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The next bill before me, Introductory Number 978, sponsored at my request by Council Member Foster, would add the name "Lee Strasberg Way" to East 15th Street, between Union Square East and Irving Place, in Manhattan.

Israel Strassberg was born on November 12, 1901 in Poland. At age 7, he and his family came to the United States and settled on the Lower East Side. In 1925, he made his first professional appearance on the stage in "Processional" under the name Lee Strasberg.

Strasberg, however, is not remembered so much for his work on the stage or in front of the camera as he is for his work behind the scenes training generations of actors. During the 1930's, Strasberg began to develop his theory of acting, known as "method acting." He described his techniques as "the process of living on stage." In 1947, along with legendary director Elli Kaman, Strasberg formed the Actors Studio to train young talent in his acting methods. In 1966, Strasberg opened the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Los Angeles and New York and continued to teach and develop young actors.

In the 1970's, his acting genius was revealed to millions of movie fans when he played Hymen Roth, the scheming crime syndicate kingpin, in "The Godfather Part II."

Unfortunately, Lee Strasberg passed away on February 17, 1982.

Therefore, in view of Lee Strasberg's contribution to the arts, it is fitting that East 15th Street, between Union Square east and Irving Place, in the neighborhood where he grew-up, be named "Lee Strasberg Way."

I will now turn to the bill's sponsor and to any other elected officials wishing to speak on this matter.

I will now turn to the general audience.

There being no one else wishing to speak and for the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

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