John P. Connolly (MFA '79) has enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a professional actor on stage, screen, radio and recordings. Beginning his career in his hometown of Philadelphia as a core member of the Manning St. Actors’ Theater, Mr. Connolly received his Actors’ Equity Card at the Walnut Street Theater in 1973. Since graduating from Temple with his MFA in Acting in 1979, Mr. Connolly has distinguished himself both as an artist and as a trade union leader in the arts, entertainment and media industry, serving as International President of the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA, AFL-CIO), as National Executive Director of Actors’ Equity Association, and on the General Council of the AFL-CIO.

In 2005, Mr. Connolly was chosen for the prestigious Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award from the School of Media and Communication. A frequent lecturer on campus, he continues to be devoted to the continued success and growth of the University. Mr. Connolly has served on the Board of Visitors of the Temple University Center for the Arts, and is devoted to the dramatic success of the Temple Los Angeles “Study Away” program for both undergraduate and graduate students.