- 3 months ago
From surprise hospital visits to life-changing donations, these stars prove they're heroes off-screen too! Join us as we explore heartwarming moments when celebrities went above and beyond to make someone's day brighter. These random acts of kindness show that fame doesn't always change a person's heart - sometimes it just gives them a bigger platform to do good.
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00:00I'm going to track down your address and I'm going to send you an authentic Captain America shield because pal, you deserve it.
00:06Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks from the most praiseworthy times a celeb did something kind for someone else.
00:13For this list, we're excluding athletes, acts of heroism, and more formal philanthropy.
00:18I think yours is still a little bit more right than mine because at least, you know, your light works.
00:25Number 20, Taylor Swift.
00:27One of the current pop queens makes it a habit of helping others out.
00:32For the young fan Naomi Oaks, Taylor Swift went above and beyond.
00:40The vocals learned about the girl's cancer diagnosis and decided to give back to the listener.
00:45Since Oaks missed a concert for treatments, Swift chose to donate $50,000 for medical expenses.
00:50This came after the family put out a video detailing the child's struggles and love for the musician.
00:55With the artist sending her a personal message, the girl was completely amazed to be recognized by a huge star.
01:03Number 19, Jon Bon Jovi.
01:06Not only does the artist sing classic songs, but he also helps people working through tough situations.
01:11Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, created a restaurant known as the JBJ Soul Kitchen.
01:16But for the needy, it's not so much a restaurant as a refuge.
01:20It's a relatively simple approach to support those in need, with the establishment taking donations in a pay-it-forward concept.
01:26If you can't afford to spend money on a meal there, you can volunteer your time instead.
01:30And if you can't donate money, you can donate service, like washing dishes.
01:35Those that can ship in some cash to cover their meal and someone else's.
01:38Bon Jovi and his family continue to bolster the community, with multiple locations in the singer's home state of New Jersey.
01:44That's why I say, the way to feel good is to do good.
01:47Number 18, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
01:50Some sick Marvel fans weren't able to catch Spider-Man Far From Home in the theater.
01:54They received an exclusive chance to watch the film, but that wasn't the only surprise they got either.
01:59Guys, how you doing? I'm so good.
02:01Several cast members decided to leap off the screen and visit the Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
02:06Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jake Gyllenhaal showed up to surprise the patients, hang out, and show off their costumes.
02:14It was a kind gesture that speaks to the grounded and caring nature of the stars.
02:19Captured on video, this meetup showcased how these celebrities took time out to put a smile on kids' faces.
02:25You like how you want to shoot the webs?
02:27Well, I actually used all the webs on my way over here.
02:30Number 17, Misha Collins.
02:32Known best for his work on Supernatural, Misha Collins helped to organize events for the non-profit Random Acts.
02:38A notable one includes the greatest international scavenger hunt the world has ever seen.
02:43The contest helps to encourage acts of kindness with people answering prompts in creative ways.
02:48It's a week-long, massive, global scavenger hunt that takes place every August.
02:52While he played an angel on his CW show, this gave him an opportunity to work some magic in real life.
02:58What started as a cool idea spread into a multi-year affair.
03:01Even though Gishwes, later known as Gish, stopped in 2022, Collins' work seemed to promote enough positivity to live on long and possibly inspire other efforts.
03:10We'll give you a list of fun things to do for points.
03:13Complete as many as you like.
03:15Number 16, Dolly Parton.
03:17If you know anything about Dolly Parton, you're probably well aware that she's among the kindest celebrities ever.
03:22She even has a foundation to prove it.
03:24Outside of her larger charitable ventures, Parton isn't a stranger to helping out when somebody needs a much-needed boost.
03:30I've heard you've been a fan of mine for many years, and I just wanted to thank you for that.
03:35One terminally ill fan received a final wish of epic proportions.
03:39Parton personally called the person in question, sending her love and even singing one of her classics.
03:44The country vocalist busted out her best rendition of I Will Always Love You.
03:48It was a comforting way to acknowledge someone in need of a serious pick-me-up.
03:52We'll always love you, I will love, always love, M.G.
03:59Number 15, Post Malone.
04:01With his ability to switch genres, Post Malone has become an eclectic success story in the music world.
04:06He's also willing to make another person's day in a moment of inspiration.
04:09During a stop in Houston, the singer had his drinks paid for by other customers.
04:13He then figured out a way to help out employee Renee Brown anyway.
04:16Malone paid his own tiny bill in order to tip $20,000, giving the bartender an incredible gift.
04:22She charged him $1, and he left her $20,000.
04:26It was even better given that this all happened on Christmas Eve.
04:29The performer seems to have a good soul, choosing to turn Brown's busy night into an unforgettable one.
04:34So this $20,000 will go a long way toward helping her get back and forth, rent, and saving up to start a business.
04:40Number 14, Amy Adams.
04:42Many people fly every day, but not everybody turns it into an opportunity to give back.
04:47Amy Adams was all set to sit in first class until she saw a military member on board.
04:52Instead of taking advantage of her seating arrangement, she gave her ticket to somebody more deserving.
04:57Adams could have easily kept to herself, but the Oscar nominee decided to quietly make somebody else's day.
05:02She made the decision to give back to somebody and recognize their impact on society.
05:12While it might not seem like much, the gesture goes a long way to reveal the performer's greater character.
05:17Maureen agrees, writing, I think I may love Amy Adams. What a class act.
05:21Number 13, Denzel Washington.
05:23Along with being one of the best actors of his generation, Denzel Washington has been known to mentor younger artists.
05:29He's also provided financial support to people.
05:31When a group of Howard students needed help paying for a summer acting program,
05:35Washington offered money at the suggestion of Felicia Rashad.
05:39One of these students just so happened to be chatted with Bozeman.
05:42As fate would have it, I was one of the students that he paid for.
05:45Many years later, Bozeman paid tribute to Washington and mentioned how much the donation meant to him.
05:50The Oscar winner ended up helping a future icon, paving the way for the next generation of movie stars.
05:55There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.
05:58Number 12, Chris Evans.
05:59For all his work in the MCU, he's not just a superhero on the big screen.
06:04This Captain America actor also goes out of his way to help people in everyday life.
06:08When Chris Evans heard about a kid saving his sister from a dog, he stepped in to send the boy a message.
06:13Hey, Bridger. Captain America here. How you doing, buddy?
06:16The performer was clearly struck by the event and wanted to do something special.
06:20This inspired Evans to give a Captain America shield to the young hero.
06:24How? You're a hero.
06:26What you did was so brave and so selfless.
06:30In this case, somebody that merely plays a Marvel character reacts to someone that's actually proven to be heroic.
06:36It's a touching tribute to a child that deserves praise for his bravery.
06:40Hang in there. I know recovery might be tough, but based on what I've seen, I don't think there's much that can slow you down.
06:46Number 11, Robin Williams.
06:49After meeting at Juilliard, Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve became great friends.
06:53This strong bond continued after Reeve's accident in 1995.
06:56The Superman star fell from a horse and was paralyzed, forcing him to undergo intensive medical treatment.
07:02Williams decided to surprise his buddy during a difficult time.
07:05The comedian visited Reeve in the hospital, pretending to be a Russian doctor in order to make his friend laugh.
07:10And for the first time since I crashed, I laughed.
07:13It arguably helped the man work through his new circumstances.
07:16And I saw he started to laugh because his eyes lit up.
07:18The former roommates didn't stop supporting each other, being there for each other when they needed it most.
07:22Thank God I wear a seatbelt in his chair because I would have fallen out laughing.
07:26Number 10, Christian Bale.
07:28And I have my own little Batmobile.
07:32You do?
07:32Made it out of cardboard.
07:34In 2013, 8-year-old leukemia patient Zach Gillett got a very special phone call from Christian Bale.
07:40As a huge Batman fan, Zach was ecstatic to speak with the man behind the cowl.
07:45Yes, I know Bane. I know Bane.
07:47You know Bane?
07:48I know who he is.
07:51Zach isn't the only young cancer patient Bale has reached out to either.
07:55In 2012, he surprised 4-year-old Jaden Barber and his family with a trip to Disneyland.
08:00That same year, a horrific shooting occurred during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado.
08:06Bale paid his respects to the victims and visited the survivors too.
08:10Although Bale has faced his fair share of controversy in the past,
08:13he's ultimately proven it's not who you are underneath.
08:15It's what you do that defines you.
08:17It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.
08:24Number 9. The Game and Drake
08:26But I'm probably like, I'm probably like at the quarter million mark.
08:29Through the Robin Hood project, the game set out to give $1 million to people in need.
08:33In 2013, the rapper extended a helping hand to Anna Angel from Ohio.
08:38While working a shift at Burger King, Angel's boyfriend and five children died in a house fire.
08:42Heartbroken, the game donated $10,000 to pay for their funerals.
08:47While speaking with the game on the phone, fellow rapper Drake decided to pledge $10,000 as well,
08:52while an additional $2,500 was chipped in by the producers behind the game's reality show, Marrying the Game.
08:58It's daddy time.
08:59In the midst of this unspeakable tragedy, the power of kindness truly emerged from the ashes.
09:04We will save a lot of lives, man.
09:06Number 8. Dave Grohl
09:08During the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse, three miners were trapped underground.
09:12You're covered in rock, but not knowing, because of the darkness, how much rock's on top of you.
09:19One of the three died in the rock fall, but a rescue was organized for Brant Webb and Todd Russell.
09:24During which, Webb asked for an MP3 player full of Foo Fighters music.
09:28There goes my hero, watch him as he goes.
09:34The men not only received the music, but a note from Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl as well.
09:39The rocker promised the miners tickets to any Foo Fighters show, along with cold beer.
09:43A few months after both men were rescued, Grohl made good on this promise and met Webb at the Sydney Opera House.
09:49This ordeal would additionally inspire Grohl to write an instrumental piece called
09:53Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners, proving that music can provide a light even in the darkest of times.
09:59I thought, oh shit, I promised that guy I'd put this thing on the record.
10:03So he put it on the record.
10:04It's called the Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners.
10:07Number 7. J.J. Abrams
10:09Diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, Daniel Fleetwood found out from his doctors in July 2015
10:14that he only had about two months to live.
10:17Daniel's dying wish was to see Star Wars The Force Awakens,
10:20which was scheduled to come out in December of that same year.
10:23In hopes of seeing an early screening, Fleetwood's wife, Ashley, launched the hashtag Force for Daniel campaign.
10:29Help my man get his last wish, Ashley tweeted, to see a screening of Star Wars before cancer takes him.
10:35The news eventually reached several Star Wars actors, and director J.J. Abrams granted Fleetwood's wish,
10:41showing him an unfinished, unedited version of the film.
10:44After Daniel's passing, Ashley announced, he is now one with God and with the Force.
10:49May the Force be with you, Daniel.
10:51Number 6. Zach Galifianakis
10:54Like Alan from The Hangover, comedian Zach Galifianakis can be totally unpredictable,
10:59and he caught plenty of people off guard with this act of kindness.
11:02Long before he was a household name, Galifianakis met and befriended Mimi Haste
11:06at the Santa Monica laundromat, where she slept and folded clothes for trips.
11:11I met Mimi in Santa Monica just hanging out in the laundromat, you know, where you meet all your friends.
11:16Later, Galifianakis repaid Mimi for her friendship,
11:19by helping her find an apartment and paying her rent.
11:22Then, in true Cinderella story fashion,
11:25Galifianakis offered to take his 87-year-old friend to The Hangover Part 3 premiere.
11:30Meanwhile, Haste would become the subject of the documentary,
11:33Queen Mimi, chronicling her unlikely journey to the red carpet.
11:36Mimi has changed my life since I met her.
11:38The appreciation to have for the elderly and people that need some help.
11:42Number 5. Paul Walker
11:44Upon returning from his first tour of duty in Iraq,
11:46Kyle Upham set out to buy his love, Kristen, the perfect engagement ring.
11:51At a jewelry store in Santa Barbara, California, a $10,000 diamond enticed her.
11:55To the couple's astonishment, an anonymous stranger purchased the ring for them
11:59and exited the shop with no strings attached.
12:01Appreciate it, thank you.
12:02Even more astonishing, the buyer turned out to be Paul Walker,
12:06with whom Kyle had struck up a conversation earlier that day before the pair had left the shop.
12:10Someone spent $9,000 to get Kristen the ring she wanted.
12:15Store clerk Irene King kept Walker's involvement a secret for almost a decade,
12:19but following the actor's untimely death in 2013,
12:22Irene felt the world needed to know about the actor's generosity.
12:25Walker's selfless nature just proves the world lost him far too soon.
12:29You'll always be with me.
12:31Number 4. Johnny Depp
12:33Captain Jack Sparrow might be a bit of a scoundrel,
12:35but the man underneath all those dreadlocks can certainly have a different side to him.
12:39Ola, we've come to take you to the room of spiders.
12:44I don't like spiders.
12:46May I have a hug?
12:47Yes!
12:48While shooting Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales,
12:51Johnny Depp set a course for Lady Salento Children's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.
12:56Dressed as Captain Jack, the Oscar-nominated actor got into character and surprised the sick children.
13:01If there's other people in it, why do you call it a selfie?
13:04Along with co-star Stephen Graham,
13:05Depp spent over two hours with the patients and their families.
13:09This is one act of kindness that perfectly sums up the saying,
13:13Not all treasure is silver and gold.
13:14I want to salute you, all of you, for your bravery and your courage.
13:22Because that is all that matters.
13:24Number 3. Keanu Reeves
13:26While some celebrities have messy personal lives,
13:29Keanu Reeves proves time and time again that he's an exception.
13:32He's compiled a long list of charitable and kind acts over the years.
13:35These include helping out his collaborators on the Matrix series.
13:43I know kung fu.
13:44After a tough shoot filled with amazing maneuvers, Reeves gave stunt team members Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
13:50He didn't just reward the stunt coordinators either.
13:52Instead of taking a back-end deal on the franchise,
13:55the actor gave a financial boost to other crew members like the special effects team.
13:58He's never one to steal his spotlight, and often prefers to spread the love.
14:02Something's different.
14:04What?
14:07I can feel them.
14:08Number 2. John Cena
14:10This WWE superstar is the definition of a gentle giant.
14:15Outside of acting, rapping, and wrestling,
14:17John Cena has done incredible work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
14:21He's just an incredible individual.
14:23You could see that with the amount of time that he spends with each child.
14:26Going above and beyond to help children with life-threatening medical conditions,
14:30he became the first celebrity to grant 500 wishes.
14:33Cena reached this milestone in 2015,
14:35when he surprised 8-year-old cancer patient Rocco Lanzer on the Today Show.
14:40Rocco not only got to spend time with his hero,
14:42he also received tickets to Monday Night Raw and the belt of a champion.
14:46I wanted to make sure that I let everybody know the real champ is here.
14:49So this one is for you.
14:50Cena is showing no sign of slowing down with Make-A-Wish,
14:53inspiring children everywhere to never give up.
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15:15Number 1. Robert Downey Jr.
15:18I am Iron Man.
15:19The technology depicted in the Iron Man films
15:21might be more feasible than we initially thought.
15:24Through 3D printing,
15:25college student Albert Monero
15:27and a specialist constructed a bionic limb
15:29for then 7-year-old Alex Pring,
15:31who was born with a partially developed right arm.
15:34Since Alex is a big superhero fan,
15:36it only made sense to model his new robotic arm after Iron Man's armor.
15:39And who better to present Alex with this gracious gift
15:42than Tony Stark himself,
15:44Robert Downey Jr.
15:45Hey Alex, how are you?
15:47Pleasure to meet you.
15:48I have another bionics expert on hand,
15:50so I thought I'd drop by.
15:51Maintaining the persona of the genius,
15:53billionaire, playboy philanthropist,
15:55Downey Jr. unveiled the artificial limb to Alex
15:57with adorable results.
15:59RDJ may be Iron Man on the big screen,
16:01but this kid is one step closer
16:03to becoming a real-life Avenger.
16:05Each one looks the same.
16:07Actually, I think yours might be better.
16:09Did we forget another celebrity that did a good deed?
16:11Let us know in the comments below.
16:13Help him!
16:15You must help him now!
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