Stories & Blogs
They say you learn something every day, and here at MPTF, the stories and lessons provide a rich and rewarding tapestry of lives and experiences with something to say to us all. Here you'll find in-depth features from MPTF family, true stories about the rewards of giving back, and ongoing blogs from a wide variety of voices.
Watch and explore the annual stories from our Reel Stories, Real Lives events, with some of Hollywood's best and brightest bringing to life the diverse ways MPTF has touched lives throughout the entertainment industry. You can also learn just where the generous donor dollars we receive are used and find out how to tell your own story and pay it forward.
Lillian Michelson: Hollywood’s Librarian
Lillian Michelson has helped guide some of the brightest filmmakers through her work as a hollywood archivist and librarian. She's a certifiable behind-the-scenes legend and calls MPTF home. Watch Lillian's story, performed by Alessandro Nivola (Face/Off, American...
Alex Aguilar Jr. – A Happy Union
Performed by Bryce Dallas Howard Life in Hollywood can be full of unexpected twists and turns worthy of any script, as you’ll find out in this story written by Jeremy Doner (Damages, The Killing). Watch the full video below performed by Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic...
Mary McCoy Goes Full Circle with MPTF
If you visit the Saban Center for Health and Wellness, you may already know Mary McCoy and her husband, Dick. Keep reading to see how this pair received help from MPTF, then decided to give back in return. Mary McCoy has a scorpion tattoo. And it’s not from a...
Ned McNeilage – Why We’re All Showfolk
Ned McNeilage is an MPTF supporter and filmmaker who documented the lives of seven MPTF residents in the short documentary, Showfolk. What do the L.A. Shorts Fest, Palm Springs International Shortfest, AFI Docs Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and...
Albina Fleishman, a Tough Lady
Performed by Cuba Gooding Jr. Albina’s the kind of person who doesn’t like to complain, to put her troubles on you. In fact, if you asked her, she would probably say this story isn’t even about her. But this is Albina’s story, as written by Drew Pearce (Iron Man 3)....
Through the Eyes of George Ciacci
Performed by Matt Bomer Each decade has brought major changes in the lives of LGBT people, and one man who’s seen it all is George Ciacci. Together with writer Callie Kloves, he shares the moving and unforgettable story of how he found love and learned about the ups...
Michael Douglas, Friend of MPTF
Actor-producer Michael Douglas was inspired to get involved and give back by the example set by his father, the legendary Kirk Douglas. Over the years Michael has been an example of how Hollywood can be philanthropic and take care of its own, including the annual...
Tony Lawrence & Madi Smith: A Love Story
Performed by Idina Menzel We all love a good story, and people in the film industry spend the best part of their adult lives in the service of telling stories we hope the world wants to hear. That’s what Hollywood’s all about in the end - it’s a story business. And...
Joe Siracusa Wants to Dance
Joe Siracusa became the sole caregiver for his adult son in 1989 after a car accident left him severely impaired. Joe took up the mantel of caregiver and has selflessly taken care of his son, but it meant he no longer had the time to pursue his...
Mary Soukup and a Legacy of Giving Back
Mary Soukup has saved a life. She's probably saved more than just one. Sometimes that's what happens when a person commits themselves to the greater good. Watch Mary's story, performed by Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex, Party Down) and written by Jason Fuchs (Ice Age:...
The Latest From MPTF
Lillian Michelson: Hollywood’s Librarian
Lillian Michelson has helped guide some of the brightest filmmakers through her work as a hollywood archivist and librarian. She's a certifiable behind-the-scenes legend and calls MPTF home. Watch Lillian's story, performed by Alessandro Nivola (Face/Off, American...
Tony Goldwyn on the Samuel Goldwyn Children’s Center
The Samuel Goldwyn Children's Center embraces the busy work schedules of entertainment industry professionals and serves as a reminder of the long legacy of Goldwyns supporting MPTF and its mission. Watch the children's center story, performed by Samuel Goldwyn's...
Tiffany Lawrence – Openness Matters
By Eric Lichtenfeld Many of the people you’ll find in Hollywood or on our campus began their careers with a dream, but MPTF’s Tiffany Lawrence has one that’s a little different: to be a probation officer. However, after working in the juvenile justice system for three...