Celebrating the Life of Ada Lynn

Dear Member,

It is with sadness that I write today to let you know of the passing of Ada Lynn, one of the union’s earliest members whose career spanned eight decades. She served as a local board member for more than 25 years. I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who packed more into life than the supremely talented and mesmerizing Ada. Though small in physical stature, her passion to fight for performers’ rights made her larger than life.

Born Sept. 7, 1928 in Chicago, Ada’s career began as an original member of the Our Gang Follies. She joined Screen Actors Guild in 1937 and was one of the original “triple threats” as an actor, singer and dancer.
 
Ada and her mother moved to Hollywood where she performed in such projects as Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm and Heidi. At 17, she acted in a Loew’s vaudeville circuit where she toured the U.S. and Canada. Ada continued performing across the country in Broadway shows, night clubs, USO shows, big band tours, and national musicals. Ada became Mrs. Sidney Lynn in 1950 and their marriage was filled with love, laughter and adoring children. She continued to work in radio, film and television during those years and had numerous appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and shows for Jackie Gleason and Milton Berle.
 
In 1969, Ada moved to Texas and was influential in setting up the board of directors of Dallas-Fort Worth’s SAG and AFTRA union offices.
 
In addition to her union service, Ada was devoted to the community through such organizations as the Jewish Community Center, Women In Film Dallas, Lighthouse for the Blind, Reading for the Blind and the SAG Foundation BookPALS. In 2006, Ada was honored by Women In Film Dallas with their Legacy Award.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations can be made to Dallas Children’s Theater or Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas.

In unity,

Brent Anderson
Dallas-Fort Worth Local President