MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harvey, Horhn, Smith, Burton, Johnson (19th), Lee

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ACTING CAREER OF COLLINS, MISSISSIPPI'S, GERALD MCRANEY.

WHEREAS, Gerald McRaney's popularity and longevity are best demonstrated by the fact that he has starred in network television series for over 18 years; and

WHEREAS, McRaney was born in Collins, Mississippi, but lived all over the Magnolia State when growing up; he became interested in acting when a football knee injury in junior high school sidelined him; he joined his school's drama club and went on to major in drama at the University of Mississippi; although he briefly segued from acting to the Louisiana oil fields, he landed a job as an assistant stage manager with a New Orleans repertory company and was eventually cast in some of its stage productions; and

WHEREAS, McRaney made his television debut in an episode of "Night Gallery," then appeared in the series "Gunsmoke," "The Incredible Hulk," "The Rockford Files," "Police Woman" and "How the West Was Won"; his television credits also include the films "Not Our Son," "Deadly Vows" and the mini-series "Nothing Lasts Forever," all on the Network; and

WHEREAS, Gerald McRaney has starred in various CBS Television Network series, including eight years as private investigator Rick Simon in "Simon & Simon," four years as "Major Dad" and one year in "Central Park West," and his television credits also include a long string of highly rated films, including "1,000 Men and a Baby," "Someone She Knows," "A Stranger Beside Me" and "The People Across the Lake"; and

WHEREAS, no one from McRaney's high school in Long Beach, Mississippi, would be surprised; the inscription in his yearbook reads, "Good luck with your acting," and was signed by most of the students; and

WHEREAS, McRaney and his wife, actress Delta Burke, return to Collins from time to time to help celebrate the Okatoma Festival, and the City of Collins has named a street after the actor; and

WHEREAS, he and his wife live in the Vieux Carre of New Orleans, and they also have a farm in Mississippi near where he was born; McRaney has three children: Jessica, Angus and Katy; he enjoys the outdoors and is an expert camper, hunter and fisherman; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this respected actor, whose career has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the acting career of Collins, Mississippi's, Gerald McRaney, and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Gerald McRaney and his family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.