In a night that saw the stars align both on and off the poker table, Bryan Cranston, the acclaimed actor best known for his iconic role in Breaking Bad, traded in his blue meth empire for a deck of cards to host the electrifying Lights, Camera, Ante Up! Celebrity Poker Tournament. The event, held at the chic and immersive Candela La Brea, wasn’t just about royal flushes and full houses; it was a high-stakes affair with a philanthropic twist.
Bryan Cranston and his mezcal brand Dos Hombres
All-In for a Cause
Cranston’s mezcal brand, Dos Hombres, took center stage as the “All-In” sponsor, propelling the charitable initiative to new heights. The tournament wasn’t just a gathering of Hollywood’s A-listers, it was a testament to the entertainment industry’s resilience and commitment to its own.
Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford
With the ongoing work stoppage affecting film and television workers, Cranston and his celebrity compatriots including Jason Alexander, Andy Garcia, Tony Denison, Kevin Pollack, Krysten Ritter, Bob Odenkirk, Bradley Whitford and more rallied together, raising an impressive $100,000 for the Entertainment Community Fund.
Tony Denison
This fund, formerly known as “The Actors Fund,” has been a stalwart supporter of those in the performing arts and entertainment industry since 1882, providing vital services related to health and wellness, career development, and housing.
Andy Garcia
Playing with the Stars
The poker tables were graced by a who’s who of Hollywood elite, turning the event into a riveting showdown of skill and strategy. Attendees included the charming Jason Alexander, the suave Andy Garcia, the versatile Bob Odenkirk, the poker-faced Kevin Pollak, and the stunning Krysten Ritter, among many others.
Jason Alexander
Fund Chair Annette Bening, a true pillar of support for the cause, lent her grace to the event, ensuring that every hand played and every chip tossed was a step towards making a real difference for those in need.
Keith McNutt, Annette Bening, Bryan Cranston
The Winning Hand
In a city where dreams are made and broken, the Entertainment Community Fund’s Lights, Camera, Ante Up! Celebrity Poker Tournament proved that when Hollywood comes together for a cause, the result is a winning hand for everyone involved. Bryan Cranston and his fellow stars didn’t just play the game; they dealt aces for a community that truly needed it.
Jesse Billauer Cameron Manheim
As the cards settled and the chips were counted, it was evident that the real winners were the film and television workers who would benefit from the generosity displayed on this memorable night.
AJ McLean
Rolling the Credits
Lights, Camera, Ante Up! may be over, but the impact of this star-studded poker night will reverberate throughout the entertainment community. A heartfelt thank you to Bryan Cranston, Dos Hombres, and all the celebrities who rolled up their sleeves, raised the stakes, and left the table with more than just a winning hand. They left with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made a difference in the lives of their fellow entertainers. The Entertainment Community Fund can continue its mission, providing a safety net for those who shape the cultural vibrancy of our country.
For more information on how you can support the Entertainment Community Fund, visit entertainmentcommunity.org and be a part of the ongoing legacy of Lights, Camera, Ante Up!
Pictured in featured photo: Bryan Cranston, Krysten Ritter, Bob Odenkirk
*Photo credit: Entertainment Community Fund / Nina Prommer
