**Cheyenne Jackson Champions Health Insurance initiative for Actors in Need**
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Actor Cheyenne Jackson, known for his roles in “American Horror Story” and “30 Rock,” is launching a campaign entitled One Job Away, aimed at helping fellow actors at risk of losing their health insurance. This initiative highlights the precarious state of many performers who may find themselves just short of meeting the earnings threshold required to maintain coverage.
In a recent interview with Variety, Jackson recounted a personal experience that prompted him to take action. He recalled a difficult period when he was unable to meet SAG-AFTRA’s minimum earnings requirement for health insurance, which is set at £28,000 annually. This requirement is crucial not only for his own well-being but also for the health of his family, including his husband, Jason Landau, and their eight-year-old twins, Willow and Ethan. Jackson was approximately £6,000 short of the necessary income and was concerned about his family’s health benefits.
In a stroke of good fortune, actress Kathy Bates, a former co-star from “American Horror Story,” came to his aid by helping him secure a role on the classic series “Matlock.” “I called her and explained my situation. I was really in trouble,” Jackson said, recapping the conversation. Bates responded by arranging for him to play a small part — a detective with five lines — a role that ultimately enabled him to meet his insurance qualifications.
Despite the modesty of the role, Jackson expressed gratitude and enthusiasm. “I was like, ‘Sign me up! No ego amigo here,’” he recalled. This opportunity allowed Jackson to sustain his health insurance for another year, an essential lifeline for his family.
Recognising the vulnerabilities faced by many in the acting community, Jackson felt compelled to give back. Through One Job Away, he aims to connect actors who are teetering on the edge of eligibility for SAG health insurance with potential job opportunities. “I know what it feels like to be one job away…and what it means when someone actually comes through,” Jackson shared via Instagram.
The campaign encourages actors to submit their profiles, highlighting their work and how casting directors or producers might reach them for potential engagements. Jackson’s call to action resonated with the acting community, already sparking positive responses on social media. Notable figures such as Ricki Lake and Michelle Visage have publicly supported the initiative, sharing their own struggles with health insurance qualifications.
In an additional update on his Instagram account, Jackson requested that any actors interested in being featured should email him directly. His outreach highlights not only the urgency of the matter but also the collective challenges that working actors face. “Hundreds of you have reached out and that tells me that this problem is real and it’s huge,” he stated, emphasising the widespread nature of the issue.
The One Job Away project clearly underscores the significance of community support within the entertainment industry. Jackson’s efforts to spotlight talented actors in need of opportunities aligns with a growing dialogue about the precarious nature of work in the arts and the essential necessity for affordable healthcare.
As Jackson continues to champion this cause, he hopes to inspire others to offer assistance and create connections that could transform careers. The initiative is set to promote awareness while also providing practical steps for actors navigating the often-turbulent landscape of performance arts.
In conclusion, Cheyenne Jackson’s One Job Away campaign is not just a personal story of gratitude and support; it reflects a broader challenge faced by many in the creative sector. By fostering a collaborative environment, Jackson is facilitating pathways for actors to secure needed insurance while also nurturing the sense of community that is vital to the health of the arts.