List of Actors Who Joined the SAG-AFTRA Strike – Here Is What They Said

Actors are on strike after talks with major studios and streaming services failed. The strike began on Friday and is the first since 1980 and one of the nation's most significant strikes.

Actors have mobilized and joined the picket lines in the ongoing strike against film and television productions. SAG-AFTRA, a union representing both high-profile and struggling actors, contends that the rapid transformations within the entertainment sector have rendered it nearly impossible for most members to sustain a livelihood through acting.

Numerous acclaimed actors have expressed their solidarity by participating in the SAG-AFTRA strike. Below is a list of renowned actors on strike and their statements regarding the issue.

Jason Sudeikis

Jason Sudeikis, renowned for his role in "The Angry Birds Movie," stood among the actors on the picket lines outside the NBC Universal offices in Rockefeller Center in New York.

While his fellow actors chanted slogans like "Hey hey, corporate greed's got to go" and "What do we want? Contracts! When do we want them? Now!" Sudeikis was asked about his presence on the picket line. In response, he simply stated, "Just listen. That says it all."

When asked about the duration of his commitment to picketing, the 47-year-old actor expressed his determination and said he was willing to continue as long as it takes.

Brian Cox and Susan Sarandon

Brian Cox, known for his role in the drama "Succession," claimed that the streaming platforms had altered the entertainment landscape.

He emphasized that the shift in the industry paradigm was a significant factor in the ongoing strike. He further stated that the strike could extend until the end of the year.

Veteran actress Susan Sarandon who was also spotted at the picket lines in New York, spoke about the impact of Artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry and stated that it would affect everybody.

Margot Robbie

During her appearance on the pink carpet while promoting the film "Barbie," Margot Robbie expressed her solidarity with the ongoing actors' strike and her support for all the unions involved. She further conveyed her willingness to stand alongside her fellow actors on the picket lines if necessary.

Matt Damon

During the "Oppenheimer" photocall in London, Matt Damon discussed the actors' strike and conveyed his full support. The actor emphasized the significance of the cause they would be striking, stating that it is of utmost importance. He also highlighted the need to safeguard and protect individuals in more vulnerable positions within the industry.

Octavia Spencer

Spencer took to her Instagram to show solidarity in the ongoing strike. The actress shared a statement issued by different unions in support of SAG-AFTRA. Alongside the statement, she captioned, "I stand with my fellow #SAGAFTRAMembers during the #SAGStrike alongside the #WGA in their fight."

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis, a renowned Oscar-winning actress, took to Instagram to express her unwavering support for the ongoing strike, emphasizing her solidarity with her union, SAG-AFTRA. In her statement, Curtis made it clear that she stood firmly alongside her fellow actors in their efforts to bring about positive change within the industry.

Taraji P. Henson and Riley Keough

Taraji P. Henson and Riley Keough also shared their sentiments about the actors going on strike. Through a voice interview, Henson said, "The thing that actors are asking for is common sense. You can't use my likeless and get paid, and I don't see anything; that's highway robbery." Keough also shared that she hoped for the best and was proud and happy to stand in solidarity with fellow actors.

Fran Drescher

Veteran actress and now president of SAG-AFTRA, Fran Drescher, has long expressed concerns about corporate greed, noting that they won't back down about the ongoing strike until their grievances are met.

Jeremy Renner, Jack Quaid, Emily Blunt

Other actors in support of the ongoing strike took to their social media to show their solidarity. Jack Quaid wrote, "If we must strike… THEN WE SHALL STRIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEE!!!!!"

Jeremy Renner shared a post in support of the strike and wrote," It's time to level the playing field together." Also, while promoting "Oppenheimer," Emily Blunt said, "I hope everyone makes a fair deal." Following the ongoing strike, the "Oppenheimer" cast also showed solidarity by leaving the UK premiere.

The actors on strike have united with over 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), who have been on strike against the same studios and streaming services since May. Notably, both unions are striking over similar concerns and issues within the industry.