The Nicest Actors of All Time
Kindness in entertainment is more than a smile on a press tour—it shows up in how people treat crews, fans, and communities that never see a red carpet. The actors below have supported hospitals, launched nonprofits, visited service members and first responders, funded classrooms, and amplified causes ranging from clean water to refugee relief. None of that makes headlines every day, but it makes a real difference where it counts.
This is a friendly, straightforward tour of fifty men in film and television whose public records include philanthropy, advocacy, and day-to-day generosity on sets and with fans. Each entry focuses on concrete actions—foundations created, ambassador roles, community projects, and sustained support—so you can see exactly how kindness gets put to work.
Keanu Reeves
Reeves has quietly funded children’s hospitals and cancer research through a private foundation he set up without putting his name on it. He has also supported spinal cord research and literacy programs, keeping most gifts out of the spotlight and letting the organizations lead the messaging.
On sets, he’s known for directing bonuses and gifts toward stunt teams, crew members, and post-production staff. He has also taken time to meet fans one-on-one, often accommodating accessibility needs and long lines without rushing interactions.
Tom Hanks
Hanks has supported veterans’ causes, literacy initiatives, and historical preservation, including projects related to World War II and American spaceflight. He has used his platform to rally donations for disaster recovery and to boost public libraries and reading programs.
He frequently engages with service members and first responders, sending personalized notes and participating in morale-boosting events. In schools and museums, he has helped raise funds and awareness for educational exhibits and student scholarships.
Dwayne Johnson
Johnson has granted countless wishes for children through hospital visits and wish-granting organizations such as Make-A-Wish. He regularly contributes to disaster relief, food security programs, and initiatives supporting at-risk youth and veterans.
He uses his production footprint to hire locally where possible and highlight community businesses near filming locations. Through fitness and nutrition campaigns, he’s also helped fund school programs and holiday drives for families in need.
Hugh Jackman
Jackman co-founded Laughing Man Coffee to share profits with fair-trade farming communities, supporting health, education, and livelihood projects. He has raised significant funds for medical research, arts education, and child welfare organizations.
On Broadway and film sets, he’s championed equitable treatment for crews and has donated performance memorabilia and proceeds to charitable auctions. He also mentors young performers and backs scholarships that open doors to arts training.
Paul Rudd
Rudd co-hosts the Big Slick fundraiser in Kansas City, channeling millions to a local children’s hospital for oncology research and family support services. He frequently visits pediatric patients and helps cover travel and lodging costs for families during treatment.
He supports small, community-based nonprofits around Missouri and New York, amplifying local food banks, school fundraisers, and mental-health programs. His charity events often bring athletes, actors, and musicians together to maximize impact for kids’ care.
Chris Evans
Evans co-founded A Starting Point, a nonpartisan civic platform that makes policy information easier for students and voters to understand. He has also supported children’s hospitals through visits, fundraising campaigns, and auctioning set experiences.
He partners with organizations focused on STEM education and veterans’ assistance, using meet-and-greets and memorabilia auctions to drive donations. He’s also backed programs that expand access to voting information and civic engagement resources for young people.
Chris Hemsworth
Hemsworth has contributed to wildfire recovery, conservation projects, and surf-safety initiatives in Australia. He supports marine protection groups and directs funding to coastal lifesaving clubs and ranger units, helping pay for equipment and training.
He participates in campaigns for children’s health charities and Indigenous education programs, often highlighting grassroots organizations in regional areas. During natural disasters, he has directed funds and visibility to relief organizations working on the ground.
Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds and his family have donated to food banks, children’s hospitals, and programs addressing homelessness and refugee resettlement. He supports initiatives that provide crisis counseling and youth mental-health services, often matching public donations.
He uses film promotions to run campaigns that benefit healthcare workers, classroom teachers, and small charities. He’s also backed training and equipment grants for under-resourced first responders and local clinics.
Mark Ruffalo
Ruffalo is a longtime advocate for clean water, supporting community groups that monitor air and water quality and push for safer infrastructure. He co-founded initiatives that provide legal and scientific support to towns facing contamination.
He engages with climate-education programs that help students learn practical advocacy skills. He also supports Indigenous-led environmental groups, working to direct media attention and fundraising toward frontline communities.
Robert Downey Jr.
Downey launched the Footprint Coalition to invest in and promote technologies that reduce pollution and restore ecosystems. He backs startups working on sustainable materials, energy storage, and biodiversity.
He frequently supports children’s health organizations through hospital visits, screenings, and charity auctions. Mentoring programs and workforce-readiness initiatives have also benefited from his fundraising and public outreach.
Chadwick Boseman
Boseman visited pediatric cancer patients during film shoots and worked with studios to host patient set visits and cover family travel. He helped cover costs for students in performing arts programs, including tuition and travel.
He used press interviews to spotlight historically Black colleges and universities and to direct donations to scholarship funds. After his passing, colleagues continued projects he began, sustaining support for patients and arts education.
Robin Williams
Williams performed on numerous tours for service members and their families, bringing comedy to bases and hospitals. He was a consistent presence in fundraising telethons that supported housing, healthcare, and emergency relief.
He contributed to homelessness programs and children’s healthcare charities through appearances, donations, and memorabilia auctions. Many organizations credit his performances with sustaining donor interest over multiple campaigns.
John Cena
Cena has granted a record number of wishes for children with critical illnesses, organizing visits around filming and training schedules. He also donates signed gear and set experiences to help charities raise funds.
He supports veterans and first responders through fitness challenges and equipment drives. Literacy programs and anti-bullying campaigns have likewise benefited from his school visits and public service announcements.
George Clooney
Clooney co-founded a justice organization that supports human rights defenders and monitors mass atrocities with legal and investigative tools. He’s raised funds for refugee education and resettlement, particularly in conflict regions.
He and his family support public schools by funding classrooms, mentorships, and film-industry pipelines for students from underserved communities. Disaster relief and press freedom groups also feature prominently in his philanthropy.
Matt Damon
Damon co-founded a nonprofit that expands access to safe water and sanitation through market-driven solutions and microfinance. The model helps households secure affordable taps and toilets, with strong repayment and scale.
He speaks at universities and development forums to build support for climate-resilient water systems. Corporate partnerships he’s brokered direct marketing budgets and customer donations to long-term water and sanitation programs.
Ben Affleck
Affleck founded an initiative focused on community development in eastern Congo, funding local organizations that support farmers, women’s cooperatives, and early childhood health. He has advocated for transparent, locally led grantmaking.
He’s supported homeless services and legal aid in the United States, directing film-related auction proceeds to shelters and youth counseling centers. He also champions fair-trade cocoa and coffee projects that improve farmer incomes.
Leonardo DiCaprio
DiCaprio’s foundation has supported wildlife corridors, ocean conservation, and Indigenous land rights across multiple continents. He has produced documentaries and events that funnel donor attention to habitat protection.
He partners with climate and disaster relief groups to provide rapid funding after fires, storms, and floods. Grants from his philanthropy have also helped launch innovative projects in renewable energy and conservation finance.
Michael J. Fox
Fox founded an organization dedicated to Parkinson’s research, accelerating clinical trials, data sharing, and biomarker discovery. The foundation has become a major funder in neurology, pushing for open science.
He advocates for patient participation in research and access to care, including telemedicine and insurance reforms. Educational materials and community events help families navigate diagnosis and daily living.
Ian McKellen
McKellen has been a leading supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, funding youth shelters, hotlines, and school inclusion programs. He has backed theater outreach that brings performances to students who might not otherwise attend.
He participates in literacy and arts education campaigns, donating signed scripts and hosting readings to support libraries. He also champions heritage charities that preserve local theaters and cultural spaces.
Patrick Stewart
Stewart supports domestic violence charities and has spoken extensively about survivor services and prevention education. He has helped fund counseling centers and shelter expansions.
He is active in veteran and dementia-care fundraising, participating in performances and campaigns that support caregivers. Stewart also backs drama education scholarships and community theater renovations.
Ewan McGregor
McGregor has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling to highlight vaccination drives, clean water projects, and post-conflict education. He’s helped fund emergency supplies and long-term programs for children.
He supports motorcycle charity rides that raise money for clinics and schools along transcontinental routes. Proceeds from memorabilia and limited screenings have gone to medical charities and refugee relief.
Orlando Bloom
Bloom, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has advocated for safe schools and child protection in disaster zones. He has visited learning centers and water projects to help drive donations and policy attention.
He also supports reforestation and plastic reduction campaigns, collaborating with businesses to shift packaging and supply chains. Fan auctions and meet-and-greets regularly fund children’s health services.
Daniel Radcliffe
Radcliffe has supported crisis hotlines for LGBTQ+ youth and funded hospice care for children with complex conditions. He has used conventions and signings to steer proceeds to these groups.
He donates props and experiences for charity auctions and supports literacy programs that provide books to schools and shelters. His outreach often includes quiet gifts that cover individual medical or travel needs.
Rupert Grint
Grint has supported children’s hospitals and wish-granting charities through visits, fundraisers, and auction donations. He has participated in campaigns that refurbish pediatric wards and family housing near treatment centers.
He contributes to local arts education and disability services, helping fund adaptive equipment and inclusive playgrounds. He also supports community theater programs that provide free tickets to young audiences.
Tom Holland
Holland co-founded The Brothers Trust, which raises funds for small, high-impact charities selected by his family. The trust supports everything from medical research to homelessness services.
He visits hospitals and arranges set tours that benefit children’s organizations. His events and limited-edition merchandise launches have directed steady funding to grassroots groups.
Henry Cavill
Cavill supports the Royal Marines Charity and often fundraises through endurance challenges. He’s also an ambassador for wildlife conservation, backing programs that protect endangered species and restore habitats.
He participates in reading campaigns and school visits, donating to libraries and youth sports. His streaming marathons and fan meetups frequently raise funds for veteran and animal welfare groups.
Jason Momoa
Momoa promotes ocean conservation and plastic-free living, including a water brand built around aluminum reuse and cleanup funding. He supports reef restoration and Indigenous stewardship initiatives.
He backs programs for at-risk youth in Hawaii, including surf therapy and cultural education. Community beach cleanups and auctioned set gear have financed local environmental groups.
Jackie Chan
Chan’s charitable foundation provides scholarships, medical aid, and disaster relief in Asia and beyond. He has funded schools, clinics, and post-earthquake reconstruction.
He donates props and film earnings to children’s hospitals and eldercare. Safety campaigns he leads promote stunt standards, workplace protections, and community emergency preparedness.
Jet Li
Li founded the One Foundation, which has focused on disaster relief capacity, child welfare, and community resilience. The organization helped professionalize philanthropy and emergency response training.
He supports martial-arts education that emphasizes discipline and service. Partnerships he built with businesses and local governments have expanded the reach of social programs and rapid-response networks.
Donnie Yen
Yen has funded anti-bullying campaigns and youth sports programs, donating equipment and facility upgrades to schools. He has also supported medical charities through auctions and appearances.
He contributes to disaster relief funds in Asia and North America, mobilizing fan communities for rapid donations. His advocacy often highlights the importance of stunt safety and respectful set culture.
Ken Watanabe
Watanabe founded a relief initiative following major natural disasters in Japan, channeling donations to community-led rebuilding. He has supported mental-health services and small business recovery in affected towns.
He promotes arts education and cultural preservation, including regional theater projects. Internationally, he has participated in campaigns for cancer screening and patient navigation services.
Ken Jeong
Jeong, a licensed physician before acting, supports medical research foundations and patient support groups. He donates to scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds.
He frequently organizes benefit shows for hospitals and community clinics, with proceeds directed to equipment and charity care. Public health campaigns featuring him have boosted vaccination and screening uptake.
Idris Elba
Elba has supported youth employment and anti-violence initiatives in the UK, including training programs in film and music production. He has advocated for opportunities in underserved neighborhoods.
He serves as a goodwill ambassador promoting resilient agriculture and rural youth entrepreneurship, helping raise funds for farmer training and market access. He also supports mental-health and arts education charities.
Mahershala Ali
Ali backs arts education programs that provide free or low-cost classes and mentorship for students. He has funded scholarships and community media labs that help young people build creative careers.
He supports organizations focused on reentry services and food security, often directing award-season attention toward community partners. He also participates in readings and talks that raise money for civil-rights groups.
Forest Whitaker
Whitaker founded a peace and development initiative that trains young leaders in conflict mediation, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Programs operate in multiple countries with local partners.
He serves as a UNESCO Special Envoy, advocating for culture-based solutions to violence and poverty. His work links education, job creation, and trauma-informed counseling for lasting community impact.
Denzel Washington
Washington has been a national voice for Boys & Girls Clubs, funding facilities, tutoring, and mentorship programs. He has helped build computer labs and athletics spaces in clubhouses.
He supports scholarships for performing arts students and contributes to veteran housing projects. His philanthropy also includes substantial gifts to historically Black universities and theater programs.
Paul Newman
Newman directed all after-tax profits from his food company to charity, supporting camps for children with serious illnesses and thousands of grants worldwide. The camp network provides cost-free programs with full medical support.
He backed education and nutrition initiatives, using product campaigns to drive sustainable funding. His endowment model ensures long-term support for partner nonprofits beyond any single fundraising cycle.
Kirk Douglas
Douglas and his family foundation funded playgrounds, theaters, and Alzheimer’s care programs. He supported scholarships for actors and filmmakers at public institutions and arts academies.
He invested in community centers that serve low-income seniors, focusing on housing and wellness. His gifts also preserved classic films and expanded access to film education.
Richard Gere
Gere supports global health and homelessness services, funding mobile medical units and supportive housing. He has championed human rights and disaster relief through concerts and public appeals.
He backs AIDS research and outreach, directing event proceeds to testing, treatment, and education. He has also supported mental-health programs that combine counseling with job training.
Hugh Grant
Grant has donated legal damages from privacy cases to press freedom and investigative journalism groups. He supports medical research and children’s charities through telethons and auctions.
He funds local community projects in the UK, including libraries, sports clubs, and school arts programs. He often provides bridge funding that helps small charities survive gaps between grants.
Pierce Brosnan
Brosnan and his family have supported marine conservation, whale protection, and coastal restoration. He has worked with beach-cleanup groups and ocean policy advocates to reduce pollution.
He also supports women’s health, child welfare, and cancer care through galas and art sales. As an ambassador for children’s charities, he’s helped fund vaccination and nutrition programs.
Liam Neeson
Neeson has supported child-hunger programs and educational charities in Ireland and the United States. He has narrated campaigns that raise funds for emergency nutrition and school meal programs.
He contributes to film-education initiatives that provide training and internships for students. He has also supported hospice care and bereavement services for families.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Cumberbatch supports refugee assistance, housing charities, and arts education. He has hosted fundraising performances and campaigned for increased support for asylum seekers.
He backs cancer research and patient services, donating time and memorabilia for auctions. He also supports mentorship initiatives that help young people access theater and film careers.
Tom Hardy
Hardy supports veteran rehabilitation and mental-health programs, including charities that use martial arts for recovery. He participates in fundraisers for wounded service members and their families.
He backs anti-poaching and wildlife protection groups, helping fund ranger training and community conservation. He has also supported children’s hospices through visits and donations.
Jude Law
Law has supported peace and human-rights campaigns, participating in field visits and benefit performances that fund education in conflict-affected areas. He’s raised awareness for displaced families and rebuilding efforts.
He donates to youth arts education and community theaters, providing grants for productions and technical training. Health charities and disaster relief organizations have also benefited from his events.
Viggo Mortensen
Mortensen supports Indigenous rights, literacy initiatives, and independent publishing. He has financed translations, book donations, and small-press projects that expand access to literature.
He contributes to land-conservation groups and arts education, auctioning signed prints and photography. He also supports clinics that serve migrant workers and rural communities.
Gael García Bernal
García Bernal co-founded a traveling documentary festival that funds film education and brings screenings to underserved communities. The model supports local storytellers and civic dialogue.
He has raised funds for earthquake recovery, directing aid to community brigades and reconstruction projects. He also supports migrant shelters and legal aid along transit routes.
Diego Luna
Luna, a co-founder of the same documentary initiative, funds training labs, school screenings, and community media projects. He supports grants for filmmakers tackling social issues.
He participates in campaigns for child protection, cultural heritage, and environmental restoration in Mexico. Benefit performances and auctions he organizes direct funds to local NGOs.
Dev Patel
Patel supports organizations that combat human trafficking and provide education to vulnerable youth. He has participated in campaigns that fund safe housing and legal assistance.
He donates to schools and clean-water projects in rural communities connected to his film work. He also supports arts education programs that give students access to film equipment and mentorship.
Andrew Garfield
Garfield supports youth theater and drama therapy, funding workshops that build confidence and communication skills. He has helped schools expand performing arts resources.
He backs mental-health and homelessness services, participating in benefit readings and fundraising drives. He has also supported LGBTQ+ youth organizations through donations and public advocacy.
Share your picks and the stories that moved you most in the comments!
