|
|
|
PRESIDENTS
OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION |
| Francis Wilson | 1913 – 1920 |
| John Emerson | 1920 – 1928 |
| Ralph Morgan* | 6/17–8/12,1924 |
| Frank Gillmore | 1928 – 1937 |
| Burgess Meredith* | 1937 - 1938 |
| Arthur Byron | 1938 – 1940 |
| Bert Lytell | 1940 – 1946 |
| Clarence Derwent | 1946 – 1952 |
| Ralph Bellamy | 1952 – 1964 |
| Frederick O’Neal | 1964 – 1973 |
| Theodore Bikel | 1973 – 1982 |
| Ellen Burstyn | 1982 – 1985 |
| Colleen Dewhurst | 1985 – 1991 |
| Ron Silver | 1991 – 2000 |
| Patrick Quinn | 2000 – 2006 |
| Mark Zimmerman | 2006 – Present |
|
*Acting President |
|
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION |
| Frank Gillmore | 1918 – 1928 |
| Paul Dullzell | 1928 – 1948 |
| Louis Simon | 1949 – 1952 |
| Angus Duncan | 1952 – 1972 |
| Edward Weston* | 1972 – 1973 |
| Donald Grody | 1973 – 1980 |
| Willard Swire* | 1980 – 1981 |
| Alan Eisenberg | 1981 – 2006 |
| John Connolly | 2007 – Present |
|
*Acting Executive Director |
Acknowledgements:
Equity News Advisory Committee:
Jean-Paul Richard and Christine Toy Johnson (Co-Chairs), Nicole Flender, Bruce Alan Johnson, Tom Murray,
Carol Swarbrick. Special thanks to: Helaine Feldman, Anne Fortuno, Andrea Friedman, David Lotz, Nancy McClellan, Dick Moore, Guy Pace, Tim Thayer, Mary Lou Westerfield and Valerie Yaros.
|
Equity at 90:
Our lesson and our legacy
Timeline by Peter Royston
Message from Mark Zimmerman
Looking back at our colorful and extraordinary history, I am proud
to see how far we’ve come since our courageous founders banded together, ninety years ago, to improve wages and working conditions in the American theatre. Our achievements are monumental but all we’ve ever asked for are three simple things: a chance to prove our talent, to receive reasonable compensation for our work, and to be
treated with dignity and fairness. It’s called EQUITY. After forming this Association in 1913, we joined the nascent labor movement and went on strike to win recognition in 1919, then struck again in 1960 to win the pension plan that we enjoy today.
In the ‘50s, we stood up against blacklisting and segregation. In the ‘60s, we successfully advocated for funding for the arts and negotiated our first LORT contract, bringing professional theatre to the entire country. In the ‘80s, we stopped the destruction of our historic Broadway theatres and, with the establishment of Equity Fights AIDS, were the first in our industry to raise funds in the battle against this insidious disease.
Today, we face new challenges and new adversaries. Decisions are made by corporate entities, pitting artistic quality against the bottom line. Health insurance costs are skyrocketing, threatening the well-being of our entire membership.
The lesson that our wonderful history has taught us – time and time again – is that by uniting together, we can achieve our goals. So, whenever you go to an audition, start rehearsals, call a cue or take a bow, remember that, for ninety years, Equity has stood behind you. And Equity will always be there to stand behind you, as long as you continue to stand by Equity.
Mark Zimmerman
President
Message from John Connolly
As we commemorate Equity’s long and illustrious history, it is inspiring to see how far we’ve come since 112 actors in 1913 united to form Actors’ Equity Association. In these 90 years, we have overcome enormous challenges and have celebrated many remarkable successes. What was once a small band of organizing members has blossomed into a nationally distinguished union of over 45,000 actors and stage managers.
But history is still in the making. Equity continues to seek better wages and working conditions, to provide our members with comprehensive health and pension plans, fight against discrimination, and foster and stimulate the art of live theatre. We also face new challenges, including difficult contract negotiations with producers and a loss of Equity workweeks on the road. However, just as we overcame the many roadblocks in our past, we will succeed with the support of our talented and dedicated members.
Lord Byron once wrote, “The best prophet of the future is the past.” Equity’s history proves that we should be proud and honored to be part of such a wonderful legacy, one that will lead us towards a truly extraordinary future.
|
<,/CENTER>