Brooke Shields Takes Helm of Actors' Union Amid Theater Industry Challenges

Brooke Shields has assumed the presidency of the Actors' Equity Association, a pivotal role in the theater industry's ongoing recovery efforts. The union, established in 1913, represents over 51,000 stage actors and managers across the United States.

The entertainment sector continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Broadway to shut down from March 2020 to September 2021. While other live events have seen a resurgence, theater attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels, presenting unique challenges for the industry.

Shields, who became a union member at age 11 during the filming of "Pretty Baby" in 1978, secured the union's top position in May 2024. Her election comes at a critical juncture, with the organization facing multiple challenges:

• Negotiating the first contract for Disneyland Resort performers
• Supporting an ongoing strike against theaters for improved compensation
• Lobbying for tax policy changes to benefit actors

The union's primary legislative goal is to reinstate tax deductions for unreimbursed business expenses, a provision eliminated by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This change has significantly impacted actors' finances, with some facing thousands of dollars in additional tax liabilities annually.

Shields plans to leverage her celebrity status to advocate for actors' rights and industry support. She stated, "It's usually money that is the factor that gets us shafted. What I have come to see is that those that can [afford it] really seem to give the least at times."

The actress, who has appeared in five Broadway musicals since 1994, emphasizes the economic struggles faced by performers:

"A salary on Broadway is almost impossible to live on in today's New York City … and you've got regional theater all over the country that has to be heard."

Shields joins a cadre of prominent labor leaders, including United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, who have recently garnered national attention for their efforts to revitalize the American labor movement.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Shields aims to highlight the broader economic impact of the arts. She plans to lobby for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, established in 1965, to the Senate's recommended $209 million for the 2025 fiscal year.

As she prepares to meet with congressional lawmakers this month, Shields acknowledges her learning curve in union leadership. However, she remains committed to giving back to the community that has supported her throughout her career, stating, "I look at unions as parents. When your voice isn't necessarily strong enough or going to be heard, they can step in and speak for you."