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“Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy,'” said the White House on its website. “His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Lakers star Magic Johnson, and movie stars Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House ceremony.
The award was started by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor civilians who “performed a meritorious act or service which has aided the United States'” during wartime and national emergencies.
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order modifying the Medal of Freedom by giving it a new name, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to be awarded by the President to “any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
Nye began combining his love of science with his flair for comedy after he won a Steve Martin lookalike contest.
The Planetary Society is the world’s largest and most influential non-profit space organization. Founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman, it aims to empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration.
It is headquartered on Green Street in Pasadena.
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