A reclining actuator for moving a seat back relative to a seat bottom includes a mounting plate and a crank supported on the mounting plate for movement relative thereto. A rod is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the crank and the second end is adapted to engage a seat back. A driver is provided for moving the crank relative to the mounting plate. A seat assembly includes a seat having a seat back and a seat bottom. The seat back is moveable relative to the seat bottom. A crank is connected to a driver for movement. A rod is connected between the crank and the seat back such that movement of the rod causes movement of the seat back.