A quote from The Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar has circulated online, where he discusses how he uses his fortune to pay random families’ medical bills via the crowdfunding website GoFundMe.
The actor played Raj Koothrappali on the CBS sitcom from 2007–2019, in that time becoming one of television’s highest paid actors with a reported $1million (£736,000) per episode. An article by Forbes in January estimated his fortune at $45million (£33.1million).
Now, Variety reports that the article has prompted social media users to share an interview the actor gave with the iPaper last December, where he discusses how he deals with his success and wealth.
“Money has given me greater freedom and the greatest gift is the ability to give back, to change people’s lives,” Nayyar said. “We also support animal charities because we love dogs. But what I really love to do is go on GoFundMe at night and just pay random families’ medical bills. That’s my masked vigilante thing! So, no, money doesn’t feel like a burden. It feels like a grace from the universe.”
GoFundMe and other crowdfunding sites began as a way of raising money for artistic or business endeavours. However, with rising costs in the US, the sites are increasingly used as a way of paying for medical procedures or care.
This has extended in recent times to figures in the entertainment industry. In January, Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke’s friend started a crowdfunding campaign to help pay debts owed by the actor, who was facing eviction.
Elsewhere, following the death of Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek from cancer, a GoFundMe page was set up to help his family financially following the loss. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds” the page read.
“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over $2.6million (£1.9million).
English (US) · 