Proponents pushing for an overhaul of the nation’s healthcare system have gone Hollywood, calling in some All-Star acting talent to help push for a government-run insurance plan. The two-minute video (see below) features Will Ferrell in a mock public service announcement in which the actor sarcastically calls insurance companies the real victims of the current healthcare system. Ferrell is joined in the black-and-white footage by television actors from such series as House, Scrubs, ER, Reno 911, and Mad Men.

The video does include misleading numbers, such as the suggestion that 80 percent of the public supports a government-run insurance plan. As the Senate Finance Committee continues its very routine and very boring markup of a key healthcare bill, proponents hope the glitz and glamour of Hollywood will sway the public toward a public insurance option.

More than 2 million people watched the video within its first 48 hours of release. Hollywood often descends on Washington to testify before congressional committees, lending their “expertise” on an amazingly diverse range of subjects. Congressional staffers are often puzzled at how these action heroes and comedians know so much about arcane pieces of legislation. Of course, the real reason they come to Washington is to help shine the spotlight on a particular issue—while also conveniently shining a spotlight on an actor’s own upcoming projects. With this current healthcare video, one wonders how many of these well-paid actors would depend on a public insurance option?