Who's leading SAG-AFTRA next?

Fran Drescher’s decision to not run for reelection as SAG-AFTRA president opens up the race to lead a major Hollywood labor union at a pivotal time as actors face issues such as the rise of AI and a challenging job market two years after a long strike.

- BY WENDY LEE

FRAN DRESCHER is SAG-AFTRA's president but will not seek reelection.

Actors Sean Astin and Chuck Slavin are seeking to succeed Drescher in the upcoming election that aims to address concerns about job protections, healthcare and expanding residuals. Astin, known for acting in the “The Lord of the Rings” films, is on SAG-AFTRA's national and local L.A. board, while Slavin is on the union’s New England board.

“It’s time in this specific situation where we really need reform,” Slavin said in an interview. “We're not getting it, because what we're getting right now is a rearrangement of the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Hollywood's entertainment industry has significant obstacles, as companies cut back on production amid studio consolidation and many TV and films are made elsewhere due to lower costs and financial incentives.