Hollywood star surprises high school students with ‘sweetest’ gesture at prom after tragedy
He's out here making dreams come true.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next PageA Hollywood star is proving once again why he’s one of the best.
Steve Carell, known for his many roles, including as Michael Scott in the US version of The Office, shared an incredible message with six Los Angeles high schools earlier this week, telling them he has partnered with a charity to cover the costs of their upcoming proms.
It’s a welcome relief for the schools and students as they have been affected by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires that ripped through the city earlier this year, leaving destruction in their wake.
‘Attention. Attention all seniors. This is Steve Carell with a very special announcement,’ he said in the video, which mimicked an episode of the 62-year-old’s hit sitcom in which his character told students he used his Scott’s Tots program to pay for their college tuition.
While Steve’s character didn’t follow through with his promise in the show, the actor is following through with his most recent pledge.
‘I work with a wonderful charity based out of Virginia called Alice’s Kids. And Alice’s Kids wanted me to let you know that they will be paying for all of your prom tickets,’ he said in the video.
The star of The Office tapped into his Michael Scott persona to make the announcement (Picture: Instagram/@stevecarell)‘And if you have already paid for your prom tickets, they will reimburse you for your prom tickets. It’s a pretty good deal. Have fun. Enjoy the prom, and remember, this is Steve Carell.’
Alice’s Kids – a nonprofit organisation that aims to help kids improve their self-esteem – shared the video, along with the caption: ‘A special message from our friend Steve Carell. Right now, this is being viewed by every senior at the six high schools in Altadena, CA!!’
Many flocked to the comment section to share their excitement with
@stevi.renee, writing: ‘“Hey Mr. Scott! Whatcha gon’ do? Whatcha gon’ do? Make our dreams come true!” This is beautiful.’
@daviddecolonize also commented, writing: ‘Thank you so much for blessing our students at Pasadena HS with an unforgettable night of memories’.
While @spfldkid added: ‘What a stand-up guy. I adore him,’ followed by @mcneal3090, who exclaimed: ‘This Man Has A Heart Of Gold. Thank You, Steve And Alice’s Kids.’
‘This is just the sweetest thing’, @ama77da added.
Younger generations appeared to fall in love with The Office during COVID (Picture: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)While it’s unclear exactly how much Steve has donated to the charity, his and Alice’s Kids’ kindness means 800 students will now be able to attend their proms after the devastating Los Angeles fires, which killed 29 and left many without homes.
In total, the charity is estimated to have donated $175,000 (£135,550.63) toward the proms, which will cover the students’ approximate $150 (£116.19) attendance fee.
As for why the charity chose Steve to deliver the message, it all came down to COVID – or rather, the shows students watched during the pandemic.
‘For some reason, someone mentioned that the kids “love” Steve Carell,’Executive director of Alice’s Kids Ron Fitzsimmons told People magazine.
The Despicable Me star agreed to partner with and send through a video announcement within hours (Picture: Jordan Strauss/January Images/Sh)‘It seems they got ‘hooked’ on The Office during COVID and they also know him from Despicable Me. Now, Steve and [his wife] Nancy have been big supporters of ours for years so I came up with the idea of having Steve announce the free tickets in senior assemblies. I asked if he would do a video and he sent it to me within hours!’
As of February 1, the Los Angeles Palisades and Eaton wildfires were fully contained; however, the devastation left behind remains.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires tragically killed at least 29 people and burned across about 60 sq miles (155 sq km) of the city, with more than 16,000 structures destroyed.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
