SAG-AFTRA Remembers Casey Kasem

SAG-AFTRA remembers the tremendous Casey Kasem, a DJ and television personality whose distinctive style and influential American Top 40 program changed broadcasting.

Kasem, who joined SAG in 1966 and AFTRA in 1979, also worked as a voice actor, perhaps most famously as the voice of Shaggy on Scooby-Doo. His American Top 40, Casey’s Top 40 and his various other spin-off shows were staples of the American music scene, as was his signature sign-off line, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard offered condolences to Kasem’s loved ones and said the DJ had a profound influence on the music business.

“For many, the multitalented Casey Kasem was the voice of popular music, and his long-running countdown program brought exposure for many of his fellow union members. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and may we all remember him best by ‘reaching for the stars,’” he said.

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About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents more than 165,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. With national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide, SAG-AFTRA members work together to secure the strongest protections for media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.

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