The TV series ‘The White Shadow’ was more than a popular program in the late 70s; it was a harbinger of the country’s political swing to equality that would dominate the 80s. The actor that coached Carver High’s basketball team for over three years, Ken Howard, died this week at the age of 71.
Ken was born in El Centro California in 1944, earning a position in the National Honor Society in Manhasset High School, later playing basketball (Ken was all of 6’6) at Amherst College, before starting his acting career in Los Angeles. Ken Howard appeared on Broadway, the Silver Screen, and Television.
The TV series ‘The White Shadow’ was the pinnacle of his acting career, a starring role he almost didn’t get. The show’s producer was Bruce Paltrow (yes Gwyneth’s dad) a staunch Democrat. The executives wanted to cast actor Dwight Schultz, but Dwight was an outspoken supporter of Republican Ronald Reagan, so Ken Howard was offered the role by Paltrow instead.
Ken Howard was also the President of SAG/AFTRA from 2012 to 2016. Ken Howard died of a heart attack in Los Angeles at the age of 71.
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