The Actors Fund, a nonprofit human services organization founded in 1882, serves all professionals – and not just actors! - in film, theater, television, music, opera, and dance through programs that address their unique and essential needs. As a national organization with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Fund directly serves over 10,000 entertainment and performing arts professionals across the country, and approximately 300,000 more through Web resource programs. In providing care and service to professionals throughout the industry, The Fund’s programs are wide in scope, responsive in nature, and produce significant results, affecting the lives of people in our community year after year.

WHO DOES YOUR SUPPORT HELP?

Two years ago, accomplished actress Lynnda Ferguson was in Washington, DC rehearsing for The Shakespeare Theatre when she noticed swelling in her left breast. “I thought I was just premenstrual” said Ferguson. But when her breast became twice its normal size, she consulted a physician. “When I saw the look on his face I knew something was really wrong”. Lynnda was diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer; very rare, very aggressive and often deadly. “The first thing I thought of was The Actors Fund. I knew they could help and they did - quickly”.

Because Lynnda was uninsured, The Fund helped pay for a series of necessary tests so that she could begin treatment immediately when she returned home to Seattle. The Fund remained in contact throughout her treatment, providing support, referrals, and at times, financial assistance. “The Actors Fund is always there. They are like family; ready to step in and help out.”

Today, Lynnda is living cancer free and is preparing for reconstructive surgery. She just finished a run on Broadway with Kristin Scott Thomas in The Seagull.

Lynnda simply states, “The Actors Fund saved my life.”

Thank you for your interest in The Actors Fund.