In honor of Black History Month, we recognize Rosetta LeNoire and Frederick O’Neal: two prominent leaders of The Fund whose contributions as Board members helped to strengthen our services for everyone in our entertainment community.

Rosetta LeNoire’s legendary career in theater, television and film was complemented by her pioneering work as a producer. As the founder of AMAS Musical Theatre, she created “a community where people could work together with emphasis on individual skills and without regard for race, creed, color; religion, or national origin,” a legacy that continues to this day.

Actor, producer and director Frederick O’Neal was the first African American President of Actors’ Equity Association, and led the way for every Equity President since to serve on The Fund’s Board of Trustees. An important trade union leader who served on the AFL-CIO Executive Committee, Fred was a wonderful actor and producer, and champion of the civil rights movement. He organized The Fund’s first meeting of entertainment labor leaders, paving the way for our continued collaboration in the service of all entertainment professionals.

Read more about the history of The Actors Fund.