STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF LEE ZIMMER

New York (December 4, 2006) -- Screen Actors Guild is saddened to report the death of former New York Branch President Lee Zimmer.

Screen Actors Guild veteran Senior Advisor John McGuire said “The New York Membership of SAG has been blessed with many wonderful leaders over the years, but none have been better than Lee Zimmer. Lee did it all--committee service, board service, New York president, national vice president--and right up to his death, he was chairman of the Motion Picture Player Welfare Fund. He loved his profession, he loved actors and he loved SAG. In return, he was loved by all those who had the good fortune to come in contact with him.”

SAG New York Division President Paul Christie said, "From just about the first day I walked into this business Lee was a hero of mine. His legacy transcends his work as an actor, or board member, or NY president. Lee was simply the kind of man a young guy wanted to become. He will remain in my thoughts and will travel with me always."

Zimmer served as the president of the New York Branch from 1974 to 1976. His history of service to the acting community included serving on the New York board from 1969 to 1981, serving as president from 1974-1976 and serving as chairman of the Motion Picture Player Welfare Fund for the past 12 years.

A memorial service will be held in January. Screen Actors Guild will post information about the service on its Web site when it becomes available.