Actress Martha Greenhouse has died, aged 91.

The stage, film and Tv star, who served as an actors union leader for more than four decades, passed away on Saturday (05Jan13).

Greenhouse appeared in many plays on and off Broadway, and her Tv and film credits include Law & Order, Ryan's Hope, The Jackie Gleason Show, The Stepford Wives, Woody Allen's Bananas and the original production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.

Greenhouse served five terms as president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' New York branch and two terms on the Screen Actors Guild's National Board from 1981-87.

She also received a slew of union awards, including the Founder's Award, the Ken Harvey Award and the George Heller Gold Card, the highest honour given by national Aftra for service to the union.

Current SAG-Aftra co-president Roberta Reardon says, "During her more than 40 years of board service, Martha helped lead the New York Local of Aftra through turbulent times, and the union came out stronger due to her hard work, talent and dedication. She was an inspiration not only to me but to the entire leadership. Her service to the union should be held up as an example to everyone who will walk in her footsteps."