Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro seek ‘co-star’ in virus charity drive
Leonardo DiCaprio, left, Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese at a press conference ahead of the opening of the Studio City casino resort in Macau on Oct. 27, 2015. Image: AFP/Philippe Lopez
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro have rallied fellow Hollywood A-listers in a new coronavirus fundraising campaign by offering a walk-on role in their upcoming film to one lucky donor.
The actors are set to star in “Killers of the Flower Moon”, one of next year’s most hotly anticipated movies, which is directed by Martin Scorsese and tells the true story of Native American killings in 1920s Oklahoma.
“If you ever wondered what it was like to be able to work with the great Martin Scorsese, this is your chance,” said DiCaprio in an Instagram video Wednesday.
The randomly selected winner will also have lunch with the stars and director, and attend the premiere.
The initiative is part of the #AllInChallenge launched Tuesday, which sees celebrities, including movie and sports stars, auction or donate a “once-in-a-lifetime fan experience,” and challenge others to do the same.
Opportunities to have Justin Bieber fly to your house for a private show, watch a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game ringside with Magic Johnson, or play golf with Rob Lowe have collectively raised $4 million so far.
Organizers hope to raise $100 million.
All proceeds go to charities providing food relief to those in need during the lockdown, including Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry and America’s Food Fund — launched this month by DiCaprio and Laurene Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs.
In his video, DiCaprio challenged Ellen DeGeneres, who within hours responded by offering a chance to co-host her chat show, and Matthew McConaughey, who invited a donor to join him in his private box to watch an American Football game in Texas.
The campaign is the latest in a series of high-profile celebrity initiatives over the deadly coronavirus pandemic, from singer Rihanna’s multi-million-dollar donations to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s new $1 billion relief fund.
Some have picked subjects closer to their heart — “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David started a $150,000 GoFundMe campaign to support out-of-work golf caddies at his highly exclusive Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. RGA
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