Nominated for Honors

I am shocked that nowhere on Steve Metcalf’s list of ignored Kennedy Center Honors recipients is perhaps America’s greatest actress, Miss Julie Harris (“Underachieving ‘Honors’ Needs to Rethink Approach,” Dec. 29).

For decades, Harris has given us the finest in the art of acting on both stage and screen. She is a true cultural icon, which is what the Kennedy Center honorees are meant to be and frequently aren’t. I am afraid they are a cheap gimmick and not to be taken seriously.

JAMES PRIDEAUX

Los Angeles

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Harris won a Tony Award in 1973 for her starring role in Prideaux’s “The Last of Mrs. Lincoln.”

Metcalf’s suggestions are right on the money, but one little correction: Artie Shaw won’t be 90 years old until May 23.

TRUMAN REX FISHER

Azusa