I’ve spent nearly 30 years as an entertainment journalist — and I still love it. Every day, I get to tell the stories of the artists, creators and dreamers who shape pop culture and make life brighter, bolder and more joyful for all of us. Over time, I’ve seen that when celebrity stories are told with care, they do more than entertain — they connect us, inspire us and remind us of our shared humanity. That’s the heart of Us Weekly.
Over the past 18 months, we’ve raised the bar on our storytelling, committing to making our reporting the gold standard of smart, trusted entertainment journalism. Because there’s no shame in loving celebrity culture. It’s not a guilty pleasure; it’s part of how we find joy, hope and meaning. We cover stars’ lives thoughtfully, with empathy and purpose, shining a light on resilience, mental health, personal growth… and showing that underneath the glitz and glamour, celebrities really are Just Like Us.
Celebrities hold a unique place in our culture. They bring us together, make us laugh and remind us what’s possible. Their stories can also reflect the best of who we are — and who we aspire to be.
CHAD KIRKLAND
That’s the spirit behind Us’ Humankind Issue, honoring stars who use their platforms for good. Whether through their work — like Drew and Jonathan Scott, who use their skills to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, or Bad Bunny, whose Good Bunny Foundation champions education and recently launched a summer camp to support young people — these stars are turning compassion into action. Others, like Noah Wyle, who advocates for healthcare workers, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who calls raising awareness for multiple sclerosis “the greatest purpose I have ever had,” remind us that kindness comes in many forms, each with the power to create lasting change.
I’m in awe of our cover star, Lainey Wilson, who speaks about the importance of kindness and giving back. She created the Heart Like a Truck Fund, which supports causes like education, health and family well-being, all of which can change lives. And I concur with her philosophy that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
In a world that can feel heavy, it’s more important than ever to celebrate generosity and connection. As we head into Giving Tuesday this year amid all the noise, acts of kindness still shine through.
Let’s be that light. Let’s lift each other. Let’s celebrate the power of doing good — together.
— Dan Wakeford, editor in chief
CECE DAWSON, COURTESY OF LAINEY WILSON
Read on to learn more about the stars who are dedicating their time, energy and love to causes close to their hearts:
Eric Dane: A Cure for ALS
Eric Dane speaks about his ALS diagnosis during a news conference to discuss health insurance at the Department of Health and Human Services Headquarters in June 2025SAUL LOEB / AFP
Not long after the Grey’s Anatomy alum publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April, Eric Dane joined Push for Progress, a campaign sponsored by the I Am ALS organization to secure federal funding for research. “I’m gonna fight until the last breath on this one,” he told Congressman Eric Swalwell in September. It’s no wonder he was named ALS Network Advocate of the Year.
Bad Bunny Donates Toys In Puerto RicoGladys Vega/Getty Images
The 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer (real name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) told Apple Music this year that he dreams of using his platform to “impact as many lives as possible.” He’s already started in his beloved Puerto Rico, where his aptly named Good Bunny Foundation has rebuilt hurricane-damaged sports facilities, awarded educational grants and launched a yearly summer camp where he’s said young people can “discover in their passions a path to transform their lives and communities.”
Drew and Jonathan ScottJason Davis/Getty Images for HGTV
“These are the OG Property Brothers and Property Sisters,” Drew tells Us of Habitat for Humanity, which helps people build safe, affordable homes for themselves and their neighbors. In October, he and his twin brother, Jonathan, joined more than 1,000 volunteers to construct 25 new houses in Austin, Texas, during the 39th Annual Habitat for Humanity Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. And you don’t have to be an HGTV pro to pitch in, Jonathan tells Us: “If you’ve ever watched Property Brothers and you’re like, ‘That looks so fun,’ guess what? They’ll let you do that here, and it’s for a good cause. Nothing’s more rewarding than volunteering with Habitat.”
Jamie-Lynn SiglerMike Coppola/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival
After going public with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2017, Sopranos alum Sigler has been committed to bringing awareness to the disease. Most recently, she helped create a Reflect, Reframe, Reach out guide for patients and cohosted the “MeSsy” podcast with Christina Applegate, who is also living with MS, for more than a year. Sigler said that sharing her experience with listeners has given her “the greatest purpose I have ever had.”
Jennifer Aniston and ClydeJennifer Aniston/Instagram
Dogs’ best friend! Last year, Jennifer Aniston established the Clydeo Fund — named for the character from her children’s books, who’s a fictional “cousin” of her rescue pup, Clyde — to support animal shelters around the world. It’s a cause, she’s said, “which is very, very, very dear to my heart.”
Wyle is proud to be starring in The Pitt, his second acclaimed medical drama that “hopefully raises compassion for people who are there to pick up our broken pieces,” Wyle told Us at the Rape Treatment Center and Stuart House at UCLA Health’s annual brunch in Los Angeles on October 25. In June, the ER alum joined his mom, nurse Marjorie Wyle-Katz, in lobbying Congress for legislation intended to relieve medical professionals’ mental and physical burdens. The actor tells Us that philanthropy comes naturally to him. “I was born with an extra dose of empathy, I guess,” he says. “It was drilled into us to try to leave the world better than we find it. I remember being in fifth or sixth grade, it was a mandatory class assignment to tune into the End Hunger Network, which was a telethon to try to end starvation. I was really upset by it, so I pledged half of my allowance going forward. For years, I sent money. I don’t believe I’ve helped end hunger yet, but hope remains eternal.”
Glen Powell has been in awe of the Blue Angels long before he starred in Top Gun: Maverick. The elite squadron represents “the best [of] the United States,” he told Us in 2024 of producing a documentary to benefit the Blue Angels Foundation, which provides support for wounded veterans. “It was such a privilege to put those heroes on the screen.”
“I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, expect the right to exist,” Pedro Pascal — whose sister, Lux, is a transgender woman — wrote in support of the trans community on Instagram in February. In April, he wore a “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt (designed by fashion designer Conner Ives to benefit the Trans Lifeline charity) to the Thunderbolts London premiere.
Jason and Kylie KelceLisa Lake/Getty Images for Prime Video
Now that’s commitment to the cause! In June, former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce stripped to his Speedo at the annual Team 62 fundraiser, which has raised more than $2.4 million for the Eagles Autism Foundation since 2021. The Super Bowl champ was inspired by his wife, Kylie Kelce, whose childhood pal is autistic. “I have a special place in my heart for individuals on the spectrum,” the mom of four told Today last year of her dedication to making football games accessible to all by establishing a sensory room for the neurodivergent community at the Birds’ home stadium.
Teaching everyone how to bounce back from bad days! Megan Thee Stallion, who has long been open about her battle with depression and post-traumatic stress, was named The Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year for creating her free wellness app, Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too, and helping underserved communities through her Pete & Thomas Foundation.
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Since its inception in 2010, Jimmy Kimmel has been a proud champion of what he’s called “the greatest, most delicious charity event of the year” — L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which benefits pediatric cancer research. At this year’s fundraiser in October, a star-studded dinner with the late-night host and his wife, Molly McNearney, fetched $85,000 at auction.
Serving education! In February, Coco Gauffdonated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund to provide scholarships at historically Black colleges and universities for students who play tennis, giving them “the confidence to chase their dreams,” she said, “knowing they have a strong community behind them and a bright future ahead.”
