But the star of 1980s hit The Fabulous Baker Boys, 2005 sci-fi series Stargate SG-1 and sitcom My Name Is Earl became friends with the Stellenbosch charity's founders and was soon roped into the cause.

Delarey and Sandie Brugman, owners of the Alluvia Specialist Winery, in the Banhoek Valley, near Stellenbosch, established the foundation in 2004.

It supports children from local farming communities by helping to pay their school fees, and for their uniforms, sports gear, other equipment and books. It also provides pupils with career guidance and personal development support.

"I was immensely impressed by the foundation and their initiatives," said Bridges.

He first dropped into Alluvia looking for accommodation in February after hearing about the scenery and the beautiful views.

He was in South Africa filming Free Willy South Africa, the latest in the Free Willy series.

Foundation director Katherine Berchulski said: "Mr Bridges has agreed to promote Give Me A Chance initiatives abroad. He has offered to help by linking us to potential sponsors and his personal website will carry a link to the foundation's site."