Star of Vampire TV Series Asks For Blood

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (04/14/2008)(readMedia)-- Alex O’Loughlin, star of the hit CBS television show “Moonlight,” is asking you for blood to help save lives. O’Loughlin is calling attention to the important need for regular blood donations by encouraging fans, family and friends to donate blood and help change a life.

"I am honored to publicly support the American Red Cross and the amazing work that they do. ‘Moonlight’ fans are incredibly generous to not just support our show, but to support a noble and life-saving cause. Who knew that a vampire's taste for blood could do so much good,” says O’Loughlin.

“The Red Cross thanks Alex for using his growing TV popularity as a good, caring vampire to help bring awareness to the continuous need for blood donations to ensure an adequate blood supply for the thousands of patients in our communities,” says Chris Hrouda, Executive Vice President, Biomedical Services.

“Moonlight,” a romantic thriller with a new twist on the vampire legend, features O’Loughlin as Mick St. John, a captivating, charming and immortal private investigator from Los Angeles who defies the traditional bloodsucking norms of a vampire by using his wit and powerful supernatural abilities to help the living. Forever 30 years of age, Mick is as handsome and charismatic as the day he was "turned," and he eschews others of his kind who view humans solely as a source of nourishment. With only a handful of like-minded confidantes for company, Mick fills his infinite days protecting the living. "Moonlight" is from Silver Pictures Television in association with Warner Bros. Television, and airs Fridays (9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on CBS. The show returns with original episodes April 25, 2008. An American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled at The Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 22 in conjunction with a salute to the series scheduled that evening with the cast and creative team. It is anticipated that O’Loughlin may make an appearance to show his support. A public service announcement may be broadcast in select target markets. Call 1 800 GIVELIFE (800 448-3543,) visit givelife.org or contact your local blood center to learn more and make an appointment to donate blood.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

Any healthy person age 17 or older (in some states, age 16 with written parental consent) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE (1.800.448.3543) or by visiting givelife.org.