07 June 2000

Gielgud Speaks Out Against Foie Gras

Shortly before his death, Sir John Gielgud took part in a 30-second TV commercial which exposed the force feeding of geese and ducks for the production of paté de foie gras. The commercial, which is being released by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) will air throughout the U.S. and Canada and will be launched this week in New York and San Francisco. Sir John received PETA's Humanitarian of the Year Award twice, once in 1994 and again in 1999, and was one of PETA's most prolific allies, writing letters and speaking on behalf of animal rights both in the U.S. and in the UK. In one of his last actions, Gielgud successfully lobbied for the Smithsonian Institute to cancel a foie gras cooking demonstration it was hosting. Just this year, he joined PETA's campaign to recognize health charities that use donated funds for clinical studies on humans, computer and test tube research, hospice, and preventative education rather than experiments on animals.