SAG-AFTRA and top studios and streamers have agreed to extend their current contract negotiations until July 12 at 11:59 p.m. — A sign reads 'Unions Stand Together' as SAG-AFTRA members walk the picket line in solidarity with striking WGA workers (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

"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." While the exact amount of Johnson's donation remains undisclosed, a representative stated that it is a significant "seven-figure" sum. According to Wilson, the donation is expected to make a substantial impact, potentially aiding between 7,000 to 10,000 members through the union's Emergency Financial Assistance Program.