February 22nd

Wednesday February 22nd

“The father of our Country” George Washington, was actually born on this date in 1732. This is the real “Presidents Day” to honor our nation’s first President. Many of the myths that have grown up around him have been proven false (the cherry tree chopping, wooden teeth, etc.) but he remains, even 274 years later, unblemished in character, and a God like figure in American history. To honor this day and this man, I’m writing to four men who have portrayed General Washington in recent years. (three onscreen and one voice-over.)


Barry Bostwick

Barry Bostwick is an actor/singer, known primarily for made-for-television movies and mini-series. Bostwick has appeared in many movies and recently played the NYC Mayor in the sitcom "Spin City", however he is probably best known for playing Brad in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and as George Washington in the epic TV films based on the first President’s life. Bostwick is also a veteran of musical theatre. In 1972, he originated the role of Danny Zuko in the Broadway production of “Grease.” Bostwick regularly serves as host of the nationally televised annual "Capitol Fourth" celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., usually leading off the show by singing a medley of patriotic songs.


Jeff Daniels

Jeff Daniels is perhaps best known for his roles in “Arachnophobia” and “Dumb & Dumber.“ Woody Allen gave him his big break, casting him as the hero in “The Purple Rose of Cairo.” In 1999, he played the role of general Washington in the A&E network film “The Crossing.” Last year, he starred in a critically acclaimed film called “The Squid and The whale.” Daniels currently resides in Chelsea, Michigan, where he is Founder and Executive director of the regionally-acclaimed Purple Rose Theatre Company, a not-for-profit professional theatre company.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer, first came to public attention in the classic TV sitcom "Cheers", and was able to successfully spin off his character, Dr. Frasier Crane, into a television series in its own right, "Frasier". Originally intended as a minor recurring role on "Cheers", the part of Dr. Frasier Crane was to be played by John Lithgow (“Third Rock From the Sun“), but Grammer got the role when Lithgow became unavailable. Grammer won a number of Emmys and Golden Globes for his work as Frasier. He was the first actor ever to be nominated for multiple Emmy awards for portraying the same character on three different television shows ("Cheers", "Frasier", and "Wings".) His 20-year run playing Dr. Frasier Crane ties a record set by James Arness in playing Marshall Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke” from 1955 to 1975. Grammer's smooth, deep voice makes him popular for voiceover work. He has provided the voices of Sideshow Bob on "The Simpsons", and Stinky Pete the Prospector in "Toy Story 2." He sang the title theme for Frasier, “Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs.” His next role will be Dr. Henry McCoy a.k.a. Beast in this summer’s "X-Men 3." In 2003, he played George Washington in the TV movie: “Benedict Arnold, A Question of Honor.”


Maurice LaMarche

Maurice LaMarche is one of the greatest voice-over actors in show business history. Born in Toronto, his signature voice is an impersonation of Orson Welles. LaMarche provided the voice of the animated character The Brain in Pinky and the Brain, who is modeled after Welles; many Pinky and the Brain episodes are nods to Welles's career. He is only the third person in history to be the voice of Popeye, and he is responsible for hundreds of other characters. During the run of Warner Brothers TV series “Animaniacs” and “Tiny Toons” he provided the voice for many historical figures, including George Washington.