Fresno (KMJ) Gov. Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown announced the 10th class of the California Hall of Fame on Monday.
The 2016 inductees are: author Isabel Allende; film star Harrison Ford; baseball legend Tony Gwynn; artist Corita Kent; former U.S. Secretary of Defense William J. Perry; former First Lady of California Maria Shriver; music business pioneer Russ Solomon and actor George Takei.
“These individuals exemplify the unique and boundless creativity of California,” said Governor Brown in a news release. “Their work has enriched the lives of others and remains an inspiration to all Californians.”
Inductees, who will attend in person, and family members of posthumous inductees will receive the Spirit of California medal from the Governor and First Lady in the official state ceremony on Wed., Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the California Museum in Sacramento.
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to Governor Brown and Anne for inducting me into the Hall of Fame Class of 2016,” said inductee and former First Lady Maria Shriver. “When we created the Hall of Fame 10 years ago, I never dreamt I would be honored alongside so many people I’ve been awed by and admire. Like millions of others, I came to California to create my own life and fulfill my dreams. I hope that my course in life might inspire others, just as I’ve been inspired by California and those who have gone before me.”
“I am a proud second generation Californian, humbled to be honored by a state singular in its beauty, diversity and dynamism,” said inductee George Takei. “To be inducted to join the inspiring trail blazers in the arts, industry, academia, sports and political affairs is an honor beyond words. This is truly the Golden State.”
