Democratic politicians were enamored with the stoic Peck and some even encouraged him to run for office. While he avoided running for governor or higher office, he did commit to creating a series of political ads to discourage the appointment of a conservative Supreme Court judge (via Los Angeles Times).
After attending a White House dinner with his four sons in 1965, Peck penned a letter to President Johnson, thanking him and saying that had he had the opportunity to speak he would have sung the praises of the newly established National Endowment for the Arts (via The National Archives). The dinner marked the occasion of two separate government entities (including the National Endowment for the Humanities) that were intended to preserve the culture of the United States (via National Endowment for the Humanities).
President Johnson was so impressed with Peck’s demeanor and candor that the actor told the Irish America Magazine in 1997 that the president said he would have made Peck Ambassador to Ireland had he served a second term (via IrishCulturesandCustoms.com). Peck’s father was an Irish immigrant, and the actor always maintained a close connection to his Irish roots. Peck was also named Irish American of the Year by Irish America Magazine. He traveled frequently to his mother’s native country, and even took the time to get to know his ancestors and relatives. In April of 2000, he received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland.
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