[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.