Remembering Sylvia Kauders

The SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local is saddened by the passing of longtime SAG-AFTRA member, former board member and friend Sylvia Kauders.

Philadelphia members and staff will remember Kauders for the wit, wisdom and charm she displayed on the set and in the board room.  

Before pursuing an acting career, Kauders worked with five different mayors in Philadelphia as a special events director. She also had her own public relations firm and became the first woman inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Association Hall of Fame. Kauders began amassing her countless theater and film credits in her 60s and continued well into her 90s.

Philadelphia National Board member Helen McNutt said, “We are all saddened by the passing of nationally known Philadelphia and New York-based actress Sylvia Kauders. Sylvia served on both the AFTRA and SAG Boards and on the united SAG-AFTRA Board in Philadelphia. She was an amazing, talented woman who truly was an inspiration to us all. She will be missed.”

Philadelphia Executive Director Stephen Leshinski said, “Saying she was one of kind is stating the obvious. Her humor, her drive, and her focus made her such an asset to her union and just one of the most enjoyable people to be around.”

To honor her legacy, the SAG-AFTRA Philadelphia Local will be dedicating its recording facility, used to self-record auditions, as the Sylvia Kauders Recording Studio.

Click here to see a video tribute to Sylvia Kauders.

This video was and posted online by her friend, Gerhart L. Klein, who is not affiliated with SAG-AFTRA. SAG-AFTRA has no control over its content.