Ken Howard [SAG President, Actor]

By: Julian Chavez | June 24, 2010 | Ten by Ten

Ken Howard is an American actor and the newly elected Screen Actor’s Guild president, joining the ranks of Eddie Cantor, Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston and Patty Duke. Howard still takes on many acting roles, but is probably best known for his leading part in the 1970s TV series The White Shadow. In 2009, Howard received an Emmy for his role in HBO’s acclaimed adaptation Grey Gardens. During his SAG term, Howard pledges to strengthen the bonds between all entertainment unions, many of which he’s been a member for years.

What inspired you to work in the entertainment business?
Music was my initial inspiration. I sang in a church youth choir that performed at Carnegie Hall and toured Europe. While others were singing rock ’n’ roll, I was doing more classical material. Then I was offered a fellowship to Yale Drama School. From there I went to work on Broadway … and I never looked back.

In one or two sentences, how would you describe the current state of the industry?
The business is in transition — always changing. When you remember that Screen Actors Guild was founded in 1933, you understand how familiar we are with change. Now we’re experiencing some of the most rapid and amazing technological changes in our history, and I think the ultimate result will be more opportunities for everyone in the entertainment industry.

In your opinion what constitutes great storytelling?
Anticipation. I think great storytelling is when the person you’re telling the story to is thinking, “I can’t wait to see what happens next.” That anticipation of how it’s going to work out and what’s going to happen next makes for urgent and exciting storytelling.

What contemporary artists do you admire and why?
In the fine arts, I’m a fan of the greats — Picasso, Mondrian and others. From a literary perspective, I think Philip Roth is a great writer. Alicia Keyes and the cellist Yo-Yo Ma are among my favorite musicians. In our industry, I admire the work of John Cassavetes, Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese, Mike Nichols, Warren Beatty — they’re all phenomenal talents. And, I think Danny Boyle is pretty amazing. Slumdog Millionaire was just brilliant. And, as I’m sure you know, I’m Betty White’s biggest fan. Really looking forward to her turn on SNL.

Please list your top five films of the decade and why?
There are so many good ones. Amelie is probably my favorite of the decade because it was a sweet, moving and unique take on life and relationships. Also, Michael Clayton because it was a tightly focused thriller filled with great performances (and I was in it!). I liked Milk for its heart and its sense of joy. Sean Penn’s performance was flawless. The Hurt Locker was amazing in every way ­— great story, great direction and a wonderful cast. “ I really admire Katherine Bigelow’s talent.” And I thought Knocked Up was tremendous. Judd Apatow is a unique and funny talent, and the cast was superb.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement?
Enduring! I’m still here. A lot of careers in this industry are relatively brief, so to be working and in such great projects is really gratifying. I love acting. I want to work — every chance I can. I don’t want to see the day when no one is asking me to do this anymore.

What do you consider your greatest career failure?
Not a failure really, but one thing I might have done differently: I would like to have done more musical comedy. That was one of my favorite things, and I had several opportunities, but that era was winding down by the time I arrived on Broadway, and there were fewer shows. I’m content with my choices, happy with my career and the work I’ve done, and very proud of The White Shadow and its impact.

What do you believe is the biggest problem currently facing the entertainment business?
Without a doubt, it’s digital content theft. One of our top priorities is protecting artists’ rights and entertainment content. As digital theft becomes more pervasive, actors are increasingly at risk. Our guild represents more than 120,000 creative artists and skilled workers, mostly earning middle-class incomes or struggling just to get by — not making the big salaries that the public thinks. It’s jobs and income that are at stake, so we’ve been very active in the fight against digital theft both at the federal level and here in California.

What new technology currently having an impact on your industry are you most excited about and why? What technology are you most afraid of and why?
The one I am most excited about is performance capture and, of course 3-D. It’s probably partly because of Avatar, but I’m amazed at the depth and presence of the action in 3-D films and of the director’s ability to create a truly unique experience. It’s breathtaking to see performance-capture actors bring characters to life in a new way and to explore the limits of how they express their craft.

To your second question, I don’t fear technology. Rather, I’m impressed and excited by the changes I see. Looking into the future and really getting a fix on what’s coming is intriguing. One thing I do firmly believe is that no matter how the technology may change, entertainment value is still very closely connected to the art of acting.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
I worked with an actor named Paul Reed. He had a great Broadway career playing characters parts in shows like Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business, The Mikado. He said to me, “Now listen kid, I’m gonna give you a piece of advice that you won’t always get: I know you studied with Stella and that’s all great, but here’s something you can always count on. …” So, I’m waiting for this pearl of wisdom and he said, “When you’re in a Broadway show, make sure wardrobe gives you shoes a half size larger, ’cause if it’s a long run, they’ll start to pinch, and you’ll wish you had taken my advice.”

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