Charlize joins cancer crusade
2008-07-29 20:21
Los Angeles - Hollywood A-list celebrities including Meryl Streep and Charlize Theron, sports star Lance Armstrong and American Idol winner David Cook will "stand up" to battle cancer in a rare television fundraiser next month, organisers said on Tuesday.
The event, Stand Up to Cancer, will air simultaneously and commercial-free on three rival US TV networks - ABC, CBS and NBC - during prime-time hours, and organisers hope to raise millions of dollars to fight the disease.
"The support we've received from the creative community is remarkable," said the show's producer Laura Ziskin, a breast cancer survivor who was responsible for making the Spider-Man movies, Pretty Woman and many other films.
"My phone is constantly ringing with people asking, 'What can I do and how can I help?' We hope viewers all over the country will do the same."
It is rare that a programme is broadcast on all three major US networks simultaneously during prime-time evening hours, which are the most lucrative times for advertisers.
In 2001, some 31 US broadcast and cable TV networks aired a programme to raise money for victims of the September 11 attacks. Film, TV and music stars worked at a phone bank as people called to pledge money. Some sang while others gave speeches and testimonials.
Stand Up to Cancer will be similar in its format, the producers said.
From broadcast news, there will be CBS anchor Katie Couric, whose husband died of cancer, as well as NBC's Brian Williams and ABC's Charles Gibson all reporting on cancer research.
The show, which was first announced in late May, will air on September 5.
(Editing by Belinda Goldsmith)