A stepper actuator including a brake drum and a central gear mechanically connected thereto. The brake drum and the central gear are selectively rotatable in opposing first and second rotational directions. First and second actuation members are moveable through first and second actuation cycles to incrementally rotate the central gear. The actuation members engage and subsequently disengage the central gear as they move through their actuation cycles. The actuation members are configured to rotate the central gear during engagement therewith. A braking assembly is operatively connected to the first and second actuation members and is frictionally engaged to the brake drum to prevent rotation of the brake drum when the first and second actuation members are each in a retracted position as occurs when neither is moving through a corresponding actuation cycle. The braking assembly disengages the brake drum when one of the actuation members is moved from its retracted position and into its actuation cycle as facilitates the incremental rotation of the central gear.