    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [February 6, 1991]
    [Pages 115-116]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Danny Thomas
    February 6, 1991

        The death of Danny Thomas leaves a noticeable void in the world of
    American humor. We also lose a fine gentleman and humanitarian who will
    always be known as a man of good will.
        Danny Thomas entertained Presidents from Eisenhower to the present.
    He was a giant of the entertainment business who knew that spark of
    delight which Americans take in poking fun at themselves. In his
    situation comedies, either as actor or producer, he reflected the best
    qualities of American life. He pioneered the family sitcom in which we
    could all use the new medium of television to laugh at ourselves and our
    daily problems. We will be laughing with him for years to come.
        In 1962, Danny Thomas founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
    in Memphis, TN. It became more than a leading research center dedicated
    to finding cures for children's cancer and other diseases, but a symbol
    of the love that one man had for his

    [[Page 116]]

    fellow man. That was Danny Thomas.
        Barbara and I extend our deepest sympathies to Rose Marie, the
    Thomas family, and all of Danny's friends.