When I think of famous actors, I think of people with more money than I will ever have.
And in a time where the news promotes the Kardashians lavish lifestyles, or shows like “The Housewives of Orange County”, it’s easy to think that these millionaires are out of touch with reality.
But for one well-loved actor, wealth was something he decided he wanted to share. So he became a ‘not-for-profit’ star.
Michael Sheen is known for his lifetime of roles in TV and film. From his memorable part in the “Twilight” franchise to his critically-acclaimed show “Good Omens” in which he stars with long-time friend David Tennant, he is no stranger to fame.
Michael Sheen has devoted his earnings to helping others. Photo by BBC
But, Sheen said, it was in 2019 when he realized the money he earned could do so much more than he had done with it. The British actor and activist had signed on to help organize and run the 2019 Homeless World Cup.
The goal of the game was to inspire homeless people to change their lives, as well as change how the public perceives them. More than 70 homeless people were invited to play in the soccer game.
But suddenly funding for the $2.4 million project fell through, and Sheen had a realization.
“I had committed to helping to organize that and then suddenly, with not long to go, there was no money,” he said.
I had to make a decision – I could walk away from it and it wouldn’t happen.”
But he knew that wasn’t an option. “I thought, I’m not going to let that happen. So, I put all my money into keeping it going. I had a house in America and a house here (in England) and I put those up and just did whatever it took. It was scary and incredibly stressful. I’ll be paying for it for a long time,” Sheen said.
From left, Michael Sheen and David Tennant, in a clip of their hit show “Good Omens.”
“But when I came out the other side, I realized I could do this kind of thing and, if I can keep earning money, it’s not going to ruin me,” he said.
From that moment on, Sheen pledged that the money he earned from acting would go directly into charitable projects.
“There was something quite liberating about going, alright, I’ll put large amounts of money into this or that, because I’ll be able to earn it back again,” he said.
I’ve essentially turned myself into a social enterprise, a not-for-profit actor.”
He has pledged more than $60,000 over five years to help students attend Oxford University.
Sheen has even pulled in his co-star Tennant to help him film a bit for “Red Nose Day”, a campaign to help end child poverty.
His goal is that as long as he can work and earn money, he will spend those earnings giving back to others.
“I’ve realized in the last few years that I want to be one of those people who help other people the way so many people helped me,” Sheen said. “I don’t want to just be someone who enjoys the fruits of what other people have done and then pull the drawbridge up and go, well I’m alright Jack, I’ve had a nice time.”
Watch below to see Sheen and Tennant in their charity skit for Red Nose Day!
