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102 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org In Memoriam MIKE HODGE, an accomplished performer, stalwart unionist and SAG-AFTRA New York Local president and national vice president, died Sept. 9 at the age of 70. Hodge had a long career as a Broadway, TV, film and commercial actor. He appeared on Broadway in shows such as Fences; in films, including To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar; and on television in shows such as Law & Order, White Collar and Blindspot. He was also an award-winning audiobook narrator. He added union activist to his resume during the commercials strike in 2000, when friends encouraged Hodge to run for the Screen Actors Guild National Board. He won a board seat in 2001, and was later elected New York Division president in 2009 and 2011. Hodge was also a key member of the Group for One Union, a group of leaders from both unions who examined unification and helped develop the structure for merger. Upon merger, Hodge became SAG-AFTRA Co-New York Local President, and was elected New York Local President by the membership three times, in 2013, 2015 and 2017. At the SAG-AFTRA national conventions in 2013 and 2015, Hodge was also elected national vice president representing New York. During the October 2017 SAG-AFTRA National Convention in Los Angeles, SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris unveiled the inaugural President's Award, an honor that celebrates an individual who has given meritorious service to the union and its members. Hodge was posthumously selected to receive the first- ever award. "It only feels right that it should go to someone who worked so hard for the union," said Carteris during the award presentation. "From merger to negotiations to the resources he brought to New York members, we are all better off for having shared this journey with him." Additionally, a celebration of life event was held in his honor on Oct. 17. The event featured remembrances by Carteris, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, National Executive Director David White, as well as friends and family. "We would not be where we are without Mike Hodge," said Damon. "He was a magnificent friend, he was a remarkable leader and, without a doubt, he was a powerful unionist. Mike led by example." JOSEPH BOLOGNA, a celebrated actor, playwright and screenwriter, who also served on the Screen Actors Guild National Board from 2005 to 2010, died Aug. 13 at the age of 82. Bologna was born in 1934 in Brooklyn, and he became well known for playing both quintessential New York tough guys as well as more comedic roles. He rose to prominence first on Broadway, debuting his talents in Lovers and Other Strangers in 1968, which he wrote with his wife, Renée Taylor. Their adapted screenplay, made into the 1970 version of the film, netted an Oscar nomination. They also co-wrote and starred in the 1971 movie Made For Each Other, as well as the play If You Ever Leave Me … I'm Going With You. With a career spanning more than four decades, his most notable onscreen appearance was as the slick King Kaiser in the classic film My Favorite Year, a character modeled after comedy legend Sid Caesar. He also appeared in films such as Woman in Red, Blame It on Rio and Big Daddy. His television career was also extensive, and he regularly appeared on shows such as Rags to Riches, Married with Children and Top of the Heap. In 2005, Bologna was elected to a three- year term on the SAG National Board. In 2008, he filled a vacancy on the board and, the following year, he served a one- year term as an alternate. He also served as a former SAG Hollywood Division Board member. MARGARITA CORPOR AN Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon shares remembrances during the Celebration of Life for Mike Hodge. Bologna starred as the father of Adam Sandler's character in the 1999 film Big Daddy.