Actor Michael Sheen secretly paid off over $1m of debt for 900 random people he didn't even know

Being able to help others is a blessing we often don't realize. Whether through kindness, support, or resources, lending a helping hand can make a world of difference in someone's life. Fortunately, some angels go beyond imagination to make a real impact, using their means to change lives. For instance, Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has now written off £1 million ($1.29 million) of debt for 900 people, as reported by BBC.

The "Good Omens" actor began a debt acquisition company to help people in South Wales. Interestingly, the entire event was documented on "Michael Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway," a show meant to expose some banks profiting from those in financial hardship. The one-of-a-kind show on Channel 4 will be aired on March 10, 2025.

"I didn't have £100,000 to throw around, so I wanted it to be effective. But when I realized that I could do this, that I could get £1 million worth of people's debt and just write it off, it seemed like a good thing to do," the actor revealed on The One Show, as quoted by RadioTimes.com. Moreover, Sheen highlighted how people have started using credit cards and overdrafts to even pay for necessities, pushing them into a never-ending cycle of debt. "You need some help to get through these times. That's why I wanted to do this—to draw attention to the fact that this is going on, and there is a way to change it, there are alternatives, and we need to push to try and make a difference for people," he shared. 

Meanwhile, when an individual who goes by u/stars_doulikedem—on Reddit—shared about the actor's surprisingly big decision, the post received an outpouring of love for his meaningful gesture. For example, u/zapz564 commented, "Michael Sheen has talked openly for a long time about the class divide in the British creative industries and started his own foundation to help working-class actors. Seems like a guy who really puts his money where his mouth is. Respect for that."

u/jediseago shared, "Mr. Sheen is a role model. There are many who talk the talk, but he walks it and walks it brilliantly. The people of Wales are lucky to have him as an ambassador who puts his money where his mouth is. South Wales thanks, Michael!" u/atlauto wrote, "This is awesome. What's crazy is he probably bought this debt for pennies on the dollar—just a great example of how 'debt' oftentimes isn't real, companies aren't relying on actually collecting this debt, and debt collection is a predatory practice that shouldn't be legal. If a hospital I owe money to sells my $20,000 of debt to a debt collection agency for $5,000, I should be able to buy my debt for $5,000 myself." u/cosmicglimpse, who praised the actor for his selfless gesture, wrote, "It would be good if all billionaires engaged in something like this!"

Notably, the "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" actor has always been upfront and ready when it comes to helping people in need. Earlier this year, the announcement that Sheen was funding a national theater company in Wales took over social media. The great initiative is meant to support arts projects after the closure of National Theatre Wales, as reported by the outlet.