Ed shares stories from his time as the President of SAG, including the 1980 Strike and merging with AFTRA. He discusses his early interest in acting, his acting career, and his eventual position as President. This interview is part of the SAG-AFTRA Conversations series, an essential resource for actors, filmmakers and students of discussions with performers, exploring the process and profession of acting. Watch Past Q&A's: https://www.youtube.com/c/SAGAFTRAFoundation/videos Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION Twitter: https://twitter.com/sagaftraFOUND The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate All donations are tax-deductible.

Q&A with Alan Arkin in honor of his role in ARGO. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Back Stage. ALAN ARKIN, long one of the most respected artists of the stage and screen, won an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 2006 hit "Little Miss Sunshine." Other credits include: "Argo," "The Muppets", "Marley & Me", "Get Smart.", "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming", "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter", "Popi", "Glengarry Glen Ross"; "So I Married an Axe Murderer"; "Grosse Point Blank"; "Gattaca", "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing", "Sunshine Cleaning" and many more. The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors. Watch Past Q&A's: https://www.youtube.com/c/SAGAFTRAFoundation/videos Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION Twitter: https://twitter.com/sagaftraFOUND` The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. During the pandemic, the Foundation has given over $7 million in disaster relief to more than 7,500 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate. All donations are tax-deductible.

Artios Award nominees Gayle Keller (‘Bros,’ ‘The Bubble’), Nikki Barrett (‘Elvis’), Avy Kaufman (‘Tár,’ ‘Montana Story,’ ‘Spoiler Alert’), Douglas Aibel (‘White Noise,’ “Armageddon Time’), and Sarah Halley Finn (‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’) joined us to share details on their award nominated performances. Moderated by Jaz Tangcay, Variety.

The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.

Watch Past Q&A's:

https://www.youtube.com/c/SAGAFTRAFoundation/videos

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

During the pandemic, the Foundation has given over $7 million in disaster relief to more than 7,500 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Career Conversations with Sam Elliott.  Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Sam Elliott stars alongside Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in Warner Bros. Pictures "A Star is Born." He has an iconic career that began with a bit part in the classic film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” He rose to stardom playing the lead in the cult classic “Lifeguard,” and has since built a career with many memorable and iconic film and television roles. 

Elliott’s other film work includes “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot,” directed by Robert Krzykowski and executive produced by John Sayles. On television, Elliott stars opposite Ashton Kutcher in the hit Netflix comedy series “The Ranch”. 

Recently, Elliott received rave reviews for his starring turn in Brett Haley’s “The Hero,” opposite Laura Prepon and Nick Offerman, making it his second feature with Haley, following “I’ll See You in My Dreams.” His other notable film credits include “Mask,” “Fatal Beauty,” “Road House,” “Rush,” “Gettysburg,” “Tombstone,” “The Big Lebowski,” “The Hi-Lo Country,” “The Contender,” “We Were Soldiers,” “Off the Map,” “Hulk,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “Barnyard,” “Ghost Rider,” “The Golden Compass,” “Up in the Air,” “Did You Hear About the Morgans?,” “Marmaduke,” “The Company You Keep,” “Draft Day,” “Digging for Fire,” “Grandma,” “The Good Dinosaur” and “Rock Dog.” 

Elliott’s television credits include a recurring role on the hit FX series “Justified,” for which he won a 2015 Critics’ Choice Award, Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie,” and the NBC comedy “Parks and Recreation.” He was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in the 1995 CBS miniseries “Buffalo Girls.” His other television movie credits include “Avenger,” “You Know My Name,” “Conagher”—for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe—and “The Quick and the Dead.” In 2013, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Voiceover Performance for his work on the popular Cartoon Network series “Robot Chicken.”

Career Q&A with Chita Rivera on September 11, 2015.  Moderated by Richard Ridge, BroadwayWorld.com.  

An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations for an exceptional 10 Tony nominations. On Friday, November 6, 2015, WNET/THIRTEEN will air the Great Performances special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do, a retrospective on her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. She recently starred in The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway (2015), following the acclaimed production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the summer of 2014. She starred in the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry’s Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, DC in 2002 and is the first Hispanic woman ever chosen to receive this award. In May, 2013, she was appointed to a special Kennedy Center Honors Advisory Committee. Chita’s current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente.

Career Q&A with Ewan McGregor on November 28, 2012.  Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Back Stage.

EWAN MCGREGOR (Henry) has proven himself as a true actor time and again, from his breakthrough role as the heroin-addicted Mark Renton in Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, to the legendary Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episode 1, to starring as "Christian" opposite Nicole Kidman in the Academy Award® and BAFTA award winning musical Moulin Rouge directed by Baz Luhrmann.

He was seen starring in Focus Features' slice-of-life film, Beginners, opposite Christopher Plummer, based on director Mike Mills personal story. Beginners recently won for Best Ensemble Cast and Best Feature at the 2011 Gotham Film Awards. The film also received the Best Feature nomination at the upcoming 2012 Independent Spirit Awards and attention by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

Career Q&A with Ray Liotta on June 5, 2017.  Moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt, New York Magazine.

Ray Liotta stars on the NBC drama “Shades of Blue” as Lt. Matt Wozniak.

Liotta started his career with a Golden Globe-nominated performance in Jonathan Demme’s “Something Wild” and followed that by co-starring opposite Tom Hulce in “Dominic and Eugene.” He’s also well-known for the iconic role of Shoeless Joe Jackson in the Oscar-nominated film “Field of Dreams.”

 But perhaps the film that brought Liotta his most widespread acclaim was his portrayal of real-life mobster Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s epic movie “Goodfellas” starring opposite Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. His performance helped the film earn a Best Picture nomination and solidified Liotta's status with critics and the public alike.

Liotta continued to create notable performances in films such as “Copland,” opposite Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel for director James Mangold; “Hannibal,” opposite Anthony Hopkins for director Ridley Scott; “Heartbreakers,” co-starring Sigourney Weaver; and “Blow,” opposite Johnny Depp.

Liotta then produced and starred in the intense cop drama “Narc” for director Joe Carnahan. The film received critical acclaim and earned Liotta an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Additional film credits include “Place Beyond the Pines,” starring opposite Ryan Gosling; “The Iceman,” opposite Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder; “Killing Them Softly,” for director Andrew Dominik with Brad Pitt; “The Details,” opposite Tobey Maguire; and “Wanderlust, directed by Judd Apatow.

Liotta won an Emmy as Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama in 2005 for a memorable appearance on “ER.” He also earned a SAG Award nomination for Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for the 1998 HBO telepic “The Rat Pack” playing Frank Sinatra.

In 2015 Liotta co-starred on the A&E miniseries “Texas Rising,” co-starring Brendan Fraser and Bill Paxton, and directed by Roland Joffe. Liotta was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries.

For his 2004 Broadway debut opposite Frank Langella in Stephen Belber's “Match,” Liotta received a Distinguished Performance honor at the Drama League Awards.

A New Jersey native, Liotta began acting while a student at the University of Miami.

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

Q&A with Laverne Cox on July 30, 2014.  Moderated by Mark Peikert, Executive Editor, Backstage. 

Laverne Cox is an Emmy-winning actress who can be seen in the Netflix original series “Orange is The New Black” where she plays the ground breaking role of Sophia Burset, an incarcerated African American, transgender woman.  The shows critically acclaimed second season is currently available on Netflix. Laverne is the first trans woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television show. Her work as an actress and advocate landed her on the cover of TIME Magazine as well as an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series” and a Critic’s Choice nomination for “Best Supporting Actress.”

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION Twitter: https://twitter.com/sagaftraFOUND

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

Conversations with David Hyde Pierce on April 12, 2013. Moderated by Richard Ridge, Broadway World.

Emmy and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce can be seen on Broadway starring opposite Sigourney Weaver and Kristine Nielsen in Christopher Durang's new comedy, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike."  The show opened in March following sold out runs at Princeton's McCarter Theatre and at Lincoln Center.

Pierce made his professional and Broadway debut in 1982 in Durang's "Beyond Therapy" and went on to create roles in Off-Broadway productions of Mark O'Donnell's "That's it Folks!," Richard Greenberg's "The Author's Voice" and Jules Feiffer's "Elliot Loves" before returning to Broadway in "The Heidi Chronicles."

In 2005, Pierce originated the role of 'Sir Robin' in the Broadway production of "Monty Python's Spamalot," and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.  In 2007, he won the Tony Award and earned another Drama Desk Award nomination for his role in the musical comedy "Curtains."

Perhaps best known for his role on TV's iconic comedy, "Frasier," Pierce earned four Emmy Awards among many other accolades.  His film credits include "Little Man Tate," "Sleepless in Seattle,"  "Nixon," "Down With Love," and the Sundance Film Festival Selection, "The Perfect Host."

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION
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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

Career Retrospective with Rachel Weisz, starring in THE FAVOURITE, on January 31, 2019. Moderated by Mara Webster. 

Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz, who is known for portraying women of incredible spirit and intelligence, continues to seek out challenging projects and roles both on screen and on stage and as a producer.

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION Twitter: https://twitter.com/sagaftraFOUND

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

A career retrospective with F. Murray Abraham on May 6, 2021. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION
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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Over the past year, the Foundation has given over $6.5 million in disaster relief to more than 7,000 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

All donations are tax-deductible.

Career Q&A with Beau Bridges on August 12, 2015.  Moderated by Oliver Jones.

A career retrospective with Olympia Dukakis on May 10, 2007. Moderated by Catherine Mary Stewart.

Robin Thede shares stories from her performances in ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, ‘The Rundown with Robin Thede,’ and ‘The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore’ in this career spanning discussion moderated by Joyelle Johnson. This interview is part of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations series, an essential resource for actors, filmmakers and students of discussions with performers, exploring the process and profession of acting.

The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.

Watch Past Q&A's:

https://www.youtube.com/c/SAGAFTRAFoundation/videos

Follow the SAG-AFTRA Foundation on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagaftraFOUND/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagaftraFOUNDATION

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sagaftraFOUND`

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, educational and state-of-the-art resources to SAG-AFTRA members. The Foundation believes that the contributions made to our culture by performing artists are not only valuable, but essential.

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

During the pandemic, the Foundation has given over $7 million in disaster relief to more than 7,500 performers. If you are a SAG-AFTRA artist and need help, please ask. And, if you can help, please give at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Career Q&A with Carl Weathers on May 18, 2017.  Moderated by Caroline O'Connor.

Carl Weathers has worked for more than 40 years in both film and television and his feature films have grossed more than $1 billion in box office revenue. He is most recognized for roles in "Rocky," "Predator" and "Happy Gilmore," and those performances have solidified Weathers as a sought-after and recognizable talent. He currently stars as Cook County State's Attorney Mark Jefferies on the NBC drama "Chicago Justice."  

Weathers earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts from San Diego State University. He accumulated additional theater study credits from San Francisco State University and started his professional acting career in San Francisco before moving to Los Angeles, where he continued to study acting at Hugh Zetland Acting and Charles Conrad Studios. Since that trip to Hollywood, his good fortune has continued and his love for the industry has grown.

Conversations with John Goodman on November 19, 2013. Moderated by Stacey Wilson, The Hollywood Reporter.

A Career Retrospective with Kathryn Hahn on April 21, 2017. Moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt, New York Magazine.

Kathryn Hahn’s versatility in both comedy and drama has made her one of Hollywood’s most sought after actresses and has shaped a career full of memorable roles. 

Hahn was seen in Jill Soloway’s new comedy pilot “I Love Dick” set to premiere on May 12. She plays the role of a wife (Chris) who’s relationship is put to the test when they both fall for the same professor. Hahn also recently has completed production starring in the Max Wrinkler indie coming-of-age film, “Flower,” opposite Adam Scott, Zoey Deutch and Tim Heidecker, set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Hahn was most recently seen on Season 3 of the Emmy Nominated Amazon original series “Transparent” created by Jill Soloway.  The show received a 2016 Emmy nomination for ‘Best Comedy’ as well as won the 2015 Golden Globe award for ‘Best Comedy.’  

Hahn was also recently cast in the Netflix drama “Private Life”. The story follows the writer/director Tamara Jenkins (Hahn) who wrote and directed 2007’s Savages starring Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman and the semi-autobiographical Slums Of Beverly Hills before that. The film will be produced by Anthony Bregman and Stefanie Azpiazu.

She recently starred in the Jon Lucas comedy “Bad Moms,” opposite Mila Kunis and Kirstin Bell. She played an over-worked, over committed and exhausted mom who joins forces with two other over-stressed moms who all go on a quest to liberate themselves from conventional responsibilities. The film won a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Comedic Movie.” Upcoming, she will star in the STX holiday-themed "Bad Moms Christmas" sequel as their own mothers visit for the holidays. The film is set to release on November 3, 2017. Hahn was also recently seen in Matt Ross’ “Captain Fantastic” opposite Viggo Mortensen, which follows a father living in the forests of the Pacific Northwest with his six young kids trying to assimilate back into society.  She was also recently seen in the Netflix film, “The Do-Over” starring alongside Adam Sandler and David Spade.  Recent past films include Peter Bogdanovich’s “She’s Funny That Way,” alongside Imogen Poots, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.  Additionally, she starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s horror comedy “The Visit,” as well as IFC’s “The D Train” and Brad Bird’s sci-fi mystery “Tomorrowland” opposite George Clooney. Hahn also starred in the WarnerBros. family dramedy “This is Where I Leave You,” directed by Shawn Levy and based on the novel by Jonathan Tropper. 

Hahn made her Broadway debut in the Tony-winning play “Boeing-Boeing,” alongside Bradley Whitford, Gina Gershon, Mary McCormack, Christine Baranski and Mark Rylance.  “Boeing-Boeing” won the 2008 Tony in the category of Best Revival of a Play.

No stranger to the stage, her theatre credits also include “Dead End,” at the Ahmanson Theater and Huntington Theater Company; “Ten Unknowns,” at Huntington Theater Company; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Chaucer in Rome” and “Camino Real,” at Williamstown Mainstage; and “Hedda Gabler,” at Williamstown/Baystreet.

Hahn received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her Masters in Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama, where she appeared on stage in “Othello” and “The Birds.”

Conversations Career Q&A with Lee Pace (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hobbit Trilogy, Angels in America) on April 27, 2018. Moderated by Broadway World's Richard Ridge of "Backstage with Richard Ridge!"

Lee Pace was last seen on Broadway in Larry Kramer’s seminal, Tony Award-winning play, The Normal Heart. He starred in the Off-Broadway production Small Tragedy, which garnered him an Outstanding Actor Lucille Lortel Award nomination, as well as in the two-character play Guardians for which he was also nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award. As a member of Group 30 in Juilliard’s Drama Division, Pace starred in multiple school productions of Romeo & Juliet, Richard II and Julius Caesar. On screen, he was most recently seen in the box office blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy as the intergalactic villain Ronan the Accuser, and in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy as the Elf King Thranduil. On the small screen, Pace is most notable for his starring role in Bryan Fuller’s award-winning and critically-acclaimed series Pushing Daisies, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Lead Actor. Pace has just wrapped the fourth and final season of AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire. His breakout role in the Sundance hit Soldier’s Girl earned him a Gotham Award, as well as his first nomination for a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award. The Peabody Award-winning film followed the true story of a transgendered woman dating a U.S. soldier. His other film credits include Doug McGrath’s Truman Capote memoir/biography Infamous opposite Toby Jones, Sandra Bullock and Daniel Craig; Robert De Niro’s CIA drama The Good Shepherd opposite Matt Damon; visionary director Tarsem Singh’s The Fall, which premiered at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival; Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day opposite Amy Adams and Frances McDormand; the Tom Ford directorial debut A Single Man opposite Colin Firth and Julianne Moore; Max Winkler’s Ceremony opposite Uma Thurman; Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln; and the nomadic vampire Garrett in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. Born in Oklahoma, Pace began his acting career at the Alley Theatre in Houston before training at the Juilliard School.

Career Q&A with Malcolm McDowell, starring on Amazon's Mozart in the Jungle, on May 10, 2017.  Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Malcolm McDowell has created a gallery of iconic characters since catapulting to the screen as Mick Travis, the rebellious upperclassman in Lindsay Anderson’s prize-winning sensation, If... 

His place in movie history was subsequently secured when Stanley Kubrick found the actor he was searching for to play the gleefully amoral Alex in A Clockwork Orange; when McDowell himself conceived the idea for Mick Travis’ further adventures in Anderson’s Candide-like masterpiece, O Lucky Man!; and when he wooed Mary Steenburgen and defeated Jack the Ripper as the romantically inquisitive H.G. Wells in Time After Time. 

For his motion picture work, the American Cinematheque honored him with a retrospective in June 2001, highlighted by showings of his electrifying performances in two major works. The first is Paul McGuigan’s Gangster No. 1, in which McDowell and Paul Bettany portray the consumed, driven title character and which affords McDowell the chance to create a character both on screen and through nuanced voice-over. The second is Russian director Karen Shakhnazarov’s acclaimed and rarely seen Assassin of the Tsar, which Vincent Canby called “a remarkable mystical and psychological exploration of the murder of the Romanov family.” 

McDowell’s distinctive motion picture characterizations include: Richard Lester’s Royal Flash, Paul Schrader’s Cat People, Rachel Talalay’s Tank Girl, Joseph Losey’s Figures in a Landscape, Bryan Forbes’ The Raging Moon and the Chaplinesque studio boss in Blake Edwards’ Sunset. His film credits are further highlighted by his compellingly sinister Caligula; the brilliant literary editor Maxwell Perkins in Martin Ritt’s Cross Creek; his cameo in Robert Altman’s The Player; and his final incarnation of Mick Travis in Britannia Hospital, the third film in Anderson’s trilogy marking the disintegration of British culture. 

McDowell’s film work also includes Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, In Good Company, I Spy, Robert Altman’s The Company, Robert Downey Sr.’s Hugo Pool with Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr. and Cathy Moriarty; Just Visiting, Mr. Magoo, Hugh Hudson’s My Life So Far, BlueThunder, Neil Marshall’s Doomsday in 2007, Rob Zombie’s Halloween I & II, and the voice of villain Dr. Calico in Disney’s 2008 boxoffice hit, Bolt. In late 2011, McDowell was seen in the Academy Award-winning silent film sensation, The Artist. In addition to recurring appearances on Heroes, CSI: Miami, and The Mentalist, McDowell starred in TNT’s Franklin & Bash as Stanton Infeld. The series lasted for four seasons.

A career retrospective with Carey Mulligan on March 23, 2021. Moderated by Joe Utichi, AwardsLine Magazine.

Career Retrospective with Hayley Atwell on May 22, 2018.  Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Hayley’s impressive body of work has established her as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Hayley can be seen starring in HOWARD'S END. Written by Manchester By the Sea’s Oscar nominated director, Kenneth Lonergan, Hayley plays the lead role, alongside Matthew Macfadyen in the adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel. Through the prism of three families: the intellectual and idealistic Schlegels, the wealthy Wilcoxes from the world of business, and the working class Basts, this period drama tracks the changing landscape of social and class divisions in turn of the century England. The series was recently launched in the US to much acclaim.

Earlier this year, Hayley performed at the Hampstead Theatre in Sarah Burgess’s DRY POWDER. Directed by Anna Ledwich, Hayley took the lead role alongside Tom Riley and Aidan McArdle in the comedy which explored the PR world of New York. 

Later this year, Hayley will be seen starring alongside Ewan McGregor in Disney’s CHRISTOPHER ROBIN. Directed by Marc Forster, the film takes a fresh interpretation on A.A. Milne’s classic children’s story ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ and is set to be released this August 3, 2018.  

Having trained in classical theatre at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama, upon graduation Hayley starred alongside David Oyelowo in PROMETHEUS BOUND in the West End. She went on to join the Royal Shakespeare Company and had lead roles at the Royal National Theatre in THE MAN OF MODE and MAJOR BARBARA. She has been nominated for two Olivier awards for her performances in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE at The Duke of York's and in THE PRIDE at Trafalgar Studios. 

Hayley made her TV debut in the adaptation of Booker Prize winner THE LINE OF BEAUTY which lead to starring roles in several dramas including PILLARS OF EARTH, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination and in Charlie Brooker's BAFTA winning BLACK MIRROR series and has also starred in two William Boyd adaptations, ANY HUMAN HEART and RESTLESS.  She also played Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel movie franchise and in two seasons of eponymous series AGENT CARTER in the US. 

Hayley's film debut was in CASSANDRA’S DREAM which lead to leading film roles in BRIDESHEAD REVISITED with Emma Thompson, THE DUCHESS with Ralph Fiennes, JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE and Kenneth Branagh's CINDERELLA.

Career Q&A with Kenneth Branagh on February 6, 2012. Moderated by Jenelle Riley.

Career Q&A with Kathleen Chalfant on March 19, 2014.  Moderated by Richard Ridge, Broadway World. 

BROADWAY: Angels in America (Tony and Drama Desk nominations), Racing Demon, Dance With Me. OFF-BROADWAY: Wit ( Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Connecticut Critics Circle, and Obie Awards), Miss Ovington &  Dr. Dubois, Somewhere Fun, Red Dog Howls, Painting Churches, Family Week, Vita & Virginia, Dead Man's Cell Phone, Spalding Grey: Stories Left to Tell, Bloomer Girl, Nine Armenians (Drama Desk nomination), Far Away, Twelve Dreams, Henry V. OTHER NY CREDITS: The Vagina Monologues, True History and Real Adventures, Phaedra in Delirium, Iphigenia and Other Daughters, Endgame, The Party, Sister Mary Ignatius..., The Investigation of the Murder in El Salvador. LONDON & LOS ANGELES: Wit (Ovation Award), Red Dog Howls. SELECT REGIONAL THEATRE: Guthrie, Yale Rep, Long Wharf, Yale Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, Mark Taper Forum, ATL, Sundance Lab. FILM: Isn't it Delicious?, R.I.P.D., The Bath, In Bed With Ulysses, Lillian, Duplicity, The People Speak, Lackawanna Blues, Perfect Stranger, The Last New Yorker, Second Guessing Grandma, Dark Water, Kinsey, Laramie Project, Random Hearts, A Price Below Rubies, Murder and Murder. SELECT TELEVISION Recurring on "The Americans," "House of Cards," "Rescue Me," "The Book of Daniel," "The Guardian,"  "Jo," "Law and Order" and "One Life to Live"; also "Elementary," "Mercy," "Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight" (HBO), "Benjamin Franklin," "Lackawanna Blues" (HBO), "Georgia O'Keeffe" (Lifetime), "Voices from the White House" (PBS), "A Death in the Family" (PBS), "Storm of the Century". AWARDS: 1996 OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence, 2004 Lortel Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance. She has received the Drama League and Sidney Kingsley Awards for her body of work.

A career retrospective with Glynn Turman on February 23, 2021. Moderated by Gil Robertson.

As primetime host and anchor of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), Robert Osborne brought viewers out of their living rooms and into the world of classic Hollywood , providing insider information, facts and trivia on TCM movie presentations.

Osborne was also a columnist-critic for The Hollywood Reporter, the daily show business trade paper. He was known as the official biographer of Oscar®, thanks to a series of books he wrote on the subject of Hollywood ’s annual Academy Awards®. His book, 80 Years Of the Oscar, written at the request of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has been called “the most comprehensive and definitive book ever done on the subject.”

Osborne was born in Colfax, Wash., and graduated from the University of Washington ’s School of Journalism, appearing in local plays in his non-study hours. He eventually went to Hollywood as an actor under contract to Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It was Lucy who encouraged him to pursue writing, which he considered “the best advice at the best time” he had ever been given. Lucy remained a friend and mentor to him until her death.

Osborne joined the staff of The Hollywood Reporter in 1977 and six years later began writing the paper’s influential “Rambling Reporter” column, which covers all aspects of the movie and television business. In 1982, he also began as the on-air entertainment reporter for the nightly news on Los Angeles ’ KTTV. In 1987, he was signed by CBS to make daily appearances on the CBS Morning Program, and from 1986-1993, he was also a regular host of The Movie Channel cable network.

From 1981-83, Osborne served as president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA). He was a frequent guest on Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America and other network shows; was twice a Cable ACE nominee for his “Osborne Report” segments for The Movie Channel; and was nominated for an Emmy® as Best Host Moderator. Osborne was also the winner of the 1984 Press Award from the Publicists Guild of America. On Feb. 1, 2006, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in January 2008, he received a special award from the National Board of Review for his contributions as a film historian.

In addition to his hosting duties for TCM, Osborne has also done several specials for the network, including Private Screenings, an hour-long interview series with such Hollywood luminaries as Shirley MacLaine, Lauren Bacall, Angela Lansbury, James Garner, Jane Fonda, Sidney Lumet, Norman Jewison, and Tony Curtis. He also hosted TCM’s Guest Programmer series, in which he has been joined in introducing movie line-ups by an eclectic mix, including David Mamet, Alec Baldwin, Mia Farrow, Martha Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Ford, Liz Smith, Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, James Elroy, Evander Holyfield, Danny DeVito, Renee Feming, Gore Vidal and Kermit the Frog.

Moderated by Kathy Connell.

A career retrospective with Nicole Kidman on February 11, 2021. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Career Q&A with Jada Pinkett Smith on June 16, 2015. Moderated by Pete Hammond, Deadline.

A talented actress, producer, director, author, singer-songwriter and businesswoman, Jada Pinkett Smith has approached her career with the utmost poise and versatility, capturing the hearts of fans and colleagues in the industry with every new project.

Born and raised in Maryland, Pinkett Smith studied dance and acting at Baltimore School of the Arts and North Carolina School of the Arts. Her resourcefulness and determination led her to a variety of professional opportunities, most notably the “The Cosby Show” spin-off series, “A Different World,” which launched her acting career on television. Pinkett Smith produced and starred in the critically acclaimed cable medical drama series “HawthoRNe,” which earned her a 2010 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. She currently stars on FOX's GOTHAM as imposing gang boss Fish Mooney.

In 1993, she landed her first feature film role in “Menace II Society.” Her role opposite comedian Eddie Murphy in “The Nutty Professor” made her a household name. Pinkett Smith’s acting career continued with her participation in “The Matrix: Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions.” In 2004, she won the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, USA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance – Female for her role in the video game “Enter The Matrix.” In 2005, she was featured in the animated movie “Madagascar” as the voice of “Gloria,” the hippo. She was also featured in the franchise’s two subsequent films, “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” and “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.”

She earned global praise for writing the children’s book “Girls Hold Up The World,” which landed on the New York Times Best Sellers list. She and husband Will Smith founded The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, dedicating their organization to education.

Her executive producer credits include the 2010 film “The Karate Kid,” which starred her son, Jaden, and Jackie Chan, and the documentary “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners,” about political activist Angela Davis. She currently is an executive producer on the highly successful syndicated talk show “The Queen Latifah Show,” which will premiere its second season in September 2014.

Along with her husband, and mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, she was an executive producer on the Broadway musical hit “Fela.” Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment and Carter’s Roc Nationjoined forces again on the highly anticipated remake of the 1982 musical film “Annie.” 

Pinkett Smith contributes much of her free time to humanitarian efforts, helping to raise awareness on issues such as human trafficking in the United States. Her social initiative, “DontSellBodies.org,” has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State, and she was invited bySecretary of State John Kerryto testify against human trafficking before the U.S. Congress in 2012. She also serves on the advisory board of Gucci’s empowerment initiative, “Chime for Change,” which campaigns for improved education, health and justice for women and girls worldwide.

A career retrospective with Lee Daniels on February 2, 2021. Moderated by Nischelle Turner, Entertainment Tonight.

A career retrospective with Cloris Leachman on September 17, 2004. Moderated by Todd Amorde.

A career retrospective with Ethan Hawke on January 7, 2021. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

A career retrospective with Jude Law on December 17, 2020. Moderated by Dave Karger, TCM.

A career retrospective with Sacha Baron Cohen on November 24, 2020. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Q&A with Andrew Rannells on May 22, 2017.  Moderated by BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge of "Backstage with Richard Ridge!". 

Andrew Rannells is perhaps best known for his role as “Elijah” on the hit HBO series GIRLS. Andrew also appeared in season two of Steven Soderbergh’s THE KNICK on Cinemax, NBC's THE NEW NORMAL and in Nancy Meyer’s THE INTERN. He originated the role of “Elder Price” in THE BOOK OF MORMON, for which he won a Grammy Award and was nominated for both a Tony and a Drama Desk Award. Also on Broadway, he played the role of “King George” in the smash hit HAMILTON and starred as “Hedwig” in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Andrew recently appeared in the Fox feature WHY HIM alongside James Franco and Bryan Cranston. Rannells just wrapped his latest Broadway performance in FALSETTOS, for which he has been nominated for a Tony Award.

Career Q&A with Rebecca Hall on November 11, 2016.  Moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt, New York Magazine.

Rebecca Hall is an acclaimed British-American actress who was recognized almost immediately as one of the most exciting actresses of her generation. In a career that encompasses the multiplex, the art house cinema, and the world’s most respected theaters, she has worked with many of the industry’s greatest artists and established herself as a leading talent, one who continues to challenge herself with each new role.

This fall, she stars in Antonio Campos’ Christine, with Michael C Hall, Tracy Letts and Maria Dizzia. Based on events in the life of Christine Chubbuck, the film follows a young, hard-working and troubled newscaster at a small town television station in the 1970s. The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and Orchard will be releasing it theatrically October 14, 2016.

Hall recently wrapped lensing the independent feature Permission, with Dan Stevens, Gina Gershon, and Jason Sudeikis. The film-in which she stars and which she also produced-is the story of a couple, Anna (Hall) and Will (Stevens), who have only ever been with each other. On Anna’s thirtieth birthday, a friend jokes that they should sleep around before their inevitable marriage. The joke lingers and eventually Anna proposes that they try it. As they venture outside the boundaries of monogamy they are forced to evolve and finally, grow up. She has also completed production on The Dinner, a mystery thriller based on Herman Koch’s novel of the same name. Directed by Oren Moverman, the film explores the lengths to which some parents will go to protect their children.

Hall was recently seen starring alongside Jason Batman and Joel Edgerton in his box office smash thriller The Gift. Hall and Bateman play a young married couple whose lives get turned upside down when an acquaintance from the husband's past brings mysterious gifts and a horrifying secret to light after more than twenty years. She was also recently seen in Steven Spielberg’s The BFG, with Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill. The film is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s book classic, in which a Big Friendly Giant and an orphan girl he befriends set out to take on people-eating giants who plant to take over the world.

On screen, Hall received critical acclaim for her starring role in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona alongside Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem. For her performance, she received Golden Globe, BAFTA Orange Rising Star, London Critics Circle and Gotham Award nominations in the performance and breakthrough categories.

Hall’s other film credits include Sean Mewshaw’s Tumbledown opposite Jason Sudeikis; Wally Pfister's directorial debut Transcendence, opposite Johnny Depp and Paul Bettany; Patrice Leconte's A Promise, starring alongside Alan Rickman; John Crowley’s Closed Circuit; Shane Black's Iron Man 3; Stephen Frears' Lay the Favorite; Nick Murphy's The Awakening, for which she earned a British Independent Film Award Nomination and Gotham Independent Film Award nomination for Best Actress; Ben Affleck's The Town, which received the 2010 National Board of Review Award for Best Ensemble; Dan Rush’s Everything Must Go; Nicole Holofcener's Please Give, for which the cast and filmmakers were honored with the Independent Spirit Robert Altman Award and a Gotham Independent Film Award nomination for Best Ensemble Performance; Oliver Parker's Dorian Gray; Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon; for which she shared in a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Cast Performance; Christopher Nolan's The Prestige, for which she received UK Empire Award and London Critics Circle Award nominations for Best Newcomer; and Tom Vaughan's Starter for 10, her feature film debut.

Career Q&A with Willem Dafoe on September 26, 2017. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Academy Award® and Golden Globe® nominated actor Willem Dafoe continues to make his mark in entertainment through a myriad of challenging roles, working alongside the industry's most respected talent.

Dafoe will next be seen in Tommy Wirkola’s What Happened to Monday?, with Noomi Rapace and Glenn Close. This film is set in the future and in a world where families are limited to one child due to over population and follows a set of septuplets who must avoid being discovered by the government. Following that, he lends his voice in Adam Wingard’s Death Note with Nat Wolff. The film follows Light Turner (Wolff) who stumbles upon the ‘Death Note,’ a journal in which he can write anyone’s name and kill them at any time, in any fashion he wants. Dafoe plays the role of Ryuk, a shinigami or “death god,” who guides Light to use the Death Note and then watches chaos unfold.

Late this year, Dafoe will be seen in Sean Baker’s The Florida Project opposite Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince and Valeria Cotto. The film follows a 6-year-old and her friends who are homeless, living in extended-stay motels on the outskirts of Orlando, Florida. Dafoe plays ‘Bobby,’ the manager of the motel, whose job requires him to be a handyman, an office grind, a den mother, a father figure, and a law enforcer all at the same time. Originally premiering at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival acquiring rave reviews, A24 is slated to release the film October 6, 2017. After, Dafoe has Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express, starring Jonny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dame Judi Dench. Adapted from the book Agatha Christie, the film follows a lavish train ride through Europe quickly unfolds into the thrilling mystery of thirteen strangers stranded on a train. Twentieth Century Fox will release the film November 10, 2017.

Dafoe is currently in production for James Wan’s Aquaman opposite Jason Momoa and Nicole Kidman. Dafoe will be seen as ‘Nuidis Vulko,’ a key venerated academic and politician in Atlantis who comes from the generation before Aquaman’s. Exact details of Vulko’s role in the film are still being kept under wraps. Warner Brothers is slated to release the film December 21, 2018. Following, he will begin lensing for Julian Schnabel’s biopic At Eternity’s Gate, which follows the Dutch Post-Impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gough, (Dafoe) and the time he spent in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

Most notably, Dafoe garnered critical acclaim for his Oscar®nominated supporting role in the category of Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Shadow of a Vampire. The film is a fictionalized account of F. W. Murnau’s making of the classic vampire film Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens. During production, the crew begins to have disturbing suspicions about their lead actor, Max Schreck, (Dafoe), who arrives onto set in full Gothic regalia, asserting that he is indeed a vampire.  He was also nominated for a Golden Globe®, Screen Actors Guild®, Critics Choice®, and won a Film Independent Spirit Award and Satellite Award on behalf of this performance. Prior to that, Dafoe also received critical acclaim for his Oscar®nominated supporting role in the category of Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Oliver Stone’s Academy Award winning Platoon playing ‘Sargent Elias,’ one of the leaders of the US infantry platoon near the Cambodian border during the Vietnam War.

John Levey shares stories from his work in ‘ER’, ‘The West Wing’, and ‘Animal Kingdom’ in this conversation about his career as a casting director, moderated by actor Shawn Hatosy. The Business panels provide multiple viewpoints from directors, producers, writers, agents, managers, casting directors and industry experts on a wide range of topics. Through this program, actors receive first-hand tips and strategies from established creators, emerging voices and industry professionals who know how to navigate the often complex waters of the entertainment world.

The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.

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The SAG-AFTRA Foundation relies entirely on donations to provide emergency assistance and free educational programs to SAG-AFTRA artists. This conversation is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

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Career Q&A with Norm Lewis on November 20, 2013.  Moderated by Richard Ridge, Broadway World. 

Norm Lewis can be seen in A Bed and a Chair: A New York Love Affair, a celebration of songs of Stephen Sondheim presented by City Center Encores! and Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Norm was last seen as Senator Edison Davis on the hit ABC drama, "Scandal." He recently received Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for his performance as Porgy in the Broadway production of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess. His many Broadway credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, The Little Mermaid, Les Miserables (Drama League nomination), Chicago, Amour, The Wild Party, Side Show, Miss Saigon and The Who's Tommy. He starred in the West End/London productions of Les Miserables and the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert (London's O2 Arena, PBS), and Off-Broadway in The Tempest (Public Theater), Ragtime with the New York Philharmonic, Dessa Rose (Drama Desk nomination, AUDELCO Award), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Drama League nomination), Captains Courageous, and A New Brain. www.normlewis.com

Career Conversations with Estelle Parsons on June 11, 2014.  Moderated by Richard Ridge, Broadway World. 

ESTELLE PARSONS is most widely known for her Academy Award winning performance in Bonnie and Clyde and her ten years as Mother Bev on the hit sitcom Roseanne. In the theater, she is best known for her portrayal of the tyrannical eighth grade teacher in Roberto Athayde's classic about totalitarian power, Miss Margarida's Way, which she performed on Broadway, all over the United States and in London, Dublin, Turkey and Australia. She has appeared in plays by the great writers of our time, including Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, Dario Fo, Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett, Paul Zindel and Horton Foote. Estelle starred in August: Osage County by Tracy Letts on Broadway for a year and on the road for a year. Most recently Estelle was seen in Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire and the George & Ira Gershwin musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It with Matthew Broderick. In 2012, she was directed by Neil LaBute in Marco Calvani's Things of This World. As a director, she created the New York Shakespeare Festival Players for Joseph Papp in the 1980s. For two seasons, they performed Shakespeare on Broadway for New York City school students and their families in an effort to develop a multicultural audience for New York She also directed Al Pacino in Oscar Wilde's Salome: the Reading on Broadway. Estelle Parsons is a member of The Actors Studio and was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2004.  She is currently starring on Broadway in The Velocity of Autumn at Arena Stage.

Career Conversations Q&A with Jason Alexander on December 1, 2017, moderated by BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge of "Backstage with Richard Ridge!" 

JASON ALEXANDER's talents have produced a diverse career spanning four decades. Broadway: (orig. cast) Merrily We Roll Along; The Rink; Broadway Bound; Accomplice; Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critic awards) and the LA production of The Producers with Martin Short. Notable films: Pretty Woman; Jacob's Ladder; Love/Valor/Compassion; Dunston Checks In; Hunchback of Notre Dame; Rocky and Bullwinkle; Shallow Hal. TV: “Seinfeld” (7 Emmy noms., 2 Golden Globe noms., 4 SAG awards, 2 American Comedy Awards); “Bob Patterson;” “Listen Up;” Bye Bye Birdie; Cinderella; “Monk;” “Criminal Minds;” “Voyager.” Director: For Better or Worse; “Criminal Minds;” “Mike and Molly;” “Franklin and Bash;” “Everybody Hates Chris.” Brad Paisley's ONLINE video (Country Music Award). Jason is currently the voice of Goji on Sprout's “Kody Kapow.” He is the co-creator, Executive Producer and star of the new fall series “Hit The Road,” which debuts this October on DirecTV's Audience network.

A Career Retrospective with Holly Hunter, starring in THE BIG SICK, on November 27, 2017. Moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt, New York Magazine.

Hunter has been nominated for four Academy Awards for the films “Broadcast News”, “The Firm,” “The Piano” and “Thirteen.” In 1993, Hunter won the Academy Award and the award for Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in “The Piano.”

Hunter was most recently seen in “The Big Sick.” Other film credits include “The Incredibles,” “Nine Lives,”  “Little Black Book,” "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," “Home For the Holidays,” "Time Code,” “Living Out Loud,” “Raising Arizona,” “Crash” and “A Life Less Ordinary.”

In 2007, Hunter made her television series debut in TNT’s edgy drama, “Saving Grace” which earned her nominations for two Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In 2013, Hunter was seen in the Sundance Channel series “Top of the Lake.” Hunter’s performance garnered her a Screen Actor’s Guild Nomination. She also earned Emmy nominations for her performances in "When Billie Beat Bobby," "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her,” and "Harlan County War." Hunter was awarded the Emmy for her role as Jane Roe in NBC’s “Roe vs. Wade.” 

In 2018, Holly will reprise her voice role as Elastigirl in the highly-anticipated Pixar sequel, “The Incredibles 2.”

A career retrospective with Frank Langella. Moderated by Adam Lance Garcia.  

SAG-AFTRA Foundation COVID-19 Fund: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is currently operating a COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Fund is available to SAG-AFTRA members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to cover basic expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, medical bills and other essential needs. 

For information to apply: https://sagaftra.foundation/covid19relief 

Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of donations support performers in need.

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A career retrospective with Mark Strong on October 28, 2020. Moderated by Scott Mantz. 

SAG-AFTRA Foundation COVID-19 Fund: The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is currently operating a COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Fund is available to SAG-AFTRA members who are in an emergency financial crisis related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to cover basic expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, medical bills and other essential needs.

For information to apply: https://sagaftra.foundation/covid19relief

Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of donations support performers in need.

Give today at: https://sagaftra.foundation/donate

Career Q&A with Ann Dowd on June 21, 2017.  Moderated by Bruce Fretts, Closer Weekly.  

ANN DOWD is an award-winning actress widely known for her performance in COMPLIANCE. Her other film credits include CAPTAIN FANTASTIC and COLLATERAL BEAUTY as well as OUR BRAND IN CRISIS, BACHELORETTE, THE DROP, SIDE EFFECTS, THE INFORMANT, MARLEY & ME and “GARDEN STATE.Her television roles include The Handmaid’s Tale and Good Behavior, in addition to her recent work on The Leftovers and Quarry. She has also appeared in Masters of Sex, Olive Kitteridge, The Divide, Freaks and Geeks and Nothing Sacred. She has been seen on Broadway in “The Seagull,” “Taking Sides” and “Candida.

Career Q&A with Alan Tudyk on April 5, 2017.  Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Alan Tudyk is a multi-dimensional actor whose credits span throughout stage, film, television and voiceover entertainment platforms. Over the span of his career, his films have garnered over $2 Billion at the Box Office.

Tudyk is the creator and star of the record breaking web series, “Con Man.”Executive produced by Tudyk, Nathan Fillion and author PJ Haarsma, the series was funded via Indiegogo, resulting in a record-breaking $3.2 million donation which had the support of over 46,000 fans from around the world. The second season of the series debuted on Lionsgate’s Comic-Con HQ on December 8th. Loosely based on Tudyk’s and Fillion’s experiences starring in “Firefly,” “Con Man” centers on the post-show life of ‘Wray Nerely’ (Tudyk), the co-star of “Spectrum,” a sci-fi TV series canceled before its time that later became a cult classic beloved by fans. ‘Wray’s’ best friend, ‘Jack Moore’ (Fillion) starred as the series’ Captain and has gone on to become a major celebrity, while ‘Wray’ continues to struggle to find his big break. While ‘Jack’ enjoys the life of an A-lister, ‘Wray’ is the begrudging guest of sci-fi conventions, comic book store appearances and different pop culture events. The series explores these events and all the crazy and real things that happen behind the scenes in the world of fandom.

Tudyk has shown audiences wide versatility in numerous television shows and a plethora of feature films. Most recently he co-starred inthe Jay Roach 2015 SAG Award nominated feature “Trumbo,” opposite Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, John Goodman, Louie CK, Michael Stuhlbarg and Stephen Root as well as 2014’s “Welcome to Me” with Kristin Wiig. In 2013, Tudyk co-starred in the well-received Jackie Robinson biopic, “42,” as former Phillies manager ‘Ben Chapman.’ He made his feature film debut in 1998, when he first appeared opposite Robin Williams in “Patch Adams.”

Tudyk’s role in the Disney’s animated feature, “Wreck it Ralph,” garnered him an Annie Award for his role as ‘King Candy.’ He returned to the recording booth to voice ‘The Duke of Weaselton’ in Disney’s Academy Award-winning “Frozen.” He continued his work with Disney Animation Studios voicing ‘Alister Krei’ in “Big Hero 6” and will reprise his role in the upcoming “Big Hero 6” television series on Disney XD. He can also be heard as ‘Ludo’ and ‘King Butterfly’ on the Disney Channel series, “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” which had its second season premiere on July 11th. Tudyk has also done voice work for many other features, television shows and video games.

His film credits also include: “Wonder Boys,” “28 Days,” “A Knight’s Tale,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Death at a Funeral” (the original UK version), “Knocked Up,” “Tucker and Dale vs Evil,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Serenity,” “Premature,” “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter,” and “Transformers 3.” Additionally, Tudyk motion performed the lead robot, ‘Sonny,’ in “I, Robot” opposite Will Smith.

In television, Tudyk was a series regular on the critically acclaimed ABC comedy, “Suburgatory” and he reprised his role in the Netflix revival of “Arrested Development” as ‘Pastor Veal.’ His work on Joss Whedon’s “Firefly,” has been highly lauded by fans and has gained him a strong cult following. Tudyk also appeared in “Strangers with Candy,” “Dollhouse,” “Frasier,” and “Justified.” He also was the host of “Newsreaders,” written and produced by Rob Corddry and David Wain, on Adult Swim.

Tudyk attended the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and has starred on Broadway opposite Kristin Chenoweth in “Epic Proportions,” played ‘Lancelot’ with the original cast in Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” as well as the lead role of ‘Peter’ in “Prelude to a Kiss” opposite John Mahoney.

Career retrospective with Nia Long on June 27, 2016. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.

Since making her film debut in John Singleton’s Oscar-nominated film, “Boyz In The Hood,” Nia Long continues to cultivate a versatile resume in both film and television.

On the big screen, Long will can be seen opposite Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele in New Line’s feature comedy “Keanu.” No stranger to box-office success, Long has been a part of three successful film franchises, including the “The Best Man,” for which she earned an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, and its 2013 follow-up, “The Best Man Holiday,” which earned critical and commercial success. Martin Lawrence’s “Big Momma’s House” and “Big Momma’s House 2” collectively earned over $300 million and earned Long an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture. Additionally, Long co-starred in the Ice Cube family comedies “Are We There Yet?” and “Are We Done Yet,” which spawned the TBS comedy series “Are We There Yet?” Most recently, Long starred in “The Single Moms Club,” which she co-starred with her son Massai, and additional film roles include “Friday,” with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker; “Made in America,” with Whoopi Goldberg; “Love Jones,” which won the Audience Award at Sundance and earned Long an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture; “Soul Food”; “Stigmata”; “The Secret Laughter of Women,” opposite Colin Firth; “Alfie,” with Jude Law; and “Premonition,” with Sandra Bullock.

She first caught audience’s attention as Will Smith’s love interest on NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which garnered her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Long co-starred alongside Vanessa Redgrave, Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres in the Emmy-nominated HBO telefilm “If These Walls Could Talk 2.” The performance earned Long an NAACP Image Award Nomination for Best Actress in a Television Movie. Her portrayal of Officer Sasha Monroe on NBC’s “Third Watch” earned her two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. Additional television credits include recurring roles on “Judging Amy” and “Boston Legal.” Most recently, Long starred in the political thriller “The Divide,” from director Tony Goldwyn and writer Richard LaGravenese, and appeared on Showtime’s “House of Lies,” which earned Long an NAACP Image Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Behind the camera, the actress made her directorial debut on Ashanti’s music video “Baby,”the third single from her platinum-selling debut album, “Ashanti.” Additionally, Long directed the music video for platinum-selling gospel artist Yolanda Adams’ single “This Too Shall Pass,” from the #1 selling gospel album, “Day By Day.” Continuing her work behind the camera, she is currently developing a feature film that centers on renowned world champion boxer and trainer Ann Wolfe.

In addition to her film and television work, Long’s passion lies in supporting her community. With her family roots in Trinidad, she aims to be the liaison between the youth in the United States and on the island of Trinidad. In 2013, Long was a vocal proponent to the Barack Obama reelection campaign and has remained active in supporting women’s rights, education and affordable healthcare.

A Brooklyn native, Long resides in Los Angeles with her two sons and fiancée, Ime Udoka, assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.

Career Q&A with Topher Grace.  Moderated by Bruce Fretts, Closer Weekly. 

Acclaimed actor Topher Grace first caught the attention of audiences as one of the stars of the iconic television series, That ‘70s Show, before going on to make his mark on the big screen in numerous films.

Topher currently appears in the Sony Pictures Classics drama, Truth, opposite Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Dennis Quaid and Elisabeth Moss. The film tells the true story of a group of journalists – with Topher portraying rebellious researcher, ‘Mike Smith’ – who uncover a conspiracy that would bring down President George W. Bush’s presidency. The film will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Topher is currently in production starring alongside Brad Pitt in the upcoming Netflix black comedy, War Machine, in which he plays a civilian media adviser to Pitt’s four-star U.S. military general trying to win the war in Afghanistan. Based on Michael Hastings’ book, “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan,” and directed by David Michod, the film is scheduled to debut in 2016.

Topher has also made the move behind the camera and recently completed production as producer and star of the romantic musical comedy, One Shot, directed by Isaac Rentz. The film features Anne Heche and Taye Diggs and follows a failed Broadway singer who now works as a production manager who must save opening night by wrangling his eccentric cast and crew. On screen he’s also wrapped on the supernatural thriller, Home, expected for release by Universal in 2016.

On the big screen, Topher won the National Board of Review award for Breakthrough Performance by an Actor, as well as a New York Film Critics award, for his roles in In Good Company and P.S. in 2004. As a member of the ensemble cast in Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic, he also won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2001.

Additional film credits include Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar; Gary Marshall’s ensemble, Valentine’s Day, opposite Anne Hathaway, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx and others; Sam Raimi’s Spiderman 3; Robert Luketic’s Win a Date With Tad Hamilton;  Mike Newell’s Mona Lisa Smile, opposite Julia Roberts; and Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve among many other memorable roles including, most recently, American Ultra, opposite Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart.

On the small screen, along with That ‘70s Show, he has also appeared in Curtis Hanson’s Golden Globe winning TV film, Too Big to Fail, for HBO. He also appeared in The Beauty Inside, a 2012 social film developed by Intel and Toshiba. Directed by Drake Doremus and co-starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the film is broken up into six filmed episodes interspersed with interactive storytelling that all takes place on the main character's Facebook timeline. Topher won a Daytime Emmy in the category of Outstanding New Approaches - Original Daytime Program or Series.

In 2014, Topher made his Off-Broadway debut in Paul Weitz’ acclaimed Lonely, I’m Not, opposite Olivia Thirlby, for Second Stage.

Topher grew up in Darien, Connecticut and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Raquel Welch shares stories from her performances in ‘Fantastic Voyage’, ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’ in this career spanning discussion moderated by Ilyanne Kichaven. This interview is part of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations series, an essential resource for actors, filmmakers and students of discussions with performers, exploring the process and profession of acting.

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A career retrospective with Diahann Carroll on June 21, 2006.  Moderated by Paul Ryan.

Career Q&A with Andy Serkis on November 7, 2014.  Moderated by Scott Mantz, Access Hollywood.

Andy Serkis is known to millions of fans for his portrayal of the depraved creature Gollum in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, as the giant ape Kong in Jackson's King Kong and as Ian Dury in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. For his portrayal of the revolutionary chimpanzee Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Andy received a Virtuoso Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and was nominated as Best Supporting Actor by the film critics associations of Houston, San Diego and the Washington Area as well as the 2011 Satellite Awards and the BFCA Critics' Choice Movie Awards. He reprised his role as Caesar in 2014's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Andy earned the Evening Standard Film Award for Best Actor for his tour-de-force portrayal of rocker Ian Dury in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. He scored nominations for the Emmy and the Golden Globe for playing murderer Ian Brady in Longford and earned the Empire Award for Best British Actor for The Return of the King. Along the way he's portrayed Albert Einstein, Vincent van Gogh and, in Mike Leigh's Topsy Turvy, the madcap choreographer John D'Auban.

In recent years, Andy has branched into other aspects of entertainment. He's directed a short film, Snake and a stage play, The Double Bass. He was Second Unit Director of The Hobbit. He's been active as a writer, director and performer in some of the most successful video games.

Andy formed Caveman Films to produce independent films in UK, and The Imaginarium Studios in London to bring performance capture and other technology to bear on the performing arts.

Career retrospective Q&A with Jennifer Aniston on December 7, 2014. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.