LOS ANGELES – Ken Howard, president of SAG-AFTRA and an actor known for his role on TV’s “The White Shadow,” died Wednesday at age 71.
Howard was a Tony and Emmy award winning actor who in recent years became best known for championing the merger of Hollywood’s two largest actors’ unions that had a history of sparring.
His death was announced in a statement released by the union. No cause of death was given.
In the statement, 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.”
In the same statement, national Executive Director David White said, “Ken was a remarkable leader and his powerful vision for this union was a source of inspiration for all of us. He was an exceptional person and we are deeply saddened by his passing. He had a remarkable career and he never forgot what it was like to be a working performer.”