Ken Howard has died aged 71.

Ken Howard

Ken Howard

The Emmy Award winning actor - who won the accolade for his portrayal of Phelan Beale in HBO film 'Grey Gardens' opposite Jessica Lange - and Screen Actors Guild AFTRA president passed away earlier today (23.03.16).

SAG-AFTRA acting president Gabrielle Carteris said in a statement: "Ken was a remarkable leader and his powerful vision for this union was a source of inspiration for all of us.

"He was an exceptional person and we are deeply saddened by his passing. He had a remarkable career and he never forgot what it was like to be a working performer.

"The merger of SAG and AFTRA was something of a 'North Star' for him and, once he fixed upon it, he never wavered from that goal. My heart goes out to his loving wife, Linda, and to their family. He will be deeply missed."

Ken played Father Marsh in 2008 movie 'Rambo' opposite Sylvester Stallone and also starred in '30 Rock' as Hank Hooper, Alec Baldwin's character Jack Donaghy's boss.

He was also known for his performance as Thomas Jefferson in 1972 musical film '1776', as well as basketball coach and former Chicago Bulls player Ken Reeves in sports TV series 'The White Shadow'.

As well as winning an Emmy Award for his TV work, Ken also took home a Best Actor Tony Award for his role in 1970 theatre production 'Child's Play'.

What's more, Ken starred opposite George Clooney in 2007 legal thriler movie 'Michael Clayton', in which he played villain Don Jeffries.

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