Abstract: An actuator assembly for a recliner chair having a chair frame, a seat unit, and a linkage mounting the seat unit on the chair frame for back and forth movement between a seating position and a reclining position located forwardly of the seating position. The actuator assembly includes a handle pivotally mounted on the side of the chair frame and connected through a link to an activator member which is pivotally mounted on the chair frame and provided with an abutting portion that is located in the path of movement of the seat unit. When the seat unit is in the seating position, a pivoting movement of the activator member in response to manipulation of the handle causes the abutting portion to engage the seat unit to move the seat unit forwardly toward its reclining position. The actuator assembly operates to move the seat unit only from the seating position toward its reclining position.