John Goodman to appear at Lighthouse gala

The Lighthouse children's Theatre in El Dorado Springs will roll out the red carpet for guests for its third annual gala, to be held April 30.

Appearing as this year's guest of honor for the "Lights of Broadway" event is stage, screen and television star John Goodman.

Goodman remembers the day in 1975 when he left his native St. Louis for New York, armed only with a degree in fine arts from Southwest Missouri State University, $1,000 his brother had lent him and a dream of becoming a professional actor. He didn't want to look back later and say, "I wonder if I could have..." He made the rounds, worked at odd jobs and just tried to keep busy. He's been quite busy ever since.

Goodman's latest film project, HBO's biopic of Jack Kevorikian, "You Don't Know Jack," reunited him with Al Pacino ("Sea of Love") and Susan Sarandon ("Speed Racer.") He received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-series or a Movie and SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries.

His recent TV credits include the HBO drama "Treme."

Goodman has garnered many accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and seven Emmy nominations for his role in "Roseanne." He also earned Emmy nominations for his starring roles in TNT's "Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long," CBS's production of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" and the Coen Brothers film "Barton Fink." In 2007, Goodman won his second Emmy, for Outstanding Guest Actor, on "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip."

In addition, he has starred in a long list of other films, and has lent his voice to characters in animated films such as "Monsters, Inc.," "The Emperor's New Groove," and others.

Today, Goodman is one of the entertainment industry's most respected actors. The fit and slimmer 6 foot 2 actor has recently lost half his body weight that is helping him to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, which includes eating right and exercise.

Lighthouse Executive Director Lynne Hedrick couldn't be happier Goodman accepted the invitation to appear as this year's guest of honor at the group's fundraiser which helps to support the 3-year old, non-profit, children's organization.

"It is an incredible opportunity for our area to meet a celebrity of Mr. Goodman's caliber. We are thrilled he will be traveling to our community to help our kids."

Tickets will not go on sale until March 1 and seating will be limited. Everyone is encouraged to secure their tickets early and "save the date."

The Lighthouse is currently forming the distinguished Gala Host Committee who will enjoy exclusive benefits including preferred seating and staged professional photography with John Goodman.

For more information about the event or to be considered for the elite group making up this year's prestigious Gala Host Committee, call Lighthouse Chairman of the Board Ernie Harris at (417) 876-4681 or Executive Director Lynne Hedrick at (417) 876-3712.