Hollywood stars have been involved in coronavirus relief efforts since the very start of the pandemic.
Some donated funds , while others encouraged their followers to quarantine at home and practice social distancing.
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Recently, some celebs even joined Harry Connick Jr. in thanking essential workers during the CBS special, United We Sing: A Grammy Tribute to the Unsung Heroes .
This past Sunday, Harry Connick Jr. hosted the CBS special, *United We Sing: A Grammy Tribute to the Unsung Heroes*.
The event was put together to show appreciation for all of the essential workers who have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Connick began by saying that the special was filmed before the May 25 death of George Floyd.
“Just so you know, this special was filmed a few weeks ago and since that time our world has changed,” he said.
“Our focus has broadened from the coronavirus to include a painful dialogue about racism in America.”
The special was filmed in Connick’s hometown of New Orleans with the help of his 24-year-old daughter, Georgia.
Connick praised his daughter’s performance to Entertainment Tonight .
“Watching Georgia execute her incredible skills as a filmmaker was one thing,” he said.
“But also to watch her listen and learn from these amazing folks that we met with such humility and respect just, yeah, I was beaming the whole time,” Connick said.
The father-daughter duo also got some help from celebrity pals.
This included Sandra Bullock, who appeared in the special to thank Joy Palmer.
She’s a public transportation worker who tragically lost her husband to COVID-19.
“I just wanted to take this time to thank you for your service, for your contribution,” Sandra began.
“For everything that you are doing to keep millions of people safe. I hope that what Harry is doing right now is just sprinkling the love on you so you realize the impact that you’re having during a time like this.”
The *Oceans 8* actress continued:
“I think in isolation a lot of times people don’t realize how bright their light is, and I just wish you so much love and peace and understanding that your destiny’s a lot bigger than I think you imagined,” Bullock told Palmer.
The heartwarming special featured many other famous faces.
Oprah sent her gratitude to a group of members from the New Orleans Boys and Girls Club and Tim McGraw spoke with some truckers.
Renee Zellweger had a video chat with grocery store workers.
Even Brad Pitt took part by surprising sanitation worker, Darnell Rudolph, with a video call.
“Man, I love the work you’ve done after Katrina,” Rudolph told Brad.
This was a reference to the work the actor did with the Make It Right foundation.
It’s an organization that builds homes for New Orleans residents who lost their homes in the 2005 hurricane.
“That’s so appreciated, I’ve got such a love for that city, and we so appreciate what you’re doing,” Pitt said.
Brad made sure to ask how Rudolph’s family has been doing in isolation at home. This includes his four kids.
When Connick said that Rudolph’s family have been watching Brad’s movies in quarantine, he jokingly apologized “for a few of them.”
The Once Upon in Hollywood actor then continued to praise the sanitation worker for all he’s been doing during the pandemic.
He even shared the nighttime ritual his neighbourhood has:
“At eight p.m., I go out on the porch and this has been going on for two months, my entire neighborhood gets out and bangs pans and claps and cheers for what you all are doing.”
“So, let me speak for everyone here, at least from my neighbourhood, and say thank you firsthand,” he continued.
“And we so appreciate you being on the frontlines, what you’ve given and what you’re doing to keep us safe and keep us moving forward.”
You can watch the clip here:
It was so heartwarming to see all of those celebrities give thanks to the essential workers who deserve it most!
Do you have an essential worker you’d like to thank? Let us know in the comments!
