"John Walsh embodies the principles of the David Angell Humanitarian Award through his contributions to the world as a humanitarian and advocate for victims’ rights and missing children,” said John E. Johnson, Executive Director of the American Screenwriters Association.  “His infinite compassion in the light of personal tragedy is an inspiration to us all.” 

A tireless advocate for victims’ rights and missing children, John Walsh was a partner in a successful hotel management company. He and his wife Revé were living the American dream in southern Florida with their six-year-old son, Adam. In 1981 Adam Walsh was abducted from a shopping mall and his remains were discovered 16 days later. The Walsh’s turned their grief into action and without a badge or a gun, John Walsh quickly became a nationally recognized leader in the push for victims’ rights. In 1987, FOX contacted John about hosting a groundbreaking new reality show designed to track down the country’s most notorious and dangerous fugitives by profiling their cases to a national audience. John Walsh turned his passion for justice into the nation’s number one crime-fighting show, America’s Most Wanted. 

He has testified before Congress and state legislatures more than 55 times on crime, missing children and victims’ rights. John and his wife, Revé, worked for the passage of the Missing Children Act of 1982. In 1984 the Walsh’s hard work and determination helped to pass the Missing Children’s Assistance Act, which created the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

John has been recognized for his work by law enforcement agencies around the country including receiving the 1988 US Marshall’s Man of the Year Award, 2000 FBI Man of the Year Award, a Special Recognition Award by the US attorney General (the only private citizen ever to receive this distinction), and has been honored in The White House Rose Garden by Presidents Clinton, Bush (Sr.) and Reagan.

“John Walsh’s strength of character is evident in the way he lives his life and uses his passion to make the world a safer place,” said Johnson. “We are pleased to recognize him with this honor. “

PICTURES

The award presentation was made on September 24, 2005 at the Actor's Ball, presented by the San Diego Film Festival and the American Screenwriters Association.
 
 

ASA Board Member Nick Filippo (left) and Executive Director John E. Johnson introduce the David Angell Humanitarian Award and the 2005 recipient, Mr. John Walsh		ASA Board Members with Mr. John Walsh (front row left to right) Mark Turner, Craig Scott, John Walsh, Nick Filippo, (back row left to right) Matt Hader, Michael Hauge, John E. Johnson)
The 2005 David Angell Humanitarian Award recipient, Mr. John Walsh, delivers a very moving acceptance speech		Fox television does an interview with John Walsh at ASA's private reception party prior to the awards evening
ASA Advisory Board Member Linda Seger (left) and ASA Board member Michael Hauge (right) at ASA's private reception party prior to the awards evening		ASA Board Member Craig Scott (left) and recipient John Walsh were reunited at ASA's private reception party prior to the awards evening. Scott, a Columbine survivor, appeared on John Walsh's TV show a few years back to talk about Columbine and the need for inclusion and understanding between people
John Walsh shares a humorous moment with ASA Executive Director,  John E. Johnson prior to the awards ceremony		ASA Board Member Mark Turner (left) and John Walsh pose for a photo op at ASA's private reception prior to the awards evening