Ava Gardner Post Office

AVA GARDNER POST OFFICE -- (House of Representatives - October 06, 2005)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 3439, legislation naming a postal facility in Smithfield, North Carolina, after Ava Gardner, an illustrious actress often remembered as the most beautiful in Hollywood history. This measure, which was introduced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) on July 26, 2005, and unanimously reported by our committee on September 15, 2005, enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire North Carolina delegation.

Ava Lavinia Gardner was born in the small town of Grabtown, North Carolina, as the youngest of seven children. Ava Gardner's film career began at the age of 18 when an MGM agent saw her photograph in the window of her brother-in-law's New York City photograph studio. Her prolific film career includes roles in Mogambo (1953), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress; The Barefoot Contessa (1954); The Sun Also Rises (1957); On the Beach, (1959); The Night of the Iguana (1964), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress; and Regina Roma (1982).

Ava Gardner was married to three legendary Hollywood actors, including Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra. She died in London on January 25, 1990, of pneumonia at the age of 67 and was buried in Smithfield, North Carolina, in the Gardner family plot near the Ava Gardner Museum.

Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague for speaking to honor Ava Gardner, who rose from humble roots to become one of the most famous actresses in film history.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov