Local Honors Former SAG-AFTRA Leader

Former SAG-AFTRA actor and staff member Tom La Grua was presented with the Ralph Morgan Award for his years of dedicated work to the union at the annual Los Angeles Local membership meeting on May 6. Given periodically to individuals for exceptional service to the Los Angeles Local membership, the award represents the highest honor given by the Los Angeles Local Honors and Tributes Committee on behalf of the local.   

La Grua worked throughout his career to advance the craft of acting and improve the professional lives of his fellow artists. After joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1976, he appeared in over 100 television series in various roles over the span of his 25-year acting career. During that time, he served first on the Hollywood Board, then on the National Board for five years and, finally, as 3rd vice president from 2001–03. He served as chair of the 2001 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee and the 2001 Association of Talent Agencies Negotiating Committee. 

La Grua’s natural skill in negotiations and understanding of performers’ needs compelled him to transition his union service into full staff service in 2002, accepting the newly created role of national director of contract strategy. In 2006, he stepped in to take the over the position of interim deputy national executive director for contracts before assuming the role of contracts executive director in 2007, another newly created position that required him to manage several departments while continuing his work formulating bargaining strategy.

La Grua retired in December 2015, following 13 years of staff service and a 25-year dynamic performing career. La Grua’s longtime friend and colleague Connell Lund presented the award to him at the Sunday ceremony in the presence of more than 200 members and guests. 

Photo: From left, award presenter and a SAG-AFTRA colleague of La Grua’s, Connell Lund; Los Angeles Local Board member Kate Linder; Tom La Grua; SAG-AFTRA Secretary Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin. Photo by Jessie Grant.