Jesse Eisenberg reveals he’s donating a kidney to a stranger

Actor Jesse Eisenberg has revealed that he is donating one of his kidneys to a stranger in an altruistic act of kindness.

The Now You See Me: Now You Don’t star made the announcement live on NBC’s TODAY show, describing the decision as “a no-brainer.”

“I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks,” said the 42-year-old Oscar-nominated actor. “I’m doing an altruistic donation in mid-December. I’m so excited to do it.”

An altruistic kidney donation, also known as a non-directed donation, occurs when a person donates to someone they do not personally know. Eisenberg explained that the process allows his kidney to be matched with a recipient in need, while potentially triggering a chain of other donations.

Eisenberg told TODAY.com that he first explored the idea a decade ago but only recently began the process after consulting a doctor friend who 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,” he said.

The actor also noted that he listed his family under the National Kidney Foundation’s voucher program, ensuring they would be prioritized for a transplant if ever needed. “It’s risk-free for my family as well,” he explained.

Eisenberg, who’s long been an active blood donor, joked, “I just have so much blood in me, and I feel like I should spill it.”

Alongside his donation plans, Eisenberg is promoting his upcoming film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, set to release on November 14, 2025.