Actor Jesse Eisenberg to Donate Kidney to Stranger, Calls Life-Saving Move a “No-Brainer”

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Academy Award-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg, known for his performances in The Social Network, Now You See Me, and Zombieland, has announced that he plans to donate his kidney to a stranger, calling the act a “no-brainer.”

During an appearance on NBC’s Today Show, the 42-year-old actor said his decision came after he participated in a blood drive earlier this year — an experience that left a lasting impression.

“I just have so much blood in me, and I feel like I should spill it,” Eisenberg joked during the interview. “I really like doing it, and I don’t know why.”

He then surprised viewers and hosts by revealing:

“I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am.”

The announcement drew audible surprise from the hosts, with Today co-anchor Craig Melvin calling it “amazing.”

Eisenberg elaborated that he would be doing what’s known as an altruistic donation — a non-directed living donation in which the organ goes to a stranger who’s medically compatible, according to Weill Cornell Medicine.

“It’s Risk-Free and So Needed”

In a follow-up conversation with Today.com, Eisenberg said he views kidney donation as both practical and profoundly rewarding.

“It’s essentially risk-free and so needed,” he explained. “I think people will realize that it’s a no-brainer if you have the time and the inclination.”

Under the National Kidney Foundation’s family voucher program, donors’ relatives receive priority should they ever need a transplant in the future — something Eisenberg said helped make the decision easier.

“The way it works now is you can put a list of whoever you would like to be the first to be at the top of the list,” he said. “So it’s risk-free for my family, as well.”

Eisenberg, who shares an eight-year-old son named Banner with his wife, noted that his family fully supports his choice.

A Growing Movement of Altruistic Donors

Medical experts say altruistic kidney donations — while still rare — have been on the rise. The National Kidney Foundation reports that about 5,000 living kidney donations occur each year in the U.S., helping thousands of patients avoid years of dialysis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most donors can return to normal activity within two to four weeks following the surgery.

“It’s one of the safest and most impactful procedures a healthy person can do for another human being,” said Dr. Laura Mendez, a transplant specialist not associated with Eisenberg’s case.

Eisenberg’s Legacy of Compassion

Known for his intense yet introspective performances, Eisenberg earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network. His acting career spans over two decades and includes a mix of major studio blockbusters and independent projects he has written or directed.

But off-screen, Eisenberg has also been quietly involved in humanitarian and community initiatives, including supporting local arts programs and refugee charities.

Now, his decision to give one of his kidneys to a total stranger adds another deeply personal chapter to that legacy.

“I just feel lucky that I can do something so simple that has such a big impact,” Eisenberg said.

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