Striking Actors, Writers Start Auction for Crew Healthcare

Ever wanted to complete a crossword puzzle with Natasha Lyonne, or have dinner with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk? For hundreds to thousands of dollars, you can, thanks to a WGA/SAG-AFTRA eBay fundraiser benefitting the healthcare fund for Hollywood’s crew members.

Numerous names are contributing to the charity auction, which seeks to help Hollywood crew members struggling financially as the writers and actors strikes continue with no end in sight. Natasha Lyonne is offering a 15 minute “existential conversation” with the highest bidder as they work on the Wednesday New York Times crossword, and promises to bring her dog Rootbeer along for the ride. That listing is currently going for $2,100.

For a similar price (as of this writing), the cast of Bob’s Burgers will sing a customized song via a video message, and also present a SAG-AFTRA Strike sign handdrawn by Bob’s Burgers animator Simon Chong featuring the winner’s favorite characters and a special message.

Fans can also bid on dinner with Cross and Odenkirk — available in-person in New York or Los Angeles, or over Zoom for those located elsewhere (now going for $2,624), a watercolor portrait of one’s pet dog, painted by John Lithgow (for $3,550), and a New York City pottery class with Busy Phillips (for $2,800). Adam Scott is even offering to walk your dog (the current bid for that is $1,250).

On the lower end of the spectrum, fans can purchase Parker Posey’s personal collection of Dazed and Confused memorabilia (for $600), or Zoom with Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman (for $500).

Meanwhile, Lena Dunham is offering to paint a mural at your home, but that one feels more like a threat. Buying Tom Waits’ signed fedora seems like a much better investment.

The bidding window for the Hollywood healthcare auction closes on September 22nd. Check out all the Hollywood experiences available here. In the meantime, check out our explanations for why actors and writers are on strike.