Kerry Washington Helps Three Actors Secure Health Insurance in Kimmel Monologue

Just call her the health insurance fairy. While filling in for Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday night, Kerry Washington recalled her time as a struggling actor who had to supplement her income with multiple jobs, including substitute teacher, yoga instructor, and restaurant hostess.

"It meant a lot to me the first time that I qualified for that sweet Screen Actors Guild health insurance," said Washington.

Washington explained that in order to qualify for SAG-AFTRA healthcare, actors must make a certain amount of money, which can be difficult when you're just starting out. To ease this burden, Washington invited three up-and-coming actors just shy of the coverage limit to say a few lines of dialogue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, giving them a paid gig that would push them over the threshold to qualify for insurance.

One actor was $40.87 away from qualifying, while another was $487.17 away. By reciting just one line of dialogue, the actors made enough money to qualify for SAG health insurance — a life-changing moment for everyone involved.

Who says the late night shows are all doom and gloom?

Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 PM ET on ABC.

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Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.