Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/23723
In RemembanceS ince the last issue of Screen Actor, the Guild has mourned the passing of four former National Board members. GLORIA STUART, a founding member of SAG, died on September 26. Her contributions to her union, the film industry and world of fine art were a legacy second only to the humanity by which she lived. Stuart, who won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role as Old Rose in Titanic, a performance which also garnered Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, turned 100 on July 4. “Not everyone receives the recognition they fully deserve in their lifetime, but the Guild was among those fortunate to know what we had before she was gone,” said Screen Actors Guild President Ken Howard. “Gloria was an exceptional personality in every aspect, a delightful human being, and we take this loss as hard as we would that of any close family member, which she was. In every way, she exemplified the professional artist. She was a lover of life and a fighter.” Stuart was among the first actors to join the Guild in 1933, becoming member No. 873, and subsequently served for several years on the National Board. She was the sole surviving board member from the 1930s. In addition to her Titanic honors, Stuart was the recipient of numerous career- spanning accolades prior to her death, including special acknowledgments coming from the Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors (by resolution and special honor) and the Hollywood Division Board of Directors (with the Ralph Morgan Award). Stuart is best known for her performances in Te Invisible Man, Poor Little Rich Girl, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm and Titanic. She began her service as a board member in 1937. She was appointed as one of six to work out a coordinating program with the Junior Council (representing background talent) and was re-elected to a three-year term on the board. She was also known for her career as a fine artist, which replaced acting during a span in which she was inactive in the film industry, although still a proud Screen Actors Guild cardholder. TOM BOSLEY was a former National Board member who served the Guild from 2000-2004. He died October 19 at age 83. Bosley was best known for his role as Howard Cunningham, the calm and wise All-American dad on the classic television show Happy Days. He was nominated for an Emmy in 1978 for his performance. He would go on to trade off on his trusted fatherly image in national advertising for Glad trash bags. Bosley’s other memorable television characters included the title role in Te Father Dowling Mysteries and Sheriff Amos Tupper on Murder, She Wrote. In addition, Bosley was an accomplished stage actor. He won a Tony in 1960 for playing Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in Fiorello! and originated the role of Belle’s father in Disney’s Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast. Bosley served on various national committees on behalf of the Guild, including the Elections, Awards, Legislative, Senior Performers and the TV/Teatrical Negotiating committees. He also served as a member of the SAG Foundation Board. TONY CURTIS, celebrated actor and former National Board member, died September 29 in Las Vegas. He was 85. Audiences will remember the versatile Curtis for his prolific film career that spanned more than 100 films and included early favorites Some Like it Hot, Houdini, Te SAG.org Sweet Smell of Success, Spartacus and Te Defiant Ones (for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role). In later years, he starred and guest starred on television as well and pursued a career as a painter. Curtis served Screen Actors Guild as a National Board member for two years, starting in 1956. Additionally, he was the last surviving member of the Guild’s original Awards Committee that oversaw the design of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Daughter and actress Jamie Lee Curtis had this to say in a statement to the press: “My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world.” JANET MacLACHLAN, former National Board member and committee activist, died October 11 at age 77. She was a committed leader and a tireless advocate for fairness and equal opportunity for actors. MacLachlan was a member of the Board of Directors for six years, from 1977–1983, serving on the Women’s Committee and as co-chair of the Minorities Committee. During that period, she was a passionate advocate for equality and worked to improve screen opportunities for under- represented members, including women, seniors and minorities. She was best known for her on-screen roles in the motion picture Sounder and on television programs like Te Archie Bunker Show and Cagney & Lacey. L. Scott Caldwell, national co-chair of the Screen Actors Guild National Women’s Committee said, “Janet was an icon for women of color in the performing arts— an early trailblazer for civil rights and affirmative action, and a dedicated union advocate. She was also a personal friend and her death is a huge blow to the Guild and to me personally.” Fall/Winter 2010 - SCREEN ACTOR 67