Drescher Speaks at Press Club

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher was the guest of honor at the National Press Club luncheon on April 25. In a speech that aired on C-SPAN, she addressed the club’s members, who are journalists and communications professionals.

Focusing on health and labor issues, Drescher described herself as a cancer survivor who morphed into a health activist and spoke of the rising costs of health care, the indiscriminate use of chemicals and plastics, and America’s broken health care system.

“As long as we live in a country where health care is a for-profit business without a conscience, then it is up to we the people to grab the bull by the horns and force change ourselves,” she said.

She also talked about how she formed SAG-AFTRA’s Green Council and her efforts toward shaping a more environmentally friendly entertainment industry.

“The cornerstone of the Green Council, which I hope will build a legacy, is to eliminate all single use plastic both on camera and behind the scenes,” she said. “Every piece of plastic that has ever been manufactured, every single piece since it was first invented in the early 20th century, is still with us.”

Drescher also took time to answer questions on a variety of topics, addressing the union’s initiatives to fight sexual harassment, safety on set, contract negotiations and her lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

Photo: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, left, shares a laugh with National Press Club President Jen Judson. Photo by Joseph Luchok.

This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2022 issue.