The demonstrations were held on Wednesday, the day federal mediators attempted to kickstart negotiations over payments for TV ads, stalled since July. The Green Mile actor Hanks addressed a crowd of around 1,000 people in Los Angeles.
Actors are the best bargain in the advertising business.
Newman and Hollow Man star Bacon attended a rally down Sixth Avenue. They were joined by Tin Men actor Richard Dreyfuss, alongside Thelma and Louise star Susan Sarandon. Deep End of the Ocean star Treat Williams told the strikers that he survived being out of work for two years by doing TV commercials. The strikers want this system extended to cable TV ads, which currently pay a flat rate. They also want jurisdiction over commercials shot for the internet.