#4526 - (44¢) Gregory Peck

Actor Gregory Peck (1916-2003) joins stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant in the Legends of Hollywood series. While originally a pre-medical student at the University of California, Berkley, Peck was encouraged to pursue theatre work by an acting coach. Peck would later say about Berkeley that "it was a very special experience for me and three of the greatest years of my life. It woke me up and made me a human being." After a number of films and four Oscar nominations, Peck won the Oscar for his portrayal of Depression-era lawyer Atticus Finch in the film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The Finch character was named the top film hero of the past 100 years by the American Film Institute in 2003. Gregory Peck was also a social activist, an outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War and the House Un-American Activities Committee, which investigated alleged communists in the film industry. He also supported the worldwide ban of nuclear weapons and was an advocate for gun control. Scott 4526 Gregory Peck