Jesse Eisenberg has revealed a remarkable display of selflessness that is about to unfold in the coming weeks: the actor is donating one of his kidneys to a complete stranger. He shared this decision with NBC's Today show last week, saying, "I'm actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am."
When asked why he made this charitable decision, he replied, "I don't know why. I got bitten by the blood donation bug. I'm doing an altruistic donation in mid-December. I'm so excited to do it." He later told Today.com, "It's essentially risk-free and so needed. I think people will realize that it's a no-brainer if you have the time and the inclination."
Eisenberg shared that he had the idea about 10 years ago but only recently was able to start the process. He is scheduled to undergo the procedure in mid-December. Speaking about the process of finding a match, he explained, "Let's say person X needs a kidney in Kansas City and their child or whoever was going to donate to them is, for whatever set of reasons, not a match, but somehow I am. That person can still get my kidney and hopefully that child of that person still donates their kidney, right? But it goes to a bank where that person can find a match recipient, but it only works if there is basically an altruistic donor."
Eisenberg also shared that he has been a regular blood donor for several months. The actor, who was nominated for best original screenplay at this year's Oscars for A Real Pain, will next be seen in Now You See Me: Now You Don't, the third film in the Now You See Me franchise, which opens on November 14.
