The Actors Fund Opens the Waldman Living Room for Seniors in Entertainment

The Actors Fund held a ribbon-cutting on May 18 to celebrate the opening of the Waldman Living Room, a new center in midtown Manhattan for entertainment and performing arts professionals aged 65 and older. The Waldman Living Room is designed to help combat social isolation and to provide services that will foster stability and resiliency, allowing this senior community to maintain independent living as they age.

Housed in the Actors Fund's Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence on West 57th Street, the Waldman Living Room will centralize the Actors Fund's senior volunteer and activities programming. The new center was inspired by and created in honor and memory of former Fund trustee Honey Waldman and her sister, Gladys Brownstein Waldman.

"Honey loved our arts and entertainment community," said Joe Benincasa, president and CEO of the Actors Fund. "Thanks to her legacy, we're giving back much-needed support to these aging artists who gave their lives to enriching New York City's world-class cultural vibrancy."

Programming at the Waldman Living Room will include regular movie screenings, writers groups, art therapy, theater and cultural outings, and holiday celebrations. Ongoing free workshops are designed to foster stability and resiliency, allowing aging professionals to maintain their mental and physical health and to develop the skills and resources they need to remain in their homes as long as possible. In addition to support from the Waldman Foundation, programming is also supported by a grant from the New York Community Trust.

To learn more about the Actors Fund's programs for seniors in performing arts and entertainment, click here.