Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
36 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org For Members F ormer SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher has received the 2,822nd star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place on Sept. 30 in the heart of the famous city — a date that, in a perfect touch of kismet, coincided with her birthday. Among those in attendance were family, friends and many of Drescher's professional colleagues, including SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd; Executive Vice President Linda Powell; Vice President, Actors/ Performers Shari Belafonte; National Board member Jodi Long; L.A. Local President Joely Fisher; Vice President, L.A. Lisa Ann Walter; and L.A. Local Second Vice President David Jolliffe. Also present were SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pamela Greenwalt. Known for her hit show The Nanny (1993–1999), Drescher's career is marked by a lifetime of advocacy for women's health, civil and LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues. Elected SAG-AFTRA president in 2021 and again in 2023, her leadership was integral during negotiations for the 2023 TV/Theatrical Agreement. When negotiations later broke down that July, she led the union's 118-day industrywide strike. In the years following the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike, she has been credited with helping the union achieve numerous contract gains, including then-unprecedented guardrails against artificial intelligence misuse and exploitation. Speaking to the crowd of well-wishers, Drescher offered the quintessential humor and sage advice that had made her a beloved figure both on the screen, the page and at the negotiating table. "Everything that happens is an opportunity on your journey of self- refinement. We are very imperfect beings, learning and growing along the way through all the pitfalls and mistakes made. To do it right, we must make kindness and compassion our compass," said Drescher. A private reception followed at the Hollywood Museum, which is currently featuring the exhibit "FRAN-tastic: From TV Nanny to Union Boss," running through March. Former SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame SAG-AFTRA member leaders and staff attend former SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Sept. 30. VALERIE MACON Talking Labor and A.I. With SAG-AFTRA SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell was a speaker on the A.I. Big Tech and the Future of Patient Advocacy and Worker Power panel during the Global Nurses Solidarity Assembly in San Francisco on Oct. 7. Powell joined health care industry leaders to discuss navigating the use of A.I. in the field and offer insight into SAG-AFTRA's strategic efforts in negotiating and creating better guardrails to protect workers. JOHN SALANGSANG/NATIONAL NURSES UNITED