Actors Fund of America 1909 - Issued to Actress Blanche Walsh

Beautifully printed certificate from the Actors Fund of America issued in 1909. This historic ornate document was printed was issued to Blanche Walsh to acknowledge her as a life member of the fund. It was signed by Frank McKee as Secretary.


Certificate




Certificate Vignette




Blanche Walsh Photo



Blanche Walsh (1873-1915) was the daughter of an Irish saloon-keeper who was also a Tammany Hall politician. She was one of the most popular actresses of her time and played most of the leading roles in the contemporary theatre including Little Billy in Trilby.

Blanche Walsh achieved star status at the turn of the 20th century. A reviewer in 1892 wrote that "her acting is marked by ease, dignified and graceful bearing, freedom from mannerisms and from anything suggesting rant."

Actors' Fund

The Actors' Fund of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1882, provides for the social welfare of all entertainment professionals--designers, writers, sound technicians, musicians, dancers, administrators, directors, film editors, stagehands--as well as actors. Professionals in film, television, radio, theatre, dance and music all turn to The Actors' Fund in times of need. Headquarters and The Aurora Residence are located in New York City, with regional offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. The Nursing Home and Assisted Living Care Facility are in Englewood, New Jersey. The Actors' Work Program has offices in New York and Los Angeles.

The Actors' Fund's mission is "to advance, foster and benefit the welfare of all professionals in the entertainment community who are in need of help, ensuring that these efforts are accomplished with compassion, confidentiality and preservation of dignity for the individuals concerned."

A century ago, there were prevailing feelings of prejudice against people in the theatre. When actors and others in the theatrical profession needed help, they had nowhere to turn. The more successful members of the entertainment community decided to assist those who were less fortunate in the industry by collecting money from their peers. Thus, The Actors' Fund was founded with a tradition of "taking care of our own." The organization served as a catalyst for reducing discrimination and improving the image and quality of life for entertainment professionals. An early purpose of The Actors' Fund was to pay for proper burials, and this service continues.

Hisotry is from the THE ACTORS' FUND OF AMERICA Press Releases.