LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- The Screen Actors Guild said Monday it plans to present Gloria Stuart and Paul Napier with the Hollywood Division's prestigious Ralph Morgan Award.
The prize, the highest service award given by the Hollywood Division, is to be bestowed June 19 as part of the Annual Hollywood Division Membership Meeting at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Los Angeles.
Stuart, who turns 100 in July, was among the first members to join Screen Actors Guild in 1933, subsequently serving for several years on the national board. Best known for her performances in "The Invisible Man," "Poor Little Rich Girl," "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" and "Titanic," she is the sole surviving board member from the 1930s.
"We are especially privileged this year to honor Gloria Stuart as a Ralph Morgan Award recipient," SAG President Ken Howard said in a statement. "Ms. Stuart's early service to the guild lay the groundwork for SAG to become one of the most powerful and respected labor unions today."
Napier has served SAG through continuous service on the board of directors or one of its committees since 1979. He began his career 40 years ago as the announcer for the then-new Rochester Americans professional hockey team. After moving to Los Angeles, he originated the Mr. Goodwrench character for General Motors' commercial campaign. Among his more than 400 commercial credits are his recent appearances for Washington Mutual.
"I am honored to join my colleagues in expressing our sincere gratitude to Paul Napier," said SAG National Board Member Pamela Reed, co-chair of the SAG National Honors and Tributes Committee. "Hollywood members and the membership at-large have benefited tremendously from his years of board and committee service."
