[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19453]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       IN MEMORIAM: CHARLES LANE

 Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I wish to honor a great 
Californian, Charles Lane, who passed away on July 9, 2007, at the age 
of 102.
  Charles Lane was an American actor seen in hundreds of films and 
television shows. At the time of his death, Mr. Lane was the oldest 
living American actor. He appeared in many of Frank Capra's films, 
including ``Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,'' ``Arsenic and Old Lace,'' 
and ``It's a Wonderful Life.''
  Lane was born Charles Gerstle Levison in San Francisco, CA, to Alice 
and Jacob Levison on January 26, 1905. In 1932, Lane married Ruth 
Covell, and they remained together for 70 years, until her death in 
2002. Until his recent passing, Charles Lane lived in the Brentwood, 
CA, home that he and Ruth bought in 1964.
  Charles Lane began his acting career in 1929 at the suggestion of 
actor/director Irving Pichel, and in 1933 Lane became a founding member 
of the Screen Actors Guild. His final acting role was at the age of 101 
in 2006's ``The Night Before Christmas.'' His last television 
appearance was at the age of 90 when he appeared in the 1995 Disney TV 
remake of its 1970 teen comedy ``The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.''
  Lane appeared in more than 250 films and hundreds of television 
programs. On his busiest days, Lane sometimes played more than one 
character, changing costumes and filming his two or three lines, then 
dashing off to another set for a different costume and a different 
role. While Lane often portrayed stern and hard-hearted characters, his 
friends and fellow actors remembered Lane as warm, funny, and kind.
  Lane was not only found on the screen; he was found of the stage. In 
1928, he joined the company at the Pasadena Playhouse, which was known 
for training actors for the movies, appearing in more than 100 
productions over three decades. He made his film debut as a hotel desk 
clerk in ``Smart Money'' in 1931 with Edward G. Robinson and James 
Cagney.
  In 2005, the TV Land Awards paid tribute to Lane by celebrating his 
100th birthday. After he was serenaded ``Happy Birthday'' by the 
audience and was presented his award, Lane remarked to the audience, 
``If you're interested, I'm still available.'' He was given a standing 
ovation.
  Our Nation lost an amazing actor with the passing of Charles Lane, 
but his legacy to film and television will be remembered as we continue 
to enjoy the many films and programs he made during his long 
career.

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