Ken Howard, 'White Shadow' Star, SAG-AFTRA President is dead!

Emmy and Tony winner Ken Howard, the tall, barrel-chested actor known for starring in CBS' late '70s sports drama ''The White Shadow,'' NBC drama ''Crossing Jordan'' and, more recently, for his appearances on ''30 Rock'' as well as for his presidency of SAG-AFTRA, has died on Wednesday at his home near Los Angeles.

A cause of death has not yet been revealed. He was 71.

''Ken was an inspirational leader and it is an incredible loss for SAG-AFTRA, for his family and for everyone who knew him,'' Acting President Gabrielle Carteris said in a statement. ''He was a light that never dimmed and was completely devoted to the membership. He led us through tumultuous times and set our union on a steady course of excellence. We will be forever in his debt.''