Celebrities are putting themselves up for auction in a bid to help raise money during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Two months after Hollywood came to a standstill over strike action, some stars have come up with an innovative way to support writers and actors who may be struggling financially during the strike.
As part of The Union Solidarity Coalition eBay page, celebrities such as Natasha Lyonne and Bob Odenkirk have listed unique (and sometimes quite bizarre) once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
There’s also a collection of memorabilia up for grabs, including an apron from FX’s The Bear and a signed script from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
Given the odd nature of some of the auctions, the eBay page has unsurprisingly attracted a lot of attention and fans have already put down thousands of dollars in an attempt to achieve the winning bid.
All proceeds from the online auctions will go toward financial support for healthcare for cast and crew who have lost health insurance. Most of the auctions require winning bidders to be based in the US.
From solving crosswords with Natasha Lyonne to having your dog taken for a walk by Adam Scott, the Evening Standard gives you the top picks of the celebrity auction.
1. Natasha Lyonne will help you solve the New York Times Sunday Crossword
Coming in on the top of the list as one of the most unusual experiences is completing a New York Times Sunday Crossword with Natasha Lyonne.
The Poker Face star is offering a 15-minute ‘existential conversation’ with her and her dog, Rootbeer, while completing the NYT crossword.
The lucky winner can also join the Zoom call with up to two friends. At the time of writing, the auction had already earned $2,130 USD across 20 bids.
2. Adam Scott will walk your dog for 1 hour
Don’t have time to walk your dog? Parks and Recreation star Adam Scott is offering to do it for you.
This popular auction, where Adam will walk your dog for an hour, has also raised more than $2,000 so far.
According to the advert, the dog owner’s presence is also optional. However, the winning bidder needs to ensure that their dog is well-natured, and is up-to-date on their vaccines.
3. Bob Odenkirk & David Cross will join you for dinner
Real-life best friends Bob and David are also auctioning a dinner with the Mr Show creators. The lucky winner can meet the duo in New York or Los Angeles for an in-person dinner.
Better Call Saul if you can’t make it, for you can have a virtual dinner with food delivery from your favourite eatery instead.
With 44 bids at the time of writing, the auction has already racked up more than $3,000.
4. Lena Dunham will paint a mural in your home
Lena Dunham, the creator of Girls, is offering to spend an afternoon creating a custom, hand-painted mural in your home.
It turns out that Lena is actually a highly skilled muralist with a particular skill for painting the “stuff 6-year-olds talk about”.
According to the auction, the winning bidder can expect “color, whimsy, and an uncontrollable urge to paint flowering vines up any door frame they’ve got”.
5. John Lithgow wants to paint a watercolour of your dog
Who knew so many actors were also artists? Award-winning actor John Lithgow is offering to paint a watercolour portrait of your dog.
The auction listing reads: “Oscar and Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow has a list of accomplishments and honors longer than we have space to list, but perhaps his crowning achievements are his watercolors of people’s dogs.”
According to the ad, all you need to do is send over four to five pictures and Lithgow will do the rest. However, the listing also reminds bidders that it might take up to a year for the painting to be completed.
6. Rosemarie Dewitt and Ron Livingston relationship advice for squabbles
Married couple, and actors, Rosemarie DeWitt and Ron Livingston are offering an auction-winning couple squabble relationship advice.
The couple will join the winners over Zoom for 15 minutes and will help adjudicate over whatever squabbles the couple wants to hash out.
“Rulings are final” the advert states.
7. The Cast of Bob’s Burgers will sing a song written just for you
Completing the list of our top picks from the celebrity auction is a personalised song created and performed by the cast of Bob’s Burgers.
Those that’ll sing the song for you include Bob & Linda, Tina, Gene & Louise, Teddy and more.
What’s more, the auction winner will also receive a hand-drawn sign by Bob’s animator that’ll come with a special message.
