[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 11 (Thursday, January 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JERRY VAN DYKE

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2018

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the 
life of the famed entertainer Jerry Van Dyke.
  Jerry is a native of Danville, Illinois where as a young boy he began 
his life in show business. His first job in the entertainment industry 
was as an usher at the Fischer Theatre in downtown Danville. Jerry's 
first stage appearance came in 1947 with Danville's Red Mask Players.
  Jerry made his first major guest appearance on his brother's Dick Van 
Dyke Show. Jerry went on to be a regular on the Judy Garland Show and 
perform in supporting roles in various films. Jerry caught his big 
break in the TV series Coach. For his role, he received four Emmy 
nominations.
  Jerry, even with all of his success never lost his love for his home 
town. Through his career, he made numerous visits to Danville to visit 
with friends or support his community. In fact, Jerry alongside fellow 
Danville stars Dick Van Dyke, Donald O'Connor, Bobby Short, and Gene 
Hackman raised $400,000 for the Fischer Theater. Danville honors Jerry 
and others local celebrities through a mural that faces the Fischer 
Theatre.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to send my most heartfelt condolences to Jerry 
Van Dyke's family and friends. He will be missed dearly by all of those 
he has touched.

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