Caption
Will Rogers, Performing Arts Star.
Number
1801
Prompt
The lasso could subtly twirl in the hand of the man to the left. Will Rogers, the portrait on the right, should turn toward the man with the asso and then turn back to face the camera. Then he should raise an eyebrow and smile broadly with a knowing and humorous expression.
Body
Commemorating the centennial of his birth, this 15-cent stamp was issued on November 4, 1979, in Claremore, Oklahoma. Part of the Performing Arts series, this stamp presents a more colorful and lively portrait of Will Rogers than the earlier 1948 issue. It captures his persona as a stage and screen star, with a lasso in hand and a characteristic twinkle in his eye. The design reflects the warmth and humor that made him a national icon. By the time of his tragic death in a plane crash in 1935, Will Rogers had become a symbol of American common sense and decency. This stamp is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy as a performer and a beloved public figure.