Tom Cruise witnessed a hit-and-run accident involving a young woman (aspiring actress Heloisa Vinhas). He pulled over, called for medical help, accompanied her to the hospital, and when he learned she wasn’t insured, he paid her medical bills (about $7,000).

During a vacation with his then-wife Nicole Kidman, Cruise spotted a sailboat on fire. He sent his yacht’s small boat (skiff) to rescue the people aboard (the family plus crew). Soon after, the sailboat sank.

Between scenes (on a film set), Tom Cruise noticed Elisabeth Shue running toward a spinning helicopter tail rotor (dangerous). He lunged, grabbed her legs, pulled her away to safety.

During the shooting of Mission: Impossible 7, after many production challenges (pandemic etc.), Cruise had 300 cakes flown from his favorite bakery in Los Angeles to share with the London-based crew for the holidays.

Tom Cruise participated in a screening in Knoxville, Tennessee (an advance showing of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back) which raised $600,000 for the Children’s Charity of Eastern Tennessee (serving at-risk children).

Tom Cruise is a founding board member for the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project (HELP), which helps students learn to read.

He received the Excellence in Mentoring Award from the National Mentoring Partnership for his work with literacy and mentoring.

Co-star Bill Hader once said that Tom helped him during a panic attack, and helped him finish work early so he could get home to his family.

During a promotional event in Seoul, a fan accidentally stepped on Tom’s shoe. He responded graciously and said it was his “pleasure,” showed good humor, and generally had warm interactions with fans, taking selfies and treating them kindly.

To help Vanessa Kirby and others feeling tired during filming Mission: Impossible, Cruise has gifted them things to boost morale. For example, sky-diving lessons were gifted as a wrap (end of making the movie) gift to an actor, enabling them to get their license and even jump together.

Simon Pegg has said Tom Cruise often reflects appreciation back to the cast and crew, making people feel valued.

At a Mission: Impossible 7 premiere, Cruise had a gentle, attentive moment with a fan who shared a story about how her parents had also been huge fans of his. He listened closely, squeezed her hand gently, checked back to make sure the photo was good.

In another viral moment, while signing autographs and interacting with fans, when one fan said “Thank you. I love you,” Cruise responded “I love you too,” addressed her by name, and added, “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

Hayley Atwell, for example, has spoken highly of Tom’s professionalism and how he makes everyone around him feel safe and appreciated. In one instance, noticing she looked exhausted, he brought her a box of chocolate out of the blue.

On the set of Deadpool & Wolverine, Hugh Jackman gives out scratch-lottery tickets every Friday to below-the-line crew members as a thank you and to recognize that many people working on a film are “unsung heroes.”

A 9-year-old boy named Domenic, who has cystic fibrosis, participated in a Make-A-Wish event where he thought he was simply calling Jackman. Jackman surprised him by showing up in person (via radio) and doing some of his favorite “Wolverine” poses, talked with him, and gave him tickets to his show.

Jackman has volunteered with organizations like Share The Harvest Farm, which grows and provides fresh food for families in need in the East End of Long Island. He helped transport produce etc.

He participated in the Feeling Nuts campaign (Check One Two), which encourages men to perform self-examination for testicular cancer and spread awareness.

After his “From New York, with Love” concert at Radio City, Hugh took time after the show (in the cold) to greet fans outside, sign autographs, hug fans (including Dannielynn Birkhead, daughter of Larry Birkhead), making her dream come true.

After visiting Ethiopia and meeting a coffee farmer named Dukale, Jackman founded Laughing Man Coffee & Tea.

The business is tied to the Laughing Man Foundation, which supports coffee farming communities, sustainable practices, and programs in education and community development.

As an ambassador for World Vision, Jackman has urged support for relief in crises such as the Haiti earthquake, and engaged in World Vision’s microfinance, agriculture, and health programs in countries like Ethiopia and Cambodia.

Jackman received the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his efforts toward eradicating poverty.

He reposted a video of a middle-school blind student named Ashton, shared by the student’s mother, and asked his followers to help him get in touch so he could wish the kid an amazing school year.

He is a producer on the documentary film, “The Blue Angels,” which supports The Blue Angels Foundation, a non-profit that provides services for wounded veterans and their families.

He is the co-founder of Smash Kitchen, a brand of organic pantry staples that aims to make healthy food more accessible.

He brought his family, including his parents and sister, to be extras in his film “Hidden Figures.”

He is the founder of “The GP Foundation” which aims to help children with special needs and create opportunities for those in the community who need support.

While on location in Oklahoma, Powell saw a dog named Brisket on a rescue Instagram page and felt strongly moved to adopt him.

Even though he was in the middle of filming, he took the time to travel to Los Angeles over a weekend to bring Brisket home.

Brisket quickly became beloved by the cast & crew, bringing joy to the set—acting as a sort of morale booster for people working together under stressful conditions.

Powell shared a story about the late Cheslie Kryst, who after interviewing for Extra, took time to speak with Powell’s niece and nephew. She then mailed them signed photos. Powell remarked on her being “kind, authentic.”

This is less an action by Powell himself, but his recognition of kindness in others reflects his values, and he helped share that story publicly.

He frequently honors his parents for their support, and celebrates their marriage and the location of their proposal on social media.

He also seems to show humility and warmth in his interactions (e.g. talking about advice from his parents, acknowledging humor and support). While not a “good deed” in the charitable sense, these are personal kindnesses.

Over multiple years, Matthew McConaughey and his family volunteered to help deliver meals via Meals on Wheels in Central Texas, including on Thanksgiving days. Doing this sort of work takes time, humility, personal presence.

During the early days of the pandemic, McConaughey, his wife Camila, and his mom Kay joined a Zoom call with residents of a senior living facility in Texas. They played bingo together, chatted about family heritage etc., just to brighten their day and help people who were isolated.

In May 2020 he and Camila drove around Texas with a truck full of masks (110,000 donated by Lincoln), distributing them to rural hospitals in need during the COVID situation. It’s a pretty practical, boots-on-the-ground kind of help.

At the University of Texas, he took part in “SURE Walk,” a program to help students safely get home late at night—using golf carts, walking partners, etc. McConaughey volunteered time to support that.

McConaughey isn’t just a busy actor — he takes care to be a present dad. One article describes how he delights in “never-ending stories” with his young children. When story time is supposed to wrap up, he’ll keep making up new parts, extending the tale by imagination so that the kids don’t want it to end.

It’s a small thing, but it shows a willingness to slow down, be playful, and be fully in the moment with his children. That kind of presence counts — especially when someone has a high-pressure life.

There is a story by someone who attended church that describes how McConaughey showed humility and respect. The author writes that one Sunday, she shook hands with people around her as part of the gathering, and Matthew McConaughey was there seated nearby. When she turned to shake his hand, she felt awkward because of his celebrity, but he asked something about the usher and handed his check to the usher personally, rather than doing something performative.

What’s meaningful in that: treating people in ordinary contexts with decency, not making people feel their presence is overshadowed or exploited, and just participating in regular communal life.

There’s a story about actor Glen Powell’s dad meeting Matthew McConaughey. When they first met, Powell Sr. told McConaughey that he had a picture of him by his bed (they turned out that it was a magazine cover). Rather than dismissing this as a weird comment, McConaughey responded warmly: he said that that photo shoot was one of his favorites ever, grabbed his shoulder, and they struck up a friendship.

This shows welcoming someone’s admiration, finding something relatable, and turning what might be an awkward moment into a human one.

He and his wife Camila Alves founded the Just Keep Livin’ foundation in 2008. Its mission is to support high school students by providing them with programs and support to lead healthy lives, make positive choices, and build self-esteem.

Matthew surprised first responders in Houston by delivering “turkey feasts” to police, firefighters, 911 dispatchers, and ER staff to thank them for their work during Hurricane Harvey.

He also partnered with Operation BBQ Relief and Wild Turkey to provide meals to first responders during wildfires in California, and to shelters.

On his birthday, he helped deliver thousands of turkeys to people in need (Lawrenceburg, Kentucky). He once delivered 4,500 turkeys to families.

During storms in Texas in 2021, he organized and hosted a virtual benefit (“We’re Texas”) via his foundation to help vulnerable communities get back on their feet.

For the Maui wildfires, he and his family helped fund and send an emergency aid plane with supplies through the nonprofit Baby2Baby.

In September 2024, while attending the San Sebastián Film Festival, Johnny Depp made an impromptu visit to the pediatric and oncology wards of the University Hospital Donostia in San Sebastián. Dressed as his iconic character, Jack Sparrow, he spent time with hospitalized children, playing games, taking photos, and providing comfort to both the patients and their families. The hospital staff expressed deep gratitude for the joy he brought to the children during their challenging times.

Johnny Depp has consistently supported various children’s hospitals and charitable organizations. Notably, after his daughter Lily-Rose was hospitalized in 2007, he began visiting hospitals dressed as Jack Sparrow to uplift young patients. His visits have been described as bringing smiles and laughter to children facing serious illnesses. Additionally, he has made several donations totaling $2 million to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, further demonstrating his commitment to supporting children’s healthcare.

In 2022, Johnny Depp collaborated with former Olympian Fatima Whitbread and musician Shaun Ryder to release a Christmas charity single titled “Fatima’s UK Campaign.” The song aimed to raise funds for young people in care, highlighting Depp’s continued involvement in charitable endeavors through his musical talents.

On one occasion, Depp overheard a fan’s heartbreaking story and responded with unexpected kindness. Without seeking publicity, he took steps to support the fan, demonstrating his genuine compassion for individuals facing personal challenges.

After his defamation case vs. Amber Heard, Depp donated $1 million (the amount he was awarded) to five charities: Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, the Tetiaroa Society, and the Amazonia Fund Alliance. He gave $200,000 to each.

In February 2024, Depp participated in a private benefit event in London for Celia Hammond’s Animal Trust. He joined Rod Stewart, performed some songs, and helped raise awareness/funds for the animal charity.

Depp’s “Never Fear Truth” NFT collection generated funds which were donated to children’s hospitals and related organizations. He has supported children’s medical care via hospital donations over several years.

He once sent a shirt he wore in The Libertine to a British fan after she asked him to donate something in aid of charity. Also, he has signed and donated items for charity auctions (e.g. to benefit Julian House).

He’s been reported to pause and embrace or hug young fans, take photos, sign autographs, especially when young or emotionally overwhelmed. For example, a 12-year-old girl got a selfie and a hug; his approach was described by the family as very warm and genuine.

He held onto a toy lion given by a fan, declined for it to be taken away, keeping it as a sign of the fan’s gesture.

Ben Affleck co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative in 2010, which is a grant-making and advocacy organization focused on helping people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It supports local community projects and works on international advocacy.

After allegations against Harvey Weinstein gained public attention, Affleck pledged that all future residuals (i.e. payments he continues to receive) from films produced by Weinstein or Miramax (when Weinstein was involved) would go to charitable organizations. Specifically, he said he’d direct them to Film Independent and RAINN.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Affleck teamed up with Matt Damon to organize a celebrity poker tournament (“All In For America’s Charity”) where participants donated to enter. The event raised about US$1.75 million for Feeding America, a large hunger-relief network.

Affleck has been involved with The Midnight Mission, a nonprofit in Los Angeles that helps people facing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. He has donated money, raised awareness of their work, encouraged others to donate, and volunteered his time through related events (e.g. “Byte Day” which provides dental care, serving meals).

In recent years (e.g. 2024), Affleck, along with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their children, volunteered at The Midnight Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Street Fair in Los Angeles, serving free meals to the homeless community.

While vacationing in the Caribbean with friends and his girlfriend, DiCaprio’s yacht received a Mayday call: a 24-year-old French crew member had fallen off a cruise ship near St. Martin and was drifting in the water.

The man had been treading water for 11 hours, was severely dehydrated, and the weather was deteriorating.

DiCaprio and his boat crew diverted to search, located him near Saba Island, hauled him aboard, gave him food, clothing, and water, and then turned him over to the coast guard.

DiCaprio was walking his dog along the Hudson River when he came across an elderly couple who seemed lost. He pulled out his phone, showed them directions, pointed the way, and helped them get where they were going.

In the story of Gemma Nuttall, a young mum diagnosed with cancer: Kate Winslet and DiCaprio helped raise funds via a special event / fundraiser. A dinner with “Jack and Rose” (referencing their Titanic characters) was auctioned off, among other efforts, to help Gemma get treatment. This kind of act is more personal as it directly helps one person in need.

While filming Blood Diamond in Africa, Leonardo DiCaprio quietly donated money to build a well in a village, intending to leave the location “better than they found it.” This was done with an intention to help that local community in a tangible way, not just as a large distant contribution.

In 1998, he founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to protect endangered species, marine conservation, and combating climate change. For example, he donated $3 million to save tigers in Nepal and $7 million for ocean conservation.

In 2004, after the Indian Ocean tsunami, he personally gave $1 million to the relief fund. Later, in 2010, he also donated $1 million to earthquake relief in Haiti.

In addition for Robert Redford’s larger acts of kindness such as purchasing 2,600 acres in Utah to illustrate building in a small way and preserving nature in a big way, he has been known for smaller kindnesses as well.

While filming Pete’s Dragon in New Zealand, Redford noticed a horse tied by a fence near the freeway. It was emaciated, had no water or hay, and clearly neglected. He stopped, knocked on doors in the neighborhood to see if anyone claimed the horse. No one did. Then he coordinated with an animal rescue group and personally rescued the horse.

In an interview, Redford talked about being in school sports and tending to select the kid who was uncoordinated or less gifted for his teams. Even though that sometimes meant more work or frustration for him, he said that seeing those kids’ faces when included meant a lot to him.

A person who once managed a private screening for Redford and his son recalls that the screening equipment failed partway through. The person was anxious and embarrassed. After the screening, Redford introduced himself, reassured the person that he and his son had enjoyed the experience anyway, and joked about the intermission. The person felt very comforted by Redford’s grace and kindness in turning a stressful situation into something pleasant.

Another story shared by someone who worked at one of Redford’s restaurants:

A table of longtime fans (a mother and daughters) came in during the Sundance Festival. They had hoped to see Robert Redford in person.

Redford came by their table, leaned in, smiled, and said, “Is this close enough?” when asked if they could see him. He thanked them politely. It was brief, but very meaningful to the fans.

Redford’s kindness was characterized by quiet humility and a focus on long-term impact rather than personal acclaim. As he once reflected, his greatest achievement was his family and the positive changes he helped foster for future generations. His legacy continues through the organizations he built, which have empowered artists, protected the planet, and promoted equity worldwide.

Here are a few documented acts of kindness by Dick Van Dyke:

At age 96, Dick Van Dyke was spotted at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange handing out $5 bills to homeless people and job-seekers.

He also took time to chat with those waiting in line, showing interest in their stories.

Van Dyke was seen purchasing red plaid winter coats in Malibu and then personally delivering them to a nonprofit organization for people in need.

He has volunteered for many years at The Midnight Mission (a homeless shelter in Los Angeles), participating in their activities around Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.

Here are several meaningful acts of kindness and philanthropy attributed to Liam Hemsworth:

When his Malibu home was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire, Liam and his wife Miley Cyrus donated $500,000 through the Happy Hippie Foundation to the Malibu Foundation. The funds supported emergency relief, helping those in financial need, community rebuilding, climate resilience, and wildfire prevention.

Miley praised Liam’s heroic efforts rescuing their pets – horses, dogs, pigs, and cats—during the evacuation, even joking about having to “spray them with the hose in the butt” to get them into the
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In 2017, PETA Australia named him “Doggy Dad of the Year” for rescuing his dogs, Tani and Dora, from shelters, and for encouraging others to adopt rather than buy from breeders.

In 2013, Liam hosted a benefit premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in Knoxville, Tennessee, raising over $558,000 for local charities. He also spent time with teenagers with special needs, posing for photos and creating meaningful moments.

In 2016, Liam became the theatrical fundraising spokesperson for Brave Beginnings, a program within the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. The initiative supports neonatal intensive care by providing essential equipment to hospitals, helping save countless premature infants.

In early 2025, Liam, along with brothers Chris and Luke, returned to Phillip Island, their hometown, and co-hosted a community fundraiser. The event raised approximately $1 million for wildlife conservation (especially for the island’s Little Penguins and coastal preservation) and local scholarship programs for aspiring filmmakers and actors.

Back in 2013, after humorously recounting to Jimmy Kimmel how he and Josh Hutcherson ate 90 White Castle burgers and ended up vomiting, the burger chain offered to donate $20,000 to a charity of his choice and inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

These actions reflect a compassionate and multifaceted approach to giving—from disaster relief and environmental conservation to children’s health and community support. Liam Hemsworth has leveraged his public platform for meaningful, tangible benefits across causes that align with his values.