(Photo © Joseph Marzullo)
The Actors’ Fund of America has announced that actor Brian Stokes Mitchell, a trustee in the organization since 1998, was elected as the company’s 12th president yesterday. In addition to winning the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a musical for Kiss Me, Kate in 2000, Mitchell has been nominated three other times, for Ragtime (1998), King Hedley II (2001), and Man Of La Mancha (2003). His television credits include recurring roles on Frasier, Crossing Jordan, and Trapper John, M.D..
“With over 25 years in the industry, Stokes has a strong appreciation for the challenges of being an entertainment professional,” said Joseph P. Benincasa, executive director of The Actors’ Fund. “As we face the critical issues around health care and affordable housing in the entertainment industry, [he] will bring the vision and leadership that will move The Actors’ Fund forward as we head into our 125th anniversary year.”
Founded in 1882, The Actors’ Fund of America is devoted to helping entertainment professionals in television, film, music, theater, opera, and dance through a variety of programs. Its services include affordable housing, career counseling, and assisted living care for nearly 16,000 people a year.
