SAG-AFTRA Celebrates The Groundlings’ 50th Anniversary

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A wide shot of four individuals, three women and one man, standing outside in a grassy area. Behind them is a display of lighted letters that spell “The Groundlings” in all caps. The Downtown Los Angeles skyline is visible above a tall wall. Some blue lighting is visible.

SAG-AFTRA honors its yearslong rapport with the noted improv and sketch comedy school and theater during its milestone year.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Groundlings, the legendary improv and sketch comedy school and theater that has trained and launched some of the biggest names in the business. In celebration of this significant milestone, alumni, Hollywood heavyweights and hundreds of comedy legends filled the rooftop of the Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles for The Groundlings 50th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 19.

SAG-AFTRA’s #AdsGoUnion Campaign was a proud event sponsor, reinforcing the union’s deep connection with The Groundlings community. For many years, The Groundlings have hosted panels featuring SAG-AFTRA member leaders and spotlighted the #AdsGoUnion campaign. Their support has been integral to the union’s efforts to help professional comedic talent understand the value they bring to the advertising industry and the importance of working under a union contract.

Notable attendees included actor-director Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), actor and comedian Stephanie Courtney (The Goldbergs), actor-writer Jim Cashman (The Boss), actor and comedian Leonard Robinson (Insecure) and Saturday Night Live alum Jon Lovitz. Representing SAG-AFTRA’s Commercial Performers Committee were Katie Von Till (Young Sheldon) and Jules Bruff (Zodiac), and SAG-AFTRA #AdsGoUnion staff members.

As the night concluded, it was clear that The Groundlings’ legacy and the bond between the Groundlings and SAG-AFTRA are as strong and impactful as ever. 

Photo: Actors and comedians Jennifer Courtney, Stephanie Courtney, Guy Stevenson and Naomi Odenkirk at The Groundlings 50th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 19.
 

Four women in dresses stand on the red carpet. Each is wearing a cocktail dress. Behind them is a white step-and-repeat backdrop with The Groundlings 50th Anniversary, SAG-AFTRA and Gursey-Schneider logos.
A woman and a man stand together on the red carpet. The woman wears a gold dress and black heels and holds a purse that says “Vote” in all-cap lettering. The man wears a blazer, a dark dress shirt and jeans. Behind them is a white step-and-repeat backdrop with the 50th Groundlings Anniversary, SAG-AFTRA and Gursey-Schneider logos
Robinson is outside in a grassy area. He wears a suit and a black turtleneck shirt. In his left hand is a glass of champagne, which he raises slightly. Partially displayed behind him are lighted letters in all caps.
An image of a “The Groundlings 50th Anniversary” pin resting on a SAG-AFTRA #AdsGoUnion notebook. The pin has gold lettering, except for “Groundlings” which is green. The notebook is black and features the SAG-AFTRA and “#AdsGoUnion” logos. Except for “Union,” which is in all-cap blue lettering, the text and logo are white.

From left, SAG-AFTRA Commercial Performers Committee member Jules Bruff, actors-comedians Mindy Sterling and Annie Sertich, and committee member Katie Von Till.

Actor-director Michelle Noh and actor-writer Jim Cashman.

Insecure” actor and Groundlings alum Leonard Robinson toasts the legendary school and theater on its milestone anniversary.

SAG-AFTRA #AdsGoUnion Campaign was a proud sponsor of The Groundlings’s 50th anniversary party on Oct. 19.

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