Actor David Keith to take on Presidential Role

Most people know actor David Keith from his roles in such movies as An Officer and a Gentleman, Firestarter & Behind Enemy Lines or from his work on television shows such as NCIS or Law and Order. Keith has appeared in more than a hundred films and countless television programs as well.  At the Gatlinburg, July 4th Parade he will take on a more historic role when he steps into the shoes of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  He will stand in for one of our most beloved presidents to reenact the motorcade that went through Gatlinburg when the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was dedicated on September 2nd, 1940.

Keith being available for this event is a stroke of luck.  David Keith was born in 1954 in Knoxville Tennessee.  He is an alumnus of the University of Tennessee and he still lives in the Tellico Plains area.  Having him play FDR to reenact an event that affected not only the nation but helped shape the landscape and economy of his home town adds something special. 

The motorcade reenactment will be part of the Gatlinburg 4th of July parade.  There will be cars from the 30s and 40s, costumes and of course David Keith as the president.  This will be one of the highest profile events during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  With communities all over east Tennessee participating in the celebration of the birthday of the park Gatlinburg will turn the spotlights on the Parkway on July 4th.