On June 23, 1987, Danny was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the highest civilian award given by the United States of America. "Mr. Danny Kaye (posthumous), actor, for his contributions in the fields of the arts and entertainment and other significant public endeavors."
The United Nations Secretary General Javier Perez de Cueller said at the October 27, 1987 tribute to Danny, he was the man who first "heightened global awareness of the plight of unfortunate children throughout the world." Although he was an incredible entertainer, his humanity would be his legacy.
In early 1988, The Culinary Institute of America, at its New York campus, dedicated The Danny Kaye Theatre. It is a large space that is used for cooking demonstrations by teachers and students. It also serves as the site of their Great Chefs series where the finest international chefs come to demonstrate their skills for students and allow the young cooks to work beside them. I think the man, who probably missed his true vocation, would be amused by the irony in that.

We lost Sylvia in October of 1991 when she passed at the age of 78 from emphysema at home in Manhattan, New York.
Danny's name was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in 1992 with the publication of Donald Spoto's book on Laurence Olivier, which alleged a long-rumored ten-year affair between the two stars in the 1940's and early 50's. Rather than paint a tawdry picture, the author only noted that Kaye's appeal sexually was rather similar to his appeal as an entertainer: "Kaye was not simply amusing, but vibrantlly intelligent; not merely encouraging and admiring of Olivier, but also quick-witted, original and capable of discussing the fine points of art, literature and music history...Kaye also had an understaning with his wife" which, if you believe the rumour, allowed him such affairs without guilt.

In 2002, the off-Broadway "Danny & Sylvia" by Seth Bisen-Hersh had a few short weeks of running. The show explored the career, marriage and life of Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine. Actor Brian Childers played Danny.
The Star Trek: Enterprise episode "Doctor's Orders" which was shown on February 18, 2004 included the "vessel with the pestle" footage during "movie night" on board the starship.
December of 2004, The Court Jester was entered into the National Registry of Historic Films by the U.S. Congress. It is the only Danny Kaye Movie to be inducted in this manner.

Stay Tuned as the Danny Kaye's legend continues . . .

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