Peter Graves Dead. Mission Impossible Accomplished in Hollywood

Peter Aurness (Graves) born 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota has died of an apparent heart attack. Younger brother of James (Aurness) Arness of Gunsmoke fame, Peter Aurness took his grandfather's name (Graves) to cut down on the confusion between the two famous brothers. Peter Graves gives some new meaning to Mission Impossible. What are the chances that 2 brothers out of Minnesota could make it in Hollywood?

Much will be written about Peter Graves. His tall, lean and handsome frame was perfect for acting. They will write about Peter Graves and his start in the TV series of "Fury". They will write about Stalag 17 and his role as a German spy. Peter Graves comedic abilities in "Airplane" and his 60 year acting career. This career encompassed 70 movies, TV series and TV movies. Peter Graves also hosted the "Biography" series where his smooth and distinctive voice told you about other movie stars.

Peter Graves had not retired. Recently he had done a "House" episode and 11 episodes on "7th Heaven". Peter Graves was a solid actor and will be missed greatly.

Yes, much will be written about Peter Graves. He died 4 days before his 84th birthday while returning from a brunch with his family. His daughter tried to resuscitate him. Peter Graves was married to his wife Joan for 60 years. They have 3 daughters. But something that might not be mentioned much is what a sterling man Peter Graves was.

Peter Graves was an elegant, classy man that conducted himself as a gentleman on and off of the screen. Both Peter Graves and James Arness were great family men and were good to people around them. No scandal sheets with Peter Graves or James Arness headlining them.

I remember being shocked when seeing "Airplane" the first ( of many) time. I was used to seeing Peter Graves in serious roles. Seeing him in a comedic role took a minute to compute. But Peter Graves could act..period. No matter what the role, you were going to get all that he had.

Thanks to Peter Graves for all the great entertainment he gave us. Thanks to Peter Graves for living his life fit for a role model. I will miss that wonderful voice. Peter Graves and James Arness, brothers who both made it in Hollywood in a honorable way. That's Mission Impossible accomplished!

Source: LA times

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