Drescher, Fisher Score Big in SAG-AFTRA Elections

Fran Drescher has been resoundingly reelected president of SAG-AFTRA, securing a second two-year term. The counts from Friday's vote revealed Drescher's decisive victory over independent candidate Maya Gilbert-Dunbar, netting 23,080 votes to Gilbert-Dunbar’s 5,276. Out of the union’s 124,477 eligible members, 22.84% cast their ballots.

Also victorious in the election was Joely Fisher, who will serve alongside Drescher as secretary-treasurer of the guild, after her own triumph over independent candidate Peter Antico. The vote count stood at 19,777 in Fisher's favor against Antico’s 8,361.

In her statement following the win, Drescher voiced her commitment to fostering a culture of respect and understanding within the body, underlining her conviction that the guild’s primary objective should be to ensure equal opportunities for all members. She expressed optimism about the next two years, citing the positive developments and improvements over the previous two years, and exuding a perceptible vibe of promise for the future of SAG-AFTRA.

Joely Fisher also made a statement expressing her determination and gratitude for the trust shown in her by the union members. She acknowledged everyone who ran for office and highlighted the unity demonstrated during the election process.

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, took the opportunity to congratulate the elected leaders and expressed his eagerness to continue working with President Drescher and Secretary-Treasurer Fisher.

It is noteworthy to recall that, two years ago, during the industry's recovery from the Covid pandemic, Fisher was working under the opposition's banner while Drescher was part of the ruling slate. However, in a surprising display of unity, the two factions dissolved their differences and formed a single team ahead of the guild's strike against film and TV productions.

The results also revealed Maya Gilbert-Dunbar's defeat in her attempt to be elected president of the Los Angeles Local guild, losing to incumbent Jodi Long. Meanwhile, both Sheryl Lee Ralph and David Jolliffe were elected first and second vice president respectively.

Now, let's dip our inky quill into the juicy inkwell of industry commentary, shall we?

In an industry often inscribed with tales of rivalry and discord, the election results could not be more dramatic, yet heartening. Here we have Drescher, the beloved 'Nanny' actress who proved again that she knows how to wear a crown, securing her second term with a landslide victory. Joely Fisher, the 'Cabaret' starlet, too proved her credibility and won a decisive mandate.

Unity became the star of this election, with both Drescher and Fisher pursuing collaboration over competition. In the face of an ongoing strike, they've shown it's possible to put aside differences for the greater good. Say it with me now, folks: The enemy of my enemy is my epic Hollywood team-up.

Yet, this lovely Hollywood-style ending isn't just about individual victory; it's a promise of better days for the actors' guild. As Drescher geared up for her second term, her words soared with the optimism of an '80s sports-movie coach (and I mean that in the best way). To think of the guild as a sports team, overcoming internal struggles and rallying towards a common goal, certainly lends the saga a certain cinematic charm.

In the days to come, we'll be tuned into this frequency, hoping the promise of unity won't be just a one-season wonder. It's prime time for SAG-AFTRA, and Drescher and Fisher are leading the charge. As they say in tinseltown folks, "That's a wrap!" But stay tuned, because their "Golden Age" could just be getting started.