Jason Sudeikis to headline It’s A Wonderful Life table read in fundraiser for The Ed Asner Family Center
Jason Sudeikis will play George Bailey in a virtual table read of It’s a Wonderful Life set to raise funds for The Ed Asner Family Center December 5.
Joining Sudeikis in the ensemble cast include Rosario Dawson, Jean Smart, Mark Hamill, Ed Harris, Mandy Patinkin, Lou Diamond Phillips, Martin Sheen, Phil Lamarr, Ron Funches and Ben Mankiewicz, Variety reported Tuesday.
Also involved in the read is Cheers alum George Wendt, who is Sudeikis's real-life uncle, and will portray Uncle Billy in the famed holiday story; and Tom Bergeron, who will host.
The latest: Jason Sudeikis will play George Bailey in a virtual table read of It’s a Wonderful Life set to raise funds for The Ed Asner Family Center December 5
The late Ed Asner, who died this past August, will be honored in the event to benefit his organization, which aims at helping special needs children and their families with programs centered around mental health and enrichment.
Asner's son Matt Asner, who co-founded the center with his late father, said in statement Tuesday, 'My father’s passing has left an indescribable hole in my heart.
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'For our annual fundraising gala this year, I want to honor my father’s legacy as both a legendary actor and a staunch advocate for people of all abilities.'
He also thanked Turner Classic Movies and MeTV for their efforts in helping put the event together.
The center shared a promotional picture featuring the star-studded cast
Rosario Dawson and Jean Smart are among the notable names who will be in the production
'I would like to thank Turner Classic Movies for partnering to support our effort to raise much needed funds for special needs families and I am eternally grateful for the support shown by our amazing cast,' he said. 'I would also like to thank MeTV for their generous sponsorship of this event.'
Warner Bros. President of Unscripted and Alternative Television Mike Darnell will also be honored at the function, according to the outlet.
Darnell’s daughter Chelsea Darnell, who is the TEAFC's social director, will also be in the cast, as well as autistic actors Spencer Harte and Domonique Brown, and neurodivergent TEAFC members Ryan Booth and Lucas Salusky, according to the outlet. Victor Nelli will serve as director.
Tickets to the event, slated for December 5 at 5 p.m. PT, begin at $25.
