How Hollywood Is Helping Out War Effort

ByABC News
December 14, 2001, 12:21 PM

Dec. 17 -- Mr. Las Vegas might not be your idea of a standing-room only ticket, but for thousands of U.S. troops overseas this holiday season, Wayne Newton will be bringing a message of cheer from the world of entertainment.

Like legendary comedian Bob Hope, who for decades regaled those in uniform off America's shores, Newton and other entertainers like him are starting to do their part for the U.S. war effort against terrorism.

The USO, the non-profit corporation that provides entertainment and morale-boosting services to U.S. troops, recently named Newton chairman of its celebrity circle group of entertainers.

But some decidedly hipper entertainers are getting into the act as well.

A concert tour featuring Jennifer Lopez, Kid Rock and Ja Rule that took place for U.S. troops earlier in Germany earlier this month will be shown on MTV on New Year's Day.

Stars from some of television network CBS' hit shows like Everybody Loves Raymond have also filmed holiday greetings to soldiers overseas. Disney, the parent company of ABCNEWS.com, and Blockbuster are sending videos and DVDs to troops overseas.

Heeding the Call

The efforts are just some of the fruits of meetings between Hollywood executives and White House officials, who have been discussing the entertainment industry's role in the war on terrorism since Sept. 11.

It's certainly not the first time the entertainment industry has helped out in a war effort.

But it is probably one of the more high profile contributions from the entertainment industry since World War II. That's when Hollywood's patriotic outburst included a flurry of war documentaries, celebrity enlistments and performances. Between the USO's founding in 1941and 1947, it performed over 428,500 shows.

This year, the USO has had 55 entertainment tours this year compared to 28 last year, and has seen a rise in interest from celebrities wanting to take part in tours, says USO spokeswoman Melinda Thompson.

"It's indicative of America's desire to do something to help in light of Sept. 11," says Rich Taylor, spokesman for the Motion Picture Association of America.