March 23--Ken Howard, president of SAG-AFTRA and an actor known for his role on TV's "The White Shadow," died Wednesday at age 71.
In a statement released by the union, SAG-AFTRA acting President Gabrielle Carteris said: "Ken was an inspirational leader and it is an incredible loss for SAG-AFTRA, for his family and for everyone who knew him. He was a light that never dimmed and was completely devoted to the membership. He led us through tumultuous times and set our union on a steady course of excellence. We will be forever in his debt."
Howard was best known for championing the merger of Hollywood's two actors' unions that had a history of sparring.
He was first elected as union president in 2009 on a campaign to combine the Screen Actors Guild with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in 2012.
He was credited by his supporters, who included Tom Hanks and George Clooney, with bringing stability and unity to a once deeply divided union. But Howard also faced opposition from a faction in SAG that opposed the merger.
In August he narrowly defeated "Home Improvement" actress Patricia Richardson to serve a second term as president of SAG-AFTRA.
Howard won an Emmy award for his performance in the 2009 TV movie "Grey Gardens."
More to follow.
