Alec Baldwin and Sir Paul McCartney have had a solid bond after they hit it off backstage at Saturday Night Live years ago and in the Hamptons’ social scene. Now, a source exclusively tells Closer that the Beatles legend is growing increasingly worried about his old friend as Baldwin navigates life in the years following the tragic Rust shooting in 2021.
“Paul has experienced monumental tragedy in his life, including the gun violence that left John Lennon dead, and that makes him uniquely equipped to help lift Alec up during this difficult time,” the source says. “The fact is, a piece of Alec died because of that accidental shooting on the set of Rust, and he hasn’t been the same since.”
In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was wounded when a prop gun Baldwin, 68, was holding discharged with a live round during a rehearsal on the set of Rust. Baldwin has consistently maintained that he didn’t intentionally pull the trigger and was unaware that the gun held a live round.
While Baldwin was later charged with involuntary manslaughter, the case was dismissed in July 2024.
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The source adds that the 30 Rock alum has admitted that “a lot of his Hollywood friendships ended after that happened,” but McCartney, 84, has continued to be there for his friend.
“Paul has been one of the people who has actually comforted Alec and does manage to brighten his spirits when they’re together,” the source continues. “[SNL creator] Lorne Michaels was the matchmaker for that friendship, and Paul and Alec have known and respected each other for decades because Lorne first put them together.”
While Michaels, 81, is still happy to have Baldwin on SNL “whenever he likes,” the source says that “a lot of other Hollywood opportunities have dried up for Alec.”
The music icon first met Baldwin when he was “on top of the world,” and seeing him struggle “has been tough,” but McCartney is sticking by his friend.
“It says everything about Paul’s insanely generous personality that Paul has remained loyal to Alec and supportive of him during these dark times,” the source explains. “Paul is a master at making people smile and forget their troubles, and that’s exactly what he’s been trying to do with Alec.”
This story Paul McCartney Is ‘Uniquely Equipped’ to Help Alec Baldwin Navigate Life After ‘Rust’ Shooting first appeared on Closer Weekly. Follow Closer Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
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