So I came across this article…Forbes’ most generous celebrities.

I never would have thought who was #1. Who used to be and kinda still is my crush as Hollywood actresses go, even though not around much anymore. Still looks great! But, I do think outdated list.

my picks (or at least who I think is most), though going only by some interviews. But, doing for Hollywood, I would go with Robert De Niro and Robert Redford bc of their respective film festivals (Tribeca and Sundance, respectively) and bringing light to movies and filmmakers that might not have been made/seen or come to wider attention without them. And when they do a talk show, more so De Niro, Redford pretty rare, they talk about the festival and not themselves. I think that’s great they take the time to help unseen Hollywood up and comers or at least tries. I mean what do they care? They hate attention, the both of them and they have nothing more to prove in their careers. Really worked themselves up and true success stories. Now, they give to others in industry bc they can, want to, and really do care and want great ideas of all things

But, for society, the stuff that the new Brat Pack are doing is amazing.

Matt Damon with the water thing (think Ben does with him) always amazes me and I think fracking he’s talked about for real or was that just for movie Promised Land. But, also Clooney, Pitt, even Don Cheadle do a lot for our and much more underprivileged nations. Angelina Jolie too. Isn’t she an actual ambassador to or of something?

But, I think the one in my mind, the one that did a lot before any of them was Paul Newman. He never got a dime for his products (I know others don’t either). And, there are so many and they are good. I’ve had sauce, popcorn, peanut butter, I know others and all, all proceeds have gone to his passion projects and charities I mean of course it still does. Even after his death. He did so much with that brand.

who’s your pick for most generous to Hollywood and most generous to society or part of society that has the biggest impact?

Jamie Gertz is married to the billionaire who owns the Washington Wizards. He's worth $5B.
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Good for her. Still contributes and does a lot.

He's gone now, but the answer should be pretty obvious : Paul Newman and his foundation has donated over $570M to charity. He started a company that became a huge success in the retail food industry and donated ALL PROCEEDS to charity. We will never see that level of charity from a celebrity again.

Ted Leonsis wishes.

Correction. Gertz’s husband Tony Ressler is the controlling owner of the Hawks.

The actor who does the most for Hollywood and society is the one who makes the best movies. Right now I can't think of anyone who fits that bill who's still alive. 40-odd years ago I might have said John Wayne, even though he was making some pretty bad ones toward the end of his life.

Sean Penn arguably does quite a lot for society. Not a huge fan of him but he certainly puts a lot of effort in.

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have done a lot for WWII vets and Holocaust survivors.

Spielberg founded the Shoah Foundation and I believe they were both instrumental in the creation of the World War II memorial in Washington DC.

Before I clicked on the thread and saw it was talking about charity, the answer that popped into my head was Tom Hanks.

He does the most for Hollywood by being an example of how someone can achieve the greatest fame and success possible, and still be a genuinely good person.

He does the most for American society by investing his energy and fame into projects that uplift us. I can't think of another actor whose body of work (as both an actor and producer) consistently leaves me feeling proud to be an American, the way Hanks' does.

Tyler Perry. I don't like a lot of his movies, but he's a genuinely nice guy who gives back a lot.

Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Byron Allen are three Black entertainment producers that constantly platform young up and comers especially young people of color, are active, good philanthropic role models, and built media empires that consistently put people first. All were outsiders who made their own rules in the system and this will have lasting impact in the industry.

BTW, I think most here likely know the exploits of Perry and Winfrey, but I have to say Byron Allen is amazing. Started standup at 14, was in the writer's room for Jimmy Walker as a teenager (with Jay Leno and David Letterman) and on the Tonight Show by 18, at 32 founded Entertainment Studios, which now owns The Weather Channel, The Grio, Bally's Sports, partial owner of Fox Sports Network, plus owns other channels and network affiliate stations. Produces a ton of low-cost production shows to get people's foot in the door, personally hosts comedy shows to showcase up-and-comer comedians like he was, and holds high-profile fundraisers for Children's Hospital because it saved his life when he was a boy and they never sent his mom a bill. He's committed to raising $50 million over ten years. Like Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, he does things his own way and it pays out for him but he also really looks out for his people. Great guy.

Yep. Charity...And he puts LOTS of people to work and gives many opportunities to be in the biz. He was a Homeless man and now he's a Powerful BILLIONAIRE who gives back a lot.

Gary Sinise also does a lot of stuff for vets and first responders.

Jane Fonda and Daryl Hannah have spent most of their adult lives giving back and fighting for justice.

If we're mentioning Paul Newman we have to throw Danny Thomas and Jerry Lewis in there.

Danny Thomas is a good one.

Me, by watching their crappy movies.