SAG-AFTRA Statement on the Passing of Mitchell Ryan

SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of Mitchell Ryan, who passed away on Friday at age 88; our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. 

Ryan was a prolific actor, whose work in film, television and stage spanned more than 50 years. During his long career, he appeared in well over 50 film and television programs. Ryan’s earlier work includes “Dark Shadows” and the Lee Marvin and Jack Palance Western, “Monte Walsh.” Ryan appeared alongside Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in “Lethal Weapon,” and had turns in the popular soap operas “Santa Barbara,” “All my Children,” and “General Hospital.” From 1997-2002, played Edward Montgomery, the outlandish, wealthy father to Greg, in the hit show, “Dharma and Greg.” 

“We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to Mitch, who was an active and proud member of SAG-AFTRA for decades,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “He inspired many to union service and loved the craft of acting, helping to create many of the performer programs at the then-Screen Actors Guild Foundation. We are grateful and better as a union for his dedication.” 

Ryan served on the legacy Screen Actors Guild National Board from 1993-2002, and as president of the SAG Foundation from 1999-2008. 

Born in Cincinnati and raised in Louisville, Ky., Ryan also was a veteran, having served in the Navy before turning to acting. 

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.