U.S. Congressman wants Ava Gardner on a forever stamp

By Joe O'Donnell

A North Carolina Congressman wants to see a notable native of his state on a U.S. stamp.

U.S. Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC) wrote a letter to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee explaining why legendary actress Ava Gardner, who grew up in Johnston County, should be honored with a forever stamp.

“Ava Gardner is a North Carolina treasure and an international film legend,” Rouzer writes. “Despite her success on the silver screen, Ava never forgot her humble Johnston County roots. She worked tirelessly to give back to her community and was recognized by the U.S. Armed Forces for her spirit of public service."

Gardner starred in such films as The Killers, The Hucksters (with Clark Gable), Show Boat, and Mogambo, in which she received an Oscar nomination for her role as Honey Bear Kelly.

The A-list actress married notably, with Mickey Rooney and Frank Sinatra as ex-husbands.

Gardner died in 1990 at the age of 67.

Read more from the Ava Gardner Museum website.

The CSAC recommends stamp subjects to the postmaster general, who makes the final decision on what subjects are selected.

Here is Rouzer's full letter to the CSAC: Rep. Rouzer Ava Gardner Stamp Request- 4.29.15