Sam Asghari believes he and Leonardo DiCaprio are on an equal playing field when it comes to unemployment amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
The 29-year-old rising actor was asked by a paparazzo Thursday on a picket line to respond to claims he is “jobless.”
“That’s the point of this strike. I have the same amount of jobs as Leonardo DiCaprio does,” Asghari responded, alluding to the fact that all actors in Hollywood are currently out of work due to the strike.
“I hope everything gets resolved very fast so that we can all go back to doing what we love doing the most, which is making art and inspiring people.”
In reference to the writers’ strike, which is happening in tandem with the SAG-AFTRA protests, he added, “Writers are the heart and soul of every project we do, so SAG strong.”
Pvnew previously learned that Asghari’s last acting gig before the strike was the Paul Feig-directed comedy flick “Grand Death Lotto,” which according to IMDB, is in post-production.
DiCaprio, for his part, has four acting jobs and eight producing projects that are pending, per his IMDB.
SAG-AFTRA, the labor union that represents more than 160,000 film and TV stars, launched its first strike in 43 years in July after failing to reach a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the trade association that represents more than 350 major studios and streaming giants.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said at the time, “The gravity of this move is not lost on me. It’s a very serious thing that impacts thousands if not millions of people all across this country and around the world.”
The “Nanny” alum, 65, concluded, “We demand respect … because you cannot exist without us.”
Since the strike began, actors have turned to side hustles in order to pay their bills.
Performers — who are less known than A-listers like DiCaprio, 48 — have begun driving for Uber, working as personal trainers or sending out birthday greetings on Cameo to make ends meet.
While Asghari is advocating on behalf of his fellow thespians, he is also going through a divorce with his estranged wife, pop superstar Britney Spears.
The “Family Business” actor is reportedly set to miss out on millions due to an iron-clad prenup he and the “Toxic” singer, 41, signed before their June 2022 nuptials.
However, Pvnew exclusively reportedly earlier this month that talks were taking place behind closed doors as Asghari was allegedly threatening to release “embarrassing information” about Spears in order to renegotiate the premarital agreement.
His rep, Brandon Cohen of BAC Talent, told us in response, “There are many claims that Sam is challenging the prenup and threatening to exploit his ex-wife with videos.
“However, all these claims are false, as no negative intention has ever been directed towards her and never will be. Sam has always and will always support her.”
At the strike Thursday, Asghari avoided any questions about Spears, telling the pap, “We’re not here to talk about my personal life.
“We’re here to raise awareness on my brothers and sisters working hard and striking for my future, and I hope everything gets resolved very fast, so we can all go back to what we love doing the most, which is making art and inspiring people.”
