Looking Ahead Awards 2015 honored leaders in the former young performer community on Thursday, December 3 at Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California. The gala raises awareness and financial support for The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program.
“Young performers are an important part of Hollywood’s future,” said Keith McNutt, Director of The Actors Fund’s Western Region. “Children and teenagers face a unique challenge in balancing auditions, work, school, friends and family. Their development, health and well-being are the responsibility of everyone in this industry, and we are so proud to be such a proactive part of that effort through Looking Ahead.”
The Actors Fund’s Looking Ahead Program was created in partnership with SAF-AFTRA to work with young performers in the greater Los Angeles area, ages of 9 to 18 years, helping them develop the values, skills and confidence they need to make successful transitions to fulfilling adult lives. Now in it’s second consecutive year, The Looking Ahead Awards shines the spotlight on former and current young performers who inspire the world by living the program’s core values of growth, education, leadership and community service with the presentation of five awards:
- The Looking Ahead Award for Social Awareness
- The Looking Ahead Award for Community Service
- The Looking Ahead Award for Education
- The Shirley Temple Award
- The Judy and Hilary Swank Award for Parenting
The Actors Fund is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition.
The 2015 Looking Ahead Awards honorees are:
Hayden Byerly, Noah Centineo, Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez from ABC Family’s “The Fosters” – The Looking Ahead Award for Social Awareness honoring a current young performer (or cast) who is raising awareness about an important societal issue through a current role. The cast of “The Fosters” will be honored for their distinguished work in raising awareness about adoption, diversity, same-sex parenting and other important issues affecting American families today.
Mario Lopez was awarded the “Looking Ahead Award for Community Service honoring a former young performer who exemplifies giving back” to the community. Mario Lopez was honored for his significant leadership role in both the Latino and youth communities, and his advocacy work and support of numerous health, education, immigration and environmental charities. Mario rose to fame as “A.C. Slater” on NBC’s “Saved By The Bell” and is currently the host of “Extra,” 2014 Emmy Winner for Outstanding Entertainment News Program.
Tatyana Ali won “The Looking Ahead Award for Education” honoring a former young performer who has made education a priority in their life. Tatyana is a Broadway-trained actress, recording artist, producer and graduate of Harvard University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in African American studies and government. Tatyana is best known to millions worldwide for her role as “Ashley Banks” on NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.”
Rose Marie was honored with The Shirley Temple Award honoring an early pioneer for his/her legacy in paving the way for other young performersA star of stage, screen and television, Rose Marie began her career at the age of 3 and has had one of the longest and most fascinating careers in entertainment history. She starred in some of the earliest talking films and became a household name as the quick-witted comedy writer Sally Rogers on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”