Affleck, Longoria Parker & Usher Profiled On NBC NIGHTLY NEWS This Week

"NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" will feature the charitable involvement of Sally Field, Ben Affleck, Eva Longoria Parker, Usher and Will Ferrell this week. Each evening, starting today, Monday, May 17, the newscast will feature an actor or artist discussing their personal commitment to an important cause for the broadcast's "Making a Difference" segments. 

One of "Nightly's" most popular regular features, "Making a Difference" profiles ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help their neighbors -- or even complete strangers -- in these tough economic times. In this special week, one-on-one interviews with each celebrity, combined with visits to some of the people whose lives they have touched, highlight the incredible work being done around the world.  Extended versions of each interview will also be streamed on the newscast's website.

On Monday's segment, anchor and managing editor Brian Williams spends time with Sally Field. The actress supports Vital Voices; a non-profit organization that fosters women's rights identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe.

Eva Longoria Parker sits down with Norah O'Donnell for Tuesday's segment. Longoria founded Eva's Heroes to enrich the lives of young people with developmental challenges. Eva says she was, "extremely fortunate to grow up with a sister who is intellectually disabled," and has been deeply involved in every aspect of disability education her entire life. 

Ann Curry interviews Ben Affleck for Wednesday's segment. Affleck recently founded the Eastern Congo Initiative, which advocates for economic and social development in the Congo through public awareness, public policy changes and funding for the Congolese communities.

Grammy-Award winner Usher talks with Luke Russert for Thursday's segment. Usher's New Look leadership program supports young people as they use their creativity and talents to become global corporate and community leaders. Luke talks with Usher, and also some young people who credit Usher's organization with turning their lives around.

On Friday, Lee Cowan interviews comedian Will Ferrell. Ferrell has always stayed in touch with his USC frat buddy Craig Pollard, who suffered two bouts of cancer even before graduating college.  Pollard remembered how hard it was for his own parents -- who'd already paid so much for his medical bills -- to pay for his college. So Pollard started the charity called "Cancer for College," to provide scholarships to kids with cancer. His first contributor was Will Ferrell, who's been involved ever since, raising funds and awareness. 

Bob Epstein is the executive producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Aurelia Grayson is the senior broadcast producer. 

For more news and information about "Nightly News," go to www.nightly.msnbc.com.

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