Ford Opens Wallet for Struggling Actors

September 15 -- What would Han Solo do if Luke Skywalker were desperately battling an evil ad empire to get a bigger slice of the pie for struggling actors whose bread and butter is TV commercials? He'd swoop in and nail those bad muthas, of course.

He left the Millennium Falcon in the garage, but Variety reports that Harrison Ford has joined the other Hollywood stars who've given a shout-out to their lesser-known peers. Ford, who gets eight-figure paydays for his movie roles, whipped out his checkbook and penciled in the Screen Actors Guild Foundation for a $100,000 charitable donation.

The foundation was set up to provide financial relief to actors who've been on the picket lines since the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists began striking in May.

Ford's donation matched that of Kevin Spacey as the highest amount poured into the relief fund by one individual since it was launched last month, with a beginning balance of $500,000. Others who've contributed include Jay Leno, George Clooney, and Britney Spears.

"We're thrilled by this generous contribution from Mr. Ford," said foundation exec Marcia Smith. "Many of our members haven't worked since before the strike started and have nowhere to turn except [to] the strike relief fund."

Way to go, Harry. The SAG/AFTRA folks have already had reason to note Ford's support for their efforts: The action-hero actor sought union approval before signing an agreement with automaker Fiat to appear in a commercial to be broadcast exclusively in Europe.

SAG/AFTRA negotiators began meeting with federal mediators and ad industry execs Wednesday, after earlier talks failed to substantively address the unions' concerns. The primary bone of contention throughout the talks has been the ad industry's attempts to reduce the amount it pays in residuals.

Talks progressed through the day on Thursday, according to Variety, and the two sides agreed at the end of the day to keep talking.