Actor Launches Viral Campaign to Help Struggling SAG Members

Actor Cheyenne Jackson has initiated a viral social media campaign, #OneJobAway, to draw attention to Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members who are in danger of losing their health insurance amid a scarcity of work in the entertainment industry. The initiative, launched on Jackson's Instagram page, has quickly garnered hundreds of submissions from performers facing or having already lost their healthcare coverage.

Jackson was inspired to start the campaign after a personal experience last year when he was informed he was just one gig short of qualifying for SAG's health insurance. He reached out to actress Kathy Bates, who secured him a small role, illustrating the precarious situation many actors face.

The #OneJobAway project aims to destigmatize the vulnerability of performers by encouraging them to share their stories. Jackson noted that many well-known actors have expressed a desire to participate but are hesitant due to concerns about how it might appear. "The biggest hurdle to all of this is shame," Jackson stated. "But talking about the vulnerability and putting yourself out there helps remove the stigma."

The campaign comes at a time when many actors are experiencing significant career setbacks. Asia Kate Dillon, known for their role in "Billions," recently posted on Instagram about their need to return to service work after years in acting, citing a near-complete diminishment of acting opportunities, particularly for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming performers.

According to data highlighted by Jackson, only about 12% of SAG members meet the criteria to receive health insurance through the guild's plan. "It’s f–king hard out here for all of us," Jackson commented, emphasizing the shared anxiety and stress felt by many in the profession. "I really just want people to be seen."