Allan Rich, one of Hollywood’s busiest and most recognizable character actors, is also one of its most generous donors. The Teenage Drama Workshop at CSUN is just one of many youth-focused organizations supported by Rich and his nonprofit foundation, We Care About Kids.This summer, Rich and We Care About Kids cofounder Peter Antico provided generous funding for TADW scholarships through their nonprofit filmmaking company. Rich and his wife Elaine also donated to TADW’s ticket-gifting program, allowing low-income children to attend performances of “The Wiz” and “Pinocchio.”
“Sharing what I have learned about theater and film with young people is the most important work I do,” Rich said. “That’s why having this small involvement with TADW and Doug Kaback’s students is so fulfilling to me personally.”
Known for his roles in feature films like “Amistad,” “Disclosure” and “Quiz Show”, and for his many television appearances in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “NYPD Blue” and “CSI,” Rich is a long-time friend and mentor to Professor Doug Kaback, director of CSUN’s Teenage Drama Workshop.
“Allan inspires a real appreciation for teaching the art of acting to young people, and most importantly to making a commitment to actually helping young people through his nonprofit organization,” Kaback said. “This was a great opportunity for us to invite him to take part in the workshop, and we are so thrilled to have him helping with scholarships and financial assistance this year.“
Blacklisted in the 1940s, Rich left the entertainment industry for a time to pursue a career as a stockbroker and a highly successful contemporary art dealer. He returned to acting in the early 1970s and hasn’t stopped since.
Rich established We Care About Kids to produce short films that address societal ills such as racism, drugs and smoking. The films are shown to schoolchildren who are then invited to engage in a dialogue about what they viewed. Rich is also the author of “A Leap from the Method: An Organic Approach to Acting.” He enjoys sending signed copies to acting students.
Rich will be one of several TADW donors honored July 25 at a special reception hosted by Robert Bucker, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication at CSUN. Cast members from TADW’s production of “The Wiz” will perform at the reception. Afterward, the VIP guests will then attend the evening performance of “Pinocchio”.
On behalf of We Care About Kids, I’d like to express my thanks to TADW and Doug Kaback for last Saturday evening. The wonderfully unique production of “Pinocchio” was sensational. The creativity and energy that oozed from the stage was palpable. You should all be applauded for a wonderful job. The TADW is a truly worthwhile program and we look forward to supporting the program in future seasons.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of my wife Elaine and me, I’d like to acknowledge the heartfelt letters of thanks we received from the young people who benefited from the modest donation we provided so they could see these wonderful stage productions. And with Dean Bucker behind this program, I know there will be no stopping it.
I’m so proud of my friend Doug. He’s a great educator and a powerhouse talent in his own right. I hope everyone will continue to support TADW so it can continue to enlighten and enrich the lives of young people through the dramatic arts.
Bravo!
Best wishes,
Allan Rich
President of We Care About Kids.