Tuesday, September 27, 2011
It used to be a person had to be dead for at least five years before their likeness could appear on a postage stamp. But with the U.S. Postal Service desperately in need of more money, Postmaster Patrick Donahue has decided to make the living eligible for postage immortality.
Beginning in 2012, stamps will begin featuring musicians, professional athletes, writers, artists and other famous people who are still alive.
“This change will enable us to pay tribute to individuals for their achievements while they are still alive to enjoy the honor,” said Donahoe. “Honoring living individuals expands the interest in stamp topics and keeps our program timely, relevant and contemporary.”
Other countries have already put celebrities on their stamps. In 2009, for example, Australia issued a set of stamps honoring their Academy Award Winners: Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Honoring the Living (U.S. Postal Service)
Can I Get One Sheet of the Lady Gagas ... (by Katharine Q. Seelye, New York Times)
Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett Happy to Be Licked–on Stamps (by Stephen M. Silverman, People)
List of People on Stamps of the United Kingdom (Wikipedia)
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