Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis leads actors on picket line in support of strike

14 July 2023 , 19:51

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We're The Millers Star Jason Sudeikis joins picket line to support writers strike at NBC (Image: Getty Images)

We're The Millers star Jason Sudeikis proudly hit the picket line in New York City in front of NBC Rockefeller Center on July 14 with members of the Writers Guild of America East and SAG-AFTRA to show his support for the industry-wide strike. This strike has been recorded as the first industry-wide walkout in the last 63 years.

Famous actors across the US made their way to the picket lines in support Friday of the first strike against film and TV productions since 1980. This strike has also been recorded as the largest strike recorded in US history for the last 26 years, since 1997, according to CNN. New York picket lines were located outside the offices of media companies including NBC Universal, Paramount, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon.

Writers Guild of America East and SAG-AFTRA members team up to join the picket line outside NBC Rockefeller Center (Getty Images)

The Writers Guild of America is a 11,000 member group that has been on strike since May 12. The group is fighting for similar issues as SAG-AFTRA which includes fair wages in a changing industry that has made it almost impossible for many actors and writers to make a living. Those on strike are also asking for new protections addressing concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in television and movies.

Members of SAG-AFTRA picket outside of the Warner Bros. Discovery/Netflix headquarters in New York (Derek French/REX/Shutterstock)

The decision to strike came after negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to produce new contracts for members. This followed weeks of bargaining with the AMPTP who represent some of the largest studios and streaming platforms. Fran Drescher, Union president, announced the strike that began at midnight on July 14 in the US. This is the first time that both Unions have come together for a strike since 1960.

Actor Jason Sudeikis showed his support for the industry-wide strike holding up a sign outside of the NBC office in New York (Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock)

The Ted Lasso star was spotted joining his fellow entertainment workers to show his support waving a sign that reads "SAG-AFTRA on strike" sporting a black hoodie with scribbled white lettering that reads "We Need Leaders" and a matching black SAG-AFTRA hat. Sudeikis was seen at the strike in front of NBC Rockefeller Center, but supporters were seen picketing all over New York City including in Times Square.

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But strikes are not just talking place in New York, actors and writers alike are hitting the picket lines in Los Angeles too. Notable celebrities have made an appearances at the strike in California, including I-Tonya star Allison Janney who was spotted smiling wide holding up another "SAG-AFTRA on strike" sign to which she added: "Name your favorite movie without actors."

Allison Janney holds up a sign joining SAG-AFTRA and WGA Members as they walk the picket line in support of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike at the Warner Bros. Studio (Variety via Getty Images)

The Kissing Booth star Joey King was also seen in a crowd walking down the street holding up a sign supporting the SAG-AFTRA strike in LA.

SAG-AFTRA President Drescher also joined Writers Guild members at a picket line outside Netflix in Los Angeles. Thousands of Hollywood actors went on strike at midnight, bringing the giant movie and television business to a halt. The president was spotted passionately shouting holding up her own sign in support of the cause.

Actress Joey King joins SAG-AFTRA and WGA Members and Supporters as they walk the picket line in support of the industry-wide strike in Los Angeles (Variety via Getty Images)

This comes as the Oppenheimer cast also publicly showed their support by walking out of the UK premiere to make a statement that they too, support the strike. This walk out included A-list celebrities Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon and Rami Malek.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher protests outside of Netflix in Los Angeles during an industry-wide strike (AFP via Getty Images)

As well as hitting the picket lines, the acting community has also been vocal on Twitter, with child star Mara Wilson, who famously played the titular role in Matilda, shared how a lack of pay has affected her life.

The 35-year-old shared: "I haven't acted much as an adult, but I WAS on a recurring character on one of the most critically acclaimed animated shows of all time, as well playing an actual Disney villain.

"But thanks to streaming, I have never once made enough to qualify for SAG-AFTRA healthcare."

Caroline Gaspich