Jesse Eisenberg to Donate Kidney to Stranger, Sparks Curiosity Over Motives

Jesse Eisenberg is taking his generosity to an extraordinary level. The actor, known for films like The Social Network and Now You See Me, announced on the TODAY show on October 30 that he will be donating one of his kidneys to a complete stranger.

“I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am,” Eisenberg said during the live segment.

“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 told the TODAY show.

In a separate interview with TODAY.com, he added, “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 described how the donation process works. “Let’s say person X needs a kidney in Kansas City, their child or whoever was going to donate to them is, for whatever set of reasons, not a match, but somehow I am,” he said.

“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.”

The idea for the donation first came to Eisenberg about a decade ago when he contacted an organization, but he didn’t hear back.

Recently, a doctor friend referred him to NYU Langone Health in New York City. “I was in the hospital the next day and went through a battery of tests, and I’m now scheduled in mid-December,” he said.

Eisenberg also shared that he prioritized his own family members in case they ever need a living kidney donation. “So it’s risk-free for my family, as well,” he explained, referring to the National Kidney Registry’s family voucher program.

His generosity doesn’t stop at kidneys. Eisenberg has been a long-time blood donor and joked about his enthusiasm during the interview. “I just have so much blood in me, and I feel like I should spill it. I really like doing it, and I don’t know why,” he said.

Jesse Eisenberg’s decision to donate a kidney to a stranger is a remarkable act of selflessness. It shows that even small gestures, like donating blood, can evolve into life-changing contributions. What do you think about his choice? Share your thoughts in the comments.