SAG-AFTRA Statement on the Passing of Warren Berlinger

SAG-AFTRA mourns the passing of actor and union leader Warren Berlinger, who passed away Dec. 2 at the age of 83. Our hearts go out to his family.  

Berlinger appeared in numerous stage roles such as Annie Get Your Gun and screen roles such as the 1956 film Teenage Rebel and Elvis Presley’s Spinout (1966). His youthful appearance did not stop him from playing roles that touched on serious matters, such as the stage play Blue Denim (1958), which concerns teenage pregnancy and abortion. He was equally adept in projects that centered on the humanity of others, including The Joey Bishop Show (1961–1964) and the short-lived series A Touch of Grace (1973). Berlinger displayed his humorous side in the action-comedy The Cannonball Run (1981) alongside the late Burt Reynolds and on Happy Days (1974–1984), where he made several guest appearances.

Yet, it was his time in service to his fellow union members that demonstrated his genuine sense of concern for others. From 2005 until the 2012 Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists merger, Berlinger served on national and local committees for legacy SAG. Post-merger, he continued as a member of the SAG-AFTRA National Senior Performers and Healthcare committees, as well as a seated member of the Young Performers Committee. 

SAG-AFTRA deeply appreciates Warren Berlinger’s years of dedicated service to his fellow members, as well as his contributions to stage and screen. He will truly be missed.

Photo caption: Union leader Warren Berlinger has died at the age of 83. (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television)

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.