Actress Brooke Shields Announces Candidacy for President of Actors’ Equity Association

Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, has announced her candidacy for president of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union representing over 51,000 actors and stage managers on Broadway and nationwide. Shields made her intentions known in a video statement, expressing her desire to lead with strength, intelligence, compassion, passion, and humor.

The decision to run for president came after learning that the current president, Kate Shindle, would not seek re-election after her term ends on May 23. Shields, known for her work on Broadway with five credits to her name, including roles in “The Addams Family,” “Cabaret,” and “Chicago,” emphasized her commitment to using her star power and Broadway experience to advocate for change within the community and nationwide.

Shields is up against two other candidates for the Equity presidency, including Wydetta Carter and Erin Maureen Koster. The position involves negotiating union contracts for Broadway and touring theaters, as well as leading unionizing efforts for other groups like performers at Disneyland. With the challenges posed by the pandemic, including higher wages and greater understudy coverage demands, Shields aims to elevate the value of being an Equity member.

The news of Shields’ candidacy was first reported by The Broadway Journal, highlighting her extensive experience in the spotlight and advocacy work on Capitol Hill. Shields expressed her readiness to work tirelessly and bring her unique strengths to the role, emphasizing her dedication to the union and the arts community as a whole. As the election approaches, the industry awaits to see how Shields’ campaign will unfold and what changes she may bring to the Actors’ Equity Association.