Ronald Reagan Did It, Can Former SAG VP Anne-Marie Johnson Do It?

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Johnson at gifting event.
Johnson at gifting event.

 

Long before he was president of the United States, Hollywood history aficionados know that Ronald Reagan was once the president of the Screen Actor’s Guild. Just look how far that got him.

Actress Ann Marie Johnson, perhaps best known for her roles on In the Heat of the Night, Girlfriends and JAG (playing a Congresswoman for five seasons) is coming to the end of her 15 years as a SAG national board member and has no plans to continue. In fact, she is apparently in opposition of the direction the venerable union has taken with the merger of SAG and AFTRA last year.

“I will not be returning as an elected officer. It’s not my union any longer,” she said at Doris Bergman’s Valentine/Oscar Style Lounge & Party at Cafe La Boheme.

(left) Hunger Games Leven Rambin
(left) Hunger Games Leven Rambin

“The Screen Actor’s Guild no longer exists. What has taken its place is inferior to what was. So I’m more involved in city politics and I am concentrating on doing more with my career.”

So, does that mean she’s also turning in her SAG (now SAG/AFTRA) card? Probably not but, Johnson, much like Reagan before her, is looking at politics with newfound admiration.

“I would certainly consider City Council. I love Los Angeles and I’m a second generation native of LA. Right now I represent my neighborhood on a council and I enjoy it. I really do.”

For now though, her feet are still stuck in Hollywood.

“Acting always but I really love politics. I think it serves a purpose and I really respect the machinery of politics, so I am enjoying that.”

The scene at La Boheme
The scene at La Boheme

 

 

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