Cheyenne Jackson launches ‘One Job Away’ campaign for actors

Actor Cheyenne Jackson has launched a social media campaign titled ‘One Job Away’ to assist SAG-AFTRA members struggling to meet the minimum earnings requirement for health insurance.

To qualify for the union’s health plan, actors must earn a minimum of $28,000 annually. Jackson, known for roles in ‘30 Rock’ and ‘Glee’, initiated the movement after finding himself $6,000 short of the threshold last year. He noted that actress Kathy Bates helped him secure a small role on the series ‘Matlock’ to ensure his eligibility.

The campaign uses Instagram to spotlight the headshots and biographies of actors who are close to meeting the financial requirement, aiming to connect them with casting directors and producers. Jackson described the difficulty in qualifying for benefits as a systemic issue, particularly as scripted television production has seen a significant decline.