FIA mourns passing of Ken Howard

Ken Howard, President of SAG-AFTRA

The International Federation of Actors (FIA) and its 89 member unions are saddened by the passing of Ken Howard, President of SAG-AFTRA.

We all met Ken back in 2009, soon after he was first elected to the SAG Presidency, and have been impressed ever since by his determination and commitment to improving the livelihood of his fellow performers, not just in the USA but also around the world. He was a man of strong convictions, both at a professional and at a personal level. With a determination to unite, he successfully led the historical SAG and AFTRA merger, one of his several remarkable achievements.

He attended many of our international meetings, where he would always use the right word at the right time. He would listen much to and express real empathy for the struggles of fellow unions and performers from distant countries as if these were his own. Indeed they were, as Ken's sympathy for the wellbeing of professional performers transcended geographical boundaries. The true meaning of solidarity really resonated with him, inspiring everything he did. He was always keen to understand others and would always have time for anyone of us, no matter how busy his schedule was.

Ken was an acclaimed actor, a visionary leader but, most of all, an extraordinary person and a dear friend for us all. His departure will be deeply regretted by our federation.

On behalf of our membership worldwide, our deepest sympathies go to his wife and family as well as to all our colleagues at SAG-AFTRA.