Michael Sheen uses his own money to write off $1.3 million of his neighbors’ debts: "I wanted it..."

For several decades now, Michael Sheen has graced screens big and small, earning a reputation as one of the most esteemed actors of his time. However, beyond his cinematic achievements, the Welsh actor has proven his devotion to making a real-world impact. Sheen recently wiped out £1 million of debt for 900 struggling individuals in South Wales. This move was highlighted in a Channel 4 (@C4Dispatches) documentary titled Sheen's Secret Million Pound Giveaway. Sheen contributed £100,000 of his money to the cause, further cementing his commitment. The initiative revealed how some banks profit from the struggles of those in debt.

Sheen spoke to hosts Alex Jones and Lauren Laverne and said, "I didn't have £100,000 to throw around so I wanted it to be effective. But when I realised that I could do this, that I could get £1 million worth of people's debt and just write it off, it seemed like a good thing to do." As reported by the Radio Times, he added, "People's debt gets sort of put into bundles, and then debt-buying companies can buy those bundles, and then they can sell it on to another debt-buying company at a lower price, so the debt itself, even though the amount that people owe is still the same, the people who own the debt can sell it for less and less money."

The Damned United actor's program seeks to expose banks and financial institutions. He said, “The shocking thing is that people have started having to use credit cards, overdrafts to pay for basics, to pay for necessities, rather than luxuries or anything like that, so the debt that I was able to buy included credit card debt, overdrafts, car finance, that kind of stuff." He continued, "You need some help to get through these times. And people are getting into spirals of debt. Once you’re underwater, it’s very hard to get out again."

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the Blood Diamond star pointed out, "That’s why I wanted to do this — to draw attention to the fact that this is going on, and there is a way to change it, there are alternatives, and we need to push to try and make a difference for people.” Sheen isn't aware of the identity of the people he helped, but he knows their community and the kind of debt he erased. Over two years, doubt crept in as his own life shifted. He wasn’t sure if he could see his bold plan through.

While filming near the docks in Port Talbot, Sheen and his team encountered a story that reignited his determination to help people. A café worker shared how unemployed men would sit in silence, tears in their eyes, unsure of what came next. At that moment, the weight of his mission truly sank in, as Metro reported. Known for his unwavering support of those in need, Sheen has never shied away from stepping up. Earlier this year, his pledge to fund a national theatre company in Wales made waves on social media—a bold effort to keep the arts alive after the closure of National Theatre Wales.