Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
F riends, loved ones and admirers packed the Leo S. Bing Theater in Los Angeles on the morning of April 11 to pay tribute to a fallen union leader and talented performer, Ken Howard. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris led the celebration of life, recalling Howard's vision, humor and sense of duty. "Ken was an exceptional human being with an exemplary talent. It was his humanity that drove his talent, and it was his humility that called him to serve his union again and again," she said. In between videos and photos from throughout Howard's life, speakers acknowledged his widow, Linda Fetters Howard, and recalled stories of his wit, talent and tenderness. Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, National Executive Director David White, Ron Fassler, Josh Gad, Peter Hunt, Michele Lee, John Lincoln Passmore and Ned Vaughn spoke at the event. Other tributes included heartfelt written and video messages from Blythe Danner and Howard's stepdaughter, Abra Coleman, as well as Bryan Cranston and others. Damon acknowledged stuntwoman Jeannie Epper, who donated a kidney to Howard, giving him 16 more years of life. "Ken so often spoke of Jeannie and the tremendous impact one person could have on the life of others," Damon said. White reflected on the close bond that formed between him and Howard over the nearly eight years they worked together and noted the actor's gifts as a leader and as a person. "Ken Howard was a transformational leader," he said. "He was a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. He was genuinely interested in the welfare and wellbeing of others." Howard was well loved for his sense of humor, and would have appreciated Gad's tribute. Gad, who starred with Howard in The Wedding Ringer, told the story of their first meeting at a table read. He quickly scanned Howard's resume and proceeded to make small talk. "'Hey, Mr. Howard, what was it like playing one of TV's first superheroes?'" He said, 'What the hell are you talking about?' I said, 'The White Shadow. What was that like?' And he said, 'I was a basketball coach.' And I looked at him and I said, 'Well, the title's very misleading,'" Gad quipped. Howard's longtime friend Passmore spoke about the accomplished actor's sense of self-confidence, recalling an incident when the two were golfing. A crowd of over a hundred people had gathered to watch Howard play a morning match. The format of the tournament, Passmore said, was that the members of each team of golfers were to take turns driving on the odd and even holes, meaning Howard was on the spot to make a good showing on a difficult hole. "I remember thinking that since I was the [golf club] member, I should hit the shot; maybe I should be the one to face the music," Passmore said. "I looked at Ken and realized immediately that he knew what was going through my mind. He leaned down and said quietly, 'I've got it, Pass, I can do this.'" Howard then proceeded to hit the ball with a strong, solid shot sending it right down the middle some 270 yards down the fairway. "As we climbed in the cart and headed down the hill, sensing my confusion, as in 'How did you pull that off?' he leaned over and confided, Pass, 'Give me a stage and an audience, I'm good,'" Passmore said. The event was a touching send-off to one of the union's most beloved leaders. To view portions of Howard's Celebration of Life, visit SAGAFTRA.org. MATT PETIT A Celeation Life Carteris addresses the audience. Parting Words Turn to page 54 for President Howard's final message to his fellow SAG-AFTRA members. "Ken Howard was a transformational leader." 28 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org