In a heartwarming story that has captured the attention of people across the nation, a struggling single father in Los Angeles, who juggled three jobs to provide for his young son, received an unexpected act of kindness from Hollywood icon Jodie Foster. The encounter, which took place in early May 2025, has since gone viral, highlighting the challenges faced by working parents and the profound impact a small gesture can have. For Michael Rivera, a 38-year-old father, and his 6-year-old son, Ethan, a simple note from Foster turned a day of hardship into one of hope, reminding us all of the power of compassion in unexpected places.
Michael Rivera’s story is one of perseverance and sacrifice. A single father since his wife passed away three years ago, Rivera has been raising Ethan on his own while working tirelessly to make ends meet. Living in a modest one-bedroom apartment in North Hollywood, Rivera held down three jobs: a daytime shift as a delivery driver, evening hours as a cashier at a local grocery store, and overnight shifts as a janitor at a community center. Despite his grueling schedule, which often left him with only a few hours of sleep, Rivera remained committed to giving Ethan a stable and loving home. “I just want him to have a better life than I did,” Rivera shared in an interview with a local news outlet. “He’s my whole world, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he’s okay.”
The financial strain, however, was immense. Rivera’s combined income barely covered rent, utilities, and Ethan’s school supplies, leaving little for extras like toys, new clothes, or even a proper birthday celebration. Ethan, a bright and cheerful first-grader, often asked why his dad was always so tired, a question that broke Rivera’s heart. To make matters worse, Rivera’s delivery van broke down in late April 2025, forcing him to rely on public transportation and adding hours to his already exhausting commute. With repair costs estimated at $1,200—an amount he couldn’t afford—Rivera feared he might have to give up one of his jobs, a decision that would plunge his small family into even deeper financial hardship.
On the morning of May 6, 2025, Rivera was at his grocery store job, scanning items at the checkout counter, when a customer approached his line. That customer was none other than Jodie Foster, the 62-year-old actress and filmmaker known for her roles in The Silence of the Lambs and True Detective: Night Country, as well as her long history of philanthropy. Foster, who was in Los Angeles after attending the 2025 SAG Awards, had stopped by the store to pick up a few items while visiting a friend in the area. Dressed in a simple sweater and jeans, she blended in with the other shoppers, her presence unnoticed by most.
As Rivera rang up her items—a loaf of bread, a carton of milk, and a few apples—Foster noticed the exhaustion in his eyes and the way he forced a smile despite his visible fatigue. She also overheard him speaking to a coworker about his broken-down van and how he was worried about getting to his next job on time. Moved by his situation, Foster paid for her groceries but lingered at the counter for a moment. She then asked Rivera for a piece of paper and a pen, which he provided, assuming she needed to write down a shopping list. Instead, Foster penned a short note, folded it, and handed it to him with a quiet, “This is for you.”
Rivera, unaware of who Foster was at the time, thanked her and tucked the note into his pocket, intending to read it later during his break. When he finally opened it, he was stunned. The note read: “I overheard your story, and I’m so inspired by your dedication to your son. Please accept this to help with your van repairs. You’re doing an amazing job as a dad. – Jodie.” Tucked inside the folded paper was a check for $5,000, more than enough to cover the cost of fixing Rivera’s van and providing some much-needed financial relief.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Rivera later said. “I didn’t even know who she was until I looked her up later. I just started crying right there at the break room table. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.” The money allowed Rivera to repair his van within days, ensuring he could keep all three jobs without the added burden of long commutes. More importantly, it gave him a sense of hope and validation that his hard work had not gone unnoticed.
Foster’s act of kindness didn’t end with the note. After leaving the store, she shared Rivera’s story on her Instagram account, where she has over 2 million followers. In a post dated May 6, 2025, Foster wrote, “Met an incredible dad today working so hard for his son. Let’s support single parents like Michael who are doing everything for their kids. #EverydayHeroes.” She included a link to a GoFundMe page she had set up for Rivera, with a goal of $10,000 to help him and Ethan get back on their feet. Within 48 hours, the campaign had raised over $25,000, with donations pouring in from fans, local businesses, and even other celebrities who were touched by Rivera’s story.
The story quickly spread across social media platforms like Instagram and X, where users praised Foster for her generosity and Rivera for his dedication. “This is what humanity should look like,” one X user wrote. “Jodie Foster using her platform to help a struggling dad—she’s a true icon.” Another commented, “Michael Rivera is the kind of dad we should all aspire to be. So glad he got the help he deserves.” The viral attention also led to an outpouring of support from Rivera’s community, with neighbors offering to babysit Ethan and local restaurants donating meals to the family.
Foster’s history of philanthropy made her involvement in Rivera’s story less surprising to those familiar with her work. She has long been a supporter of causes that uplift marginalized communities, notably her contributions to The Trevor Project, a crisis intervention service for LGBTQ+ youth, to which she became the first major donor in 1994. Her recent comments at the 2025 Golden Globes, where she won Best Actress in a Limited Series for True Detective: Night Country, emphasized the importance of community: “Having a community around you is what makes everything possible.” Her actions toward Rivera reflect that ethos, showing how even a brief encounter can lead to meaningful change.
Rivera’s story also highlights the broader struggles faced by single parents in the United States. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, single-parent households often face significant financial challenges, with many parents working multiple jobs to provide for their children. The report notes that single fathers, while less common than single mothers, often face similar economic pressures, with limited access to affordable childcare and support systems. Rivera’s situation—working three jobs while raising a young child—resonates with many, sparking discussions online about the need for better resources for single parents.
For Rivera, the unexpected support has been life-changing. With the funds from Foster’s donation and the GoFundMe campaign, he was able to pay off some overdue bills, enroll Ethan in an after-school program, and even take a rare day off to spend with his son at a local park. “I’ve never had a day where I didn’t have to worry about money,” Rivera said. “For the first time, I felt like I could just be a dad and enjoy my son.” He also plans to use some of the money to start a small savings account for Ethan’s future education, a dream he had thought was out of reach.
Foster, known for her private nature, has remained humble about her role in the story. In a follow-up Instagram post, she wrote, “Michael and Ethan remind us how strong parents can be. Thanks to everyone who’s donated—you’re making a difference!” Rivera, now aware of Foster’s identity, hopes to meet her one day to thank her in person. “She didn’t have to do this, but she did,” he said. “I’ll never forget that.”
The story of Michael Rivera and Jodie Foster is a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes in our communities. For a single dad who had spent years working in the shadows to support his son, a simple note from a Hollywood star became a beacon of hope, proving that even in the toughest times, a small act of compassion can change a life. As Rivera and Ethan look toward a brighter future, their story continues to inspire others to lend a hand to those who need it most.
