By Jessica Ross
The Lights, Camera, Take Action! telethon returned for its third year airing live on KTLA (Channel 5) in Los Angeles. From 7 to 9 p.m. on December 8th, the entertainment community joined forces to support an essential cause—providing aid to the thousands of behind-the-scenes workers whose livelihoods were impacted by the industry-wide strikes and production slowdowns of the past year.
Organized by the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), the telethon served as a reminder of the essential contributions made by the individuals who keep Hollywood running. From set designers and lighting crews to costume makers and production assistants, these are the workers who make the magic of film and television possible. With MPTF’s mission to meet the needs of these workers and their families, the event was a call to action for the industry to show its gratitude and support.
At the helm of the evening were hosts Yvette Nicole Brown (Community, Disenchanted) and Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the Stars, Hollywood Squares).
Adding to the night’s storytelling was KTLA’s Dayna Devon, who brought her engaging charm to the live Celebrity Lounge, where she interviewed many of the night’s participants. Meanwhile, Tiffany Smith took charge of the Tote Board, delivering real-time updates on donations as they poured in, underscoring the tangible impact of the evening’s efforts.
The telethon’s producers, Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond, Somebody Feed Phil) and David Wild (The Grammy Awards), curated a program that blended stories with memorable performances and special appearances. The lineup showcased a perfect balance of Hollywood icons and musical talents, all lending their voices and time to amplify the event’s message.
The telethon brought together an impressive roster of talent, reflecting the industry’s commitment to supporting its own. From Morgan Freeman’s stirring narration to the soulful sounds of Diane Schuur, every appearance added depth and emotion to the event. Celebrities like Colin Farrell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Walton Goggins shared heartfelt messages, while comedians Cedric the Entertainer and Ken Jeong provided moments of levity.
Musical performances, including a contribution from the MUSYCA Children’s Choir, further elevated the evening. Notable appearances by actors Kyle MacLachlan, Max Greenfield, and Virginia Madsen showcased the variety of voices coming together for the cause, while special moments featuring William Shatner and Dogstar (Keanu Reeves’ band) highlighted the collective spirit of the night.
Throughout the event, viewers were reminded of the broader impact of their contributions. The funds raised support not only the crew members themselves but also their families, ensuring access to essentials during difficult times.
Building on the success of its first two years, Lights, Camera, Take Action! has become a cornerstone of MPTF’s efforts to aid the entertainment community. Past participants, including Jeff Bridges, Jodie Foster, and Wilmer Valderrama, have joined the telethon to lend their voices to this cause.
This year’s telethon carried added significance, as many people are still dealing aftermath of the prolonged strikes. For those who missed the live broadcast, the telethon is available to watch on YouTube. Donations remain open, providing an ongoing opportunity to support MPTF’s mission.
To find more information or to watch the telethon, visit https://mptf.com and
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor Jessica Ross
Since August 2022, Jessica Ross has been a contributor at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Recent work includes Hollywood Unexpected airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in "Chasing Stars", a comedic-drama with an all female cast and crew.
Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.
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Email: Jessicaross2030@gmail.com
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