Every once in a while the A-listers from Hollywood remind the rest of us that they really do have heart. May 21 was one such occasion, when stars from film, music, and more came together to raise awareness and money for NBC’s Red Nose Day fundraiser, benefitting a slew of children’s charities both in the United States and across the globe.
Seth Meyers and Jane Krakowski split hosting duties while others, including (but not limited to) Emily Blunt and her hubby John Krasinski, Chris Hemsworth, Zach Efron, Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, One Direction, Elizabeth Banks, and Rose Byrne participated in hilarious sketches encouraging people to dig deep into their pockets and donate.
But that was just the beginning — some stars took it to a whole new level with stunts and skits that truly stood out from the pack. Here are a few of the best:
Gwyneth Paltrow Paratrooping In… Well, Kinda
Seriously, you guys, is there anything Gwyneth doesn’t do? In a daring move, the Goop founder was lowered into the room in Mission Impossible-style harness. (Okay, for full disclosure, it may have been a stunt double up on the roof.) Either way, it was the real Gwyneth once inside. Clad in a skintight black catsuit, the mother of two had everything under control — until her ropes didn’t quite reach the ground and (literally) left her hanging above the stage. But the show must go on and so go on it did.
Robert Pattinson Parked Cars
It was a short bit, but seeing newly engaged Rob Pattinson play the part of valet made the most of every moment. Yes, the Brit crashed the first car he tried to park (apparently he didn’t take American driver’s ed before getting the plum gig), but he looked so great doing it, no one cared one bit (well, except for the person whose car he crashed).
Julia Roberts Revealed Her “Real” Voice
In another prerecorded video that promised to divulge “shocking” secrets of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Julia Roberts’ “real” voice was revealed. She “has what I describe as a distinctive voice,” Jodie Foster reflected. “It’s not what I would associate with a Hollywood leading lady.” So, what is this mysterious voice you wonder?
“It’s a prizefighter. It’s Barry White. It’s the lowest voice, gravelly voice, that I have ever heard,” her Pretty Woman costar Richard Gere explained. When Roberts opened her mouth to speak, we have to agree, Gere wasn’t mistaken. In an “unedited” clip from Erin Brokovich (the role that won her an Oscar a while back), Roberts’ voice was a far cry from the lilting feminine tone we’ve come to know and love. In fact, she sounded like a man, which is why this was possibly the best moment of the night.
Game of Thrones: The Musical
Then again, there may have one running gag that outdid even Roberts’s man voice: the production of Game of Thrones: The Musical. Not to be outdone by his ex, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin led a skit in which he spearheaded a Broadway musical based on the hit fantasy book and TV series. Some of the show’s most recognizable faces came out for the occasion, including Nikolaj Coster-Waldeau (who plays the aristocratic Jaime Lannister) and Emilia Clarke, who belted out a Rastafarian ode inspired by her Targaryen namesake.
Before the night was over, Al Roker announced that the effort had already raised more $10 million. Not too bad of a tally for a Thursday night.
Tell Us: What was your favorite moment from the Red Nose Day special?