Peter Graves, ‘Mission: Impossible’ Star, Dies at 83

Peter Graves, the cool spymaster of television’s “Mission: Impossible” and the dignified host of the “Biography” series, who successfully spoofed his own gravitas in the “Airplane!” movie farces, died on Sunday. He was 83.

He died of a heart attack at his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., said Fred Barman, his business manager.

Born Peter Aurness in Minneapolis, the blond, 6-foot-2 Mr. Graves served in the Army Air Forces in 1944 and ’45, studied drama at the University of Minnesota under the G.I. Bill of Rights and played the clarinet in local bands before following his older brother, James Arness, to Hollywood.

Peter Graves, ‘Mission - Impossible’ Star, Dies at 83 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com

 

Peter Graves, star of Mission Impossible has passed away. I was a fan of his in both his serious and comedic roles. His work as the "snitch" in Stalag 17 was the first time I remember seeing him that really sticks in my mind. But I do know he was also in other "b" movies which if I saw them I don't remember doing so. I spent years not knowing he was James Arness' brother, while I had a vague memory of them both being athletes in HS for some reason. At any rate, Rest In Peace Mr. Graves.

See:

'Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dies in LA - Yahoo! News

 

I did not know James Arness was his brother but when I read that I did notice the resemblence in looks and voice. RIP Peter Graves

 

So Long Jim, oops Peter. RIP

 

This is a sad day as we mark the passing of a good actor who was great in Mission Impossible and a good laugh in the Airplane film sending himself up. I really enjoyed Mission Impossible series 1-5 the most, I know Peter took over the role as the IMF team leader after whats his name dropped out. A real gem and will be missed.

 

It is interesting that both he and his brother James got their starts in 'low rent' sci-fi flicks. But I suppose those were great starting places for young wannabe actors. Arness as the rampaging Thing from Another World in 1951, and Graves as the "good scientist" who battles the invading carrot from Venus.

 

Rest in Peace Peter, I more fondly remember you in classics like: Texas Across the river, and in the Airplane movies as well as the German Barracks Spy in the ultra classic: Stalag 17.