Alec Baldwin has been in and out of tabloid headlines for years but brother Billy Baldwin says he’s misunderstood.
“People don’t pay attention to this: he’s very, very focused on being of service and giving back,” the “Backdraft” actor said at a bash honoring his sibling at the Apollo Theater on Sunday night. “He’s very philanthropic.”
He continued: “A lot of people want to talk about hitting a paparazzi or his opinions about politics — about President Bush, President Trump — the fact of the matter is … all of those Capital One commercials he did for four years. Every single dime he made, and it was tens of millions of dollars, he didn’t keep one penny.”
Billy says his brother was a generous benefactor to causes like People for the American Way, PETA, local public libraries and the New York Philharmonic — and all told has given away $15 million.
“Nice to be in a position where you can afford to give all that money away too…the bastard,” the younger brother jokingly added.
Alec was feted by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert De Niro, “30 Rock” co-stars Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski and Jack McBrayer as Spike TV hosted a One Night Special which will be aired at a later date.
Former President Bill Clinton was a surprise guest — and dissed President Trump in his remarks, describing Alec Baldwin’s career path after leaving George Washington University, where he was student body president.
“(He) came back to New York where he followed the then classic path from politics into soap operas,” the former President said. “Now we know it works the other way round.”
Clinton also said that his favorite thing about the Oscar nominated actor is “his story” of growing up in a big Irish Catholic family on Long Island.
Older brother Daniel was in attendance. Noticeably missing was brother Stephen Baldwin, a born again Christian and avid Trump supporter who has frequently clashed with his big brother over politics. Also missing was “30 Rock” creator Tina Fey who is on vacation with her family.