Ken Howard

Kenneth Joseph Howard Jr., born on March 28, 1944, was a multifaceted American talent known for his remarkable contributions to both the performing arts and the world of sports. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Thomas Jefferson in the acclaimed musical '1776' in 1972, and for his role as Ken Reeves, a high school basketball coach and former Chicago Bulls player, in the television series 'The White Shadow' from 1978 to 1981.

Howard's illustrious career was marked by significant accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play in 1970 for his performance in 'Child's Play.' He also earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his work in 'Grey Gardens' in two thousand nine. His filmography includes notable roles in 'Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon,' 'Such Good Friends,' and 'The Strange Vengeance of Rosalie.'

In the 1980s, Howard shifted his focus primarily to television, where he won a Daytime Emmy Award for the CBS special 'The Body Human: Facts for Boys' in nineteen eighty. His later film appearances included character roles in 'Clear and Present Danger,' 'The Net,' 'Michael Clayton,' and 'The Judge.'

Beyond his acting career, Howard was a dedicated trade unionist. In September two thousand nine, he was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and was reelected in September two thousand eleven. Following the merger of SAG and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) in two thousand twelve, he became the first president of the newly formed SAG-AFTRA union, continuing to lead the organization until his reelection in two thousand fifteen.