'Mission: Impossible' Star Peter Graves Dead at 83

By PopEater Staff Posted Mar 14th 2010 11:13PM

Film and television star Peter Graves died Sunday of a heart attack outside his home in Pacific Palisades, California, his business manager, Fred Barman, confirmed to the New York Times. He was 83.

According to his publicist, Sandy Brokaw, Graves collapsed upon returning from brunch with his wife and children. One of his daughters administered CPR, but was unable to save him.

Graves, whose career spanned about 60 years, was perhaps best known for his Golden Globe-winning portrayal of IMF leader James Phelps on the iconic spy series 'Mission: Impossible,' which ran for seven seasons on CBS. He later reprised the role in an ABC reboot, from 1988-1990.

Graves' small-screen career dates back the mid-'50s when he landed a regular gig on the NBC Western drama 'Fury.' From then on, he became a regular face on television, with additional roles on 'Whiplash,' 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents,' 'The Dean Martin Show,' 'Fantasy Island' and, more recently, the WB family drama '7th Heaven.'

In the mid-'90s, Graves became the host of A&E's 'Biography,' and received an Emmy for the 1997 special 'Judy Garland: Beyond the Rainbow.'

Of course, Graves' career wasn't just limited to television. The legendary actor also appeared in a number of high-profile films, including Billy Wilder's 'Stalag 17,' opposite Oscar winner William Holden, 'Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell' and the 1955 thriller 'Night of the Hunter.'

But it was the 1980 comedy 'Airplane!' that earned Graves the most fame -- and laughs -- on the big screen. Graves played Captain Clarence Oveur in the film and its 1982 sequel, and uttered such memorable lines as "Have you ever seen a grown man naked?" Watch a clip from 'Airplane' below.

Last October, Graves received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor his incredible career.

Prior to acting, the Minneapolis native became a radio announcer at age 16, and served two years in the Air Force before heading off to the University of Minnesota, where he studied drama. He moved to Hollywood shortly after graduation.

According to the Times, Graves is survived by his brother, actor James Arness ('Gunsmoke'), his wife, Joan Graves, whom he married in 1950, and his three daughters. He died just four days shy of his 84th birthday.

Comments

(156)

Monday 15 March

By Bob W.

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Good Actor...Classier Guy...RIP, Mr. Graves.

By Tena

I absolutely loved Peter Graves as Jim in Fury. When I was young, it was my favorite show.

Rest in peace, Mr. Graves.

Tuesday 16 March

By Karl

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Peter Graves WAS Mr. Phelps and as a baby boomer, Mission Impossible was the show to watch during the 60's along with the Avengers and I Spy. Your mission Jim is to rest in peace in heaven, take care, you always will be remembered.

By B

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The airplane movies were the absolute worst movies ever made and it was degrading to Peter Graves to be in them. Highlight of his career my a**

By ppicano

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I've always loved Peter Graves but was Shocked when he performed his scenes in AIRPLANE...so out of character ..so beneath him!

By Vicki

He'll be missed. No one can replace him. Sorry Tom Cruise.

By Philip Wolfstein

Truly a great loss. A fine actor and a gentleman. My sincere condolences to the family. May he RIP always.

By June

We loved Peter Graves in Fury and Mission Impossible and will miss him . A real fine actor.
Our sympathies to family

By Sherry

Peter was a great actor and person. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.

By Patricia

Is everyone aware that he and Arness of Gunsmoke fame were brothers and that both were gentlemen?!

By seni

Rest in Peace Mr. Graves. You'll be missed.

By Ken

Mr. Phelps, you chose and excepted your mission, and you haven't self destructed. We'll miss your charm and sometimes wacky side. May his mercy be upon us all, God bless

By Ray

I'm thinking and really can't remember.
Did Peter and Jim ever do anything together,a movie or tv show?"

By TWW

What a class act. Hated to see this in the news. He and his brother were favorites of mine. Grew up on Fury and Gunsmoke. God bless and RIP.

By Jerry

Sad news. I also grew up with many of those Saturday morning half hour programs. Fury was also a favorite. Many did not know that Mr.Graves was James Arness's brother. Another one of my "Happy Days" generation actors that has now gone on. Unlike Mission Impossible, Mr. Phelps many of us will avow that you were here. My condolences to his family. God Speed and I hope that you are there once again at the Broken Wheel Ranch reunited with Fury....

By bbstacker

By Fred

My condolences to the Graves family and to his brother Jim Arness. Peter Graves was not only a great actor but appeared to be a fine man also. My thanks to both Peter and Jim for all the joy they have brought me with their acting. May he rest in peace.

Monday 22 March

By William

Your mission, Pete, is to live a good long life as possible and keep us entertained.

You were great, Pete, and you will be missed. You were one of favorite actors, playing Jim Phelphs in one of my favorite TV shows, Mission: Impossible.

Thank you so much for your service. :-)

By Jim

Peter Graves had a great career, and a great life. He will be missed by many. His brother James Arness still survives.

By Dan

Loved Mission:Impossible. It was the only 60s spy series that didn't insult the viewer's intelligence. Peter Graves was also hilarious in AIRPLANE -- "Give me Hamm on 5; hold the Mayo."

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