Sally Struthers Steps Out For Theatre Group

By Luchina Fisher April 24, 2012

Sally Struthers is best known for her roles in "All in the Family," "Gilmore Girls" and "Still Standing," but the actress has long been a supporter and star of resident theater.

Just recently, she starred as that matchmaking widow Dolly Levi in "Hello Dolly!" at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre in Jacksonville, Fla. And last night, she co-hosted the 50th anniversary gala for the Theatre Communications Group, the New York-based alliance of 500 resident theaters across the country.

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Teresa Eyring, Theatre Communication Group's executive director, told ABCNews.com that Struthers, who turns 64 in July, was the perfect choice for co-host because of her experience as a performer and her activism.

"Sally has worked in a number of TCG theaters," Eyring said. "She's someone who's really devoted her life to being a performer and she's a voice for activism."

From left: Vicki Reiss, Teresa Eyring, Kenny Leon, and Judith O. Rubin attend the Theatre Communications Group's 50th Anniversary Gala at Espace Photo: Patrick McMullen

Eyring is referring to Struthers' work as a longtime spokeswoman for children's charities, including Save the Children and ChildFund. Struthers' activism was important to a group that has long seen itself as an advocate for the American theater and is now the largest independent publisher of plays. At last night's gala, Struthers, joined by co-host actress Jennifer Cody, helped honor director Kenny Leon, arts executive Judith Rubin and the foundation of Broadway's Shubert Organization. Members of the audience, including Beau Bridges and Ben Vereen, were treated to musical numbers from three new shows, "Hands on a Hardbody," "Giant" and "Super Fly."