Dear Friends:

It was my friend, Jackie Joseph, one of the founding members of Actors and Others, who first introduced me to this wonderful organization. That first meeting was held, as I remember, in someone’s home where many of us sat on the floor, neophytes to the cause. I was immediately hooked. Improving the lives of animals, what better gig was there!

I’ve worked in many different capacities since that first meeting. As an entertainer, a volunteer, PSA spot maker, errand runner and all around worker bee. I joined the Board of Directors in 1982 and have served as Vice President for approximately the last eight years. I am very proud, honored and humbled to now assume the presidency.

Whenever I do a show, either in or out of town, I always ask people about their pets and if they are spayed or neutered. I am lucky to have had a great teacher in Earl Holliman, who taught me that getting the message out sometimes means doing so every day, one day at a time, one person at a time and one animal at a time.

We have all been privileged to have the “Earl Example” to learn from, and it is because of his great leadership that Actors and Others has grown to be the well-respected organization that it is today. It shall be my job to make sure that we continue on that same path.

My little rescue dog, Harmony, is a constant reminder to me of how important it is to take care of our animal companions and friends. My goal in life is “to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.”

JoAnne Worley’s instinctive comedic timing and irrepressible laugh makes her a favorite of audiences everywhere. Her work runs the gamut from television, movie and stage productions to game shows, talk shows, commercials, cartoons and opera. In February, JoAnne starred with a celebrated cast in the New York City Center’s Encores! Production of Steven Sondheim legendary “Follies.” JoAnne recently completed a successful Broadway run in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and the Los Angeles production of “Wicked”.