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Jesse Eisenberg sparked an outpouring of reactions online after revealing during a recent appearance on NBC’s Today show that he planned to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger. The announcement was during the October 30 episode.During his live interview on Today, the Now You See Me: Now You Don’t star also explained that the decision came from a deeply personal impulse rather than a planned campaign or cause.“I'm actually donating my kidney in six weeks. I really am. I don’t know why. I got bitten by the blood donation bug. I’m doing an altruistic donation (in) mid-December. I’m so excited to do it."On October 31, 2025, pop culture outlet Pop Crave shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing:“Jesse Eisenberg reveals on the Today show that he’s donating his kidney to a stranger this December.”Pop Crave @PopCraveLINKJesse Eisenberg reveals on the Today show that he’s donating his kidney to a stranger this December.The post rapidly went viral, as fans weighed in on Jesse Eisenberg's unexpected revelation. One X user highlighted Eisenberg’s quote about being “bitten by the blood donation bug,” reposting it with the caption:“Bring this to the spotlight.”ℳℯ @thiscantbeyoufrLINK@PopCrave Let's spotlight this tooMany X users praised Eisenberg’s kindness and courage, applauding the Social Network actor for choosing to give back in such a profound way.Bhondu Hu @Bhondu_BandarLINK@PopCrave That’s an incredible act of kindness. Huge respect to Jesse — this is real hero stuff 🙏❤️Arjun S @Axilwood_CEOLINK@PopCrave Bro is a legend if he actually did that... Like.. kidney doesn't grow back.. he's literally giving away half his life...Ravaillac @0xRavaillacLINK@PopCrave Ngl, donating a kidney to a stranger is pretty legendary. Jesse's out here doing side quests in real life. Respect.However, not everyone had a positive reaction to this news and criticized his decision✰𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝑴𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒊 @THEEMISSMIAMILINK@PopCrave All that money he could give to the homeless, starving masses and instead he's giving . . .OT @OTxsixty4LINK@PopCrave I've got mixed feelings about this one, why give my kidney to a person I don't know??UptownDonkey @jsz0LINK@PopCrave That's retarded he must have done some absolutely awful shit to convince himself to atone this way.Jesse Eisenberg opens up about donating his kidneyJesse Eisenberg (Image via Getty Images)Actor Jesse Eisenberg revealed new details about his decision to donate his kidney to a stranger, explaining the motivations and process behind his altruistic act.In a separate TODAY interview dated October 30, the 41-year-old Social Network star said that the procedure was both safe and profoundly needed, encouraging others to consider living donation. Explaining his decision, Eisenberg emphasized how simple and impactful it could be for those willing to help.“It's essentially risk-free and so needed…I think people will realize that it's a no-brainer, if you have the time and the inclination,” he said.Jesse Eisenberg went on to describe how kidney pairing programs for altruistic or non-directed donation worked.“Let’s say person X needs a kidney in Kansas City, (and) their child or whoever was going to donate to them is, for whatever set of reasons, not a match, but somehow I am...That person can still get my kidney... that child of that person still donates their kidney...it goes to a bank where that person can find a match recipient...” Jesse Eisenberg said.As per the report, an altruistic donation involves giving a kidney to someone the donor does not personally know, typically to a patient suffering from advanced kidney disease. These donations often set off “kidney chains,” where one good deed leads to a series of life-saving matches.Jesse Eisenberg further shared that his desire to donate began nearly a decade ago when he reached out to an organization about becoming a donor, but never received a response. It wasn’t until recently, after speaking with a doctor friend, that he was referred to NYU Langone Health in New York City to begin the process.“I was in the hospital the next day and went through a battery of tests, and I’m now scheduled in mid-December,” Jesse Eisenberg said.Eisenberg also addressed a common concern among potential donors: the fear of being unable to help a family member in the future.He explained that through the National Kidney Registry’s family voucher program, altruistic donors can also prioritize their loved ones should they ever require a transplant. He said he had already listed his family members under the program, ensuring “it’s risk-free” for his family as well.The actor also discussed his ongoing passion for blood donation, sharing a lighthearted remark when TODAY host Craig Melvin mentioned the show’s blood drive earlier this year. Eisenberg joked that he simply had “so much blood” and enjoyed donating it, adding;“I really like doing it, and I don’t know why.”Jesse Eisenberg is currently gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, set to hit theaters on November 14, 2025.
