LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Robert Sudduth upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Friends of Firefighters
on June 5, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Robert Sudduth upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion by the Friends of Firefighters at its Spring Gala to be held on
Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Old Stonehouse, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Robert Sudduth has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and dili-
gent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and profes-
sion and subsequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor;
and
WHEREAS, A resident of New York City, Robert "Skipp" Sudduth has
proved himself an exceptional actor through his many character portray-
als in television, theater and film; he is best known for his role in
NBC's hit television show "Third Watch", appearing in all six seasons as
Officer John 'Sully' Sullivan, the cynical police officer navigating his
way through New York's streets and his own rocky marriage in John Wells'
Emmy award winning series; and
WHEREAS, Robert Sudduth was raised in Virginia and attended college as
a pre-med student; he discovered his passion for theater on a trip to
New York and enrolled in the University of Virginia's MFA program; he
moved to Chicago to join the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, traveling to
London with their production of "Grapes Of Wrath," eventually landing on
Broadway; and
WHEREAS, On the recommendation of Gary Sinise, Robert Sudduth was
hired sight unseen to portray Al Lingo in John Frankenheimer's "George
Wallace"; Frankenheimer proceeded to cast Sudduth alongside Robert De
Niro, Sean Bean and Jean Reno in MGM's "Ronin"; this dramatic thriller
set the standard for car chases for the next generation of studio block-
busters, with Robert doing all his own driving for the stunts; and
WHEREAS, Robert Sudduth was also seen alongside Robert De Niro and
Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Joel Schumacher's "Flawless," an intimate
exploration of prejudice and rehabilitation; the film was a favorite
among audiences and critics alike at film festivals worldwide; other
film appearances include "54," Spike Lee's "Clockers," "Eraser" and
"Money Train," and "Drunkboat"; and
WHEREAS, Robert Sudduth's television credits include: the original
series of NBC's "Law and Order," "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,"
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Criminal Minds," "Homicide: Life on the
Street" and "Mad About You"; and
WHEREAS, On stage, Robert Sudduth was in the original company of
Lincoln Center's Tony Award Winning Revival of "South Pacific"; other
Broadway work includes the critically acclaimed production of "The
Iceman Cometh" starring Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, the Lincoln Center's
production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" with Helen Hunt and "On the
Waterfront"; off-Broadway, he was seen in "Prayer for My Enemy" at Play-
wrights Horizon, "10 Million Miles," "Marisol" and the "Big Funk Out" at
Joseph Papp's prestigious Public Theater as well as Woody Allen's play
"Writers Block" with the Atlantic Theatre Company in Manhattan; and

WHEREAS, A gifted director as well, Robert Sudduth has directed numer-
ous television episodes including: "Third Watch," "ER," "Criminal
Minds," "Women's Murder Club" and most recently "CSI: New York"; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert Sudduth is a singer-songwriter and
co-founder of the acoustic rock band Minus Ted, as well as a standup
comedian and creator of his unique comic alter ego Big Hanz; and
WHEREAS, Despite his busy professional life, Robert Sudduth has been
called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Robert Sudduth has contributed greatly to Friends of Fire-
fighters in numerous capacities; he is a member of its Board of Advisors
and continuously strives to promote awareness of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert Sudduth has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert Sudduth has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert Sudduth upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Friends of Firefighters on June 5, 2010; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Sudduth.