Actor Ken Howard Dead at 71

Ken Howard, who is remembered for his role as Coach Ken Reeves on 1978-81 CBS high school drama “The White Shadow,” has died at the age of 71. No cause of his death was announced.

Born on March 28, 1944 in El Centro California, Howard began his career on Broadway in “Promises, Promises” with Jerry Orbach. In 1970, he won a Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic) for “Child’s Play.” Howard later starred on Broadway as Thomas Jefferson in “1776” and reprised the role in the 1972 film. His other Broadway appearances included “Seesaw,” “The Norman Conquests,” “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” and “According to Tip.”

Prior to “The White Shadow,” Howard headlined two short-lived series: ABC sitcom “Adam’s Rib” in 1973 and CBS 1974-75 detective drama “The Manhunter.” Following “The White Shadow,” Howard had roles in “Dynasty,” “The Colbys,” “Crossing Jordan,” “30 Rock” and “Cane,” and he won an Emmy Award for his performance as Phelan Beale in the 2009 HBO film “Grey Gardens.” His film roles included “Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon,” “Oscar,” “Clear and Present Danger,” “The Net,” “Rambo,” In Her Shoes” and “Michael Clayton.”

Howard was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild in 2009 and helped foster its 2012 merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists union. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, stuntwoman Linda Fetters Howard, and had three adult stepchildren from a previous marriage.