*Includes pictures. *Includes Peck's own quotes about his life and career. *Includes a bibliography for further reading. “Entertainment is all right; but entertainment with an idea behind it is much more important.†– Gregory Peck A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures; but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series; readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute; while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. At the end of the 20th century; the American Film Institute ranked Gregory Peck 12th in its list of best actors; and it’s not hard to see why. In addition to being one of the most popular actors in Hollywood for three decades; Peck won an Academy Award for Best Actor playing Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird; and he was also nominated several other times. Even when he wasn’t being nominated for his performances; he appeared in some of the most acclaimed movies of the century; including How the West Was Won and Roman Holiday. Peck was a household name across America; but far from resting on his laurels; he poured just as much energy into humanitarian causes; though he didn’t think much of it; saying; “I'm not a do-gooder. It embarrassed me to be classified as a humanitarian. I simply take part in activities that I believe in.†Nonetheless; Peck’s work as a humanitarian led to him being awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by Lyndon Johnson in 1969; when he was still near the height of his career. He championed several causes over the years; most of them liberal ones like gun control and gay rights. Always outspoken; he even lent his name and voice to politically charged commercials; including the notorious fight to stop Ronald Reagan’s nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court. Peck continued his work into the 21st century; and in 2011; several years after he died; he was commemorated with a postage stamp. American Legends: The Life of Gregory Peck profiles the life and career of one of America’s greatest actors. Along with pictures of important people; places; and events; you will learn about Gregory Peck like never before; in no time at all.
#5625933 in Books 2013-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x .62 x 7.00l; 1.05 #File Name: 1493648225272 pages
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