It’s never easy to say goodbye to those who impact our lives in substantial ways; in the case of Broadway producer Hal Prince, it’s almost impossible to imagine the American theater community without him. Hal, who passed away in July at the age of 91, was an Actors Fund Trustee for more than 50 years and brought his guidance, compassion and generosity to everything he touched. His legacy lives on through all of us who continue to support the performing arts for generations to come.

Working with young performers is one way The Actors Fund looks to the future of entertainment, and we’re very proud of our Looking Ahead New York program that just partnered with Broadway Serves, the young actors in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Operation Backpack to collect backpacks and school supplies for lower income students so they start off the new school year well-equipped and excited to learn.

If you’re interested in learning more about The Actors Fund, our numerous programs and services, the people we help, our special events and performances, and beyond, we have just the reading for you: our Summer 2019 Marquee newsletter that shares exciting updates from the first six months of the year, and our 2018 Annual Report that recaps the funds we raised and how it directly supported more than 17,350 people in our performing arts and entertainment community.

We hope you’re enjoying the last few weeks of summer, and thank you as always for your support and dedication to The Fund! 

Upcoming Events

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

Special Performance, September 15, 7:30 pm

Additional Special Events >>>

We Remember Trustee and Theater Legend Harold Prince (1928-2019)

Hal Prince, who passed away on July 31, was a giant in the performing arts and entertainment industry and a genuine hero to The Actor Fund. Hal’s vision and generosity played a significant role in making sure The Actors Fund would not only survive, but prosper. He began our House Seat program for members, helped establish Assisted Living at The Actors Fund Home in Englewood, NJ, and led the campaign to build The Dorothy Ross Friedman and Palm View Residences in New York and California. He was a treasured friend who served on our Board for more than 50 years.

Hal’s deep love and respect for everyone on stage, front and back of house, will always be an inspiration. As Board Chair Brian Stokes Mitchell said “As a Trustee, (Hal) always encouraged everyone in his orbit to support our work, ensuring yet another way his legacy in the performing arts will continue.” Everyone at The Fund offers their love and deepest sympathy to Judy, Charlie and Daisy and to everyone in our community who was touched by his creative genius and kind, compassionate heart.

In 2017, we honored Hal with The Actors Fund's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by Joel Grey. Watch Hal's acceptance speech.

The Gala evening that year also included musical tributes to Hal's incredible career from Rebecca Luker, Marin Mazzie, Emily Skinner, Bryonha Marie Parham, Gregg Edelman and Andréa Burns. Watch highlights from Hal's tribute.

Looking Ahead New York Hosts Operation Backpack

This summer, Looking Ahead New York hosted a community service event in collaboration with Broadway Serves and families from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The young performers in Harry Potter came up with the idea to partner with Operation Backpack in the spirit of giving back to the community. Operation Backpack provides lower income students with school supplies they need to have a successful start to the school year. Flyers were posted backstage at Broadway theaters and shared online asking the community to donate supplies.

Thank you to all who donated and to the volunteers who made the drive a success! Learn more about the Looking Ahead program in both New York and California.

Photo: Jay Brady Photography.

The 2019 Summer Marquee

We’re happy to share our Summer 2019 issue of the Marquee, our Actors Fund newsletter full of exciting updates, new programs and services, special events recaps and more. From the Palm View Residence in West Hollywood, CA; to The Actors Fund Home in Englewood, NJ; to the array of events in Los Angeles and New York that support The Fund, we’re grateful to everyone who joins us in supporting the performing arts and entertainment community.  

Read The 2019 Summer Marquee online or receive a print copy by becoming a member of The Actors Fund!

Photo Credit: Nina Prommer

The Actors Fund 2018 Annual Report

Jana, who lives in Los Angeles and worked in the finance department of a major film studio for 30 years, came to The Actors Fund for guidance while making the transition to retirement and in search of community. She received counseling from our senior services, attended financial wellness seminars and regularly attends our free workshops and groups to stay active and engaged. “I’m so grateful to The Actors Fund for their support. They’ve been a lifeline to me,” Jana shares.

In 2018, The Actors Fund helped 17,352 people nationally. Read The Actors Fund 2018 Annual Report online or request a print copy by emailing [email protected].