Eldred Gregory Peck was an American actor and one of the famous filmstar of from the 1940s to 1970s. He was the 12th-greatest male star of Classic Hollywood Cinema. He was a tall, imposing actor with a deep mellow voice. He was the best-known actor for conveying actor of honesty and integrity. Peck made his first film appearance as a Russian guerilla fighter in Days Of Glory.
He was honored with an Academy Award for his performance as a compassionate lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird. He was a remarkable performer, fully capable in the roles that required him to be the moral center of a film. He served as chairman of the American Cancer Society. Peck was also active in politics. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 for his lifetime humanitarian efforts.
Gregory Peck, the legendary actor, was not only admired for his remarkable talent and captivating performances but also for his impressive physical presence. Standing at an imposing height of approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm), Peck possessed a commanding stature that added to his on-screen charisma. Peck’s height of 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) allowed him to tower over his co-stars, giving him a distinct advantage in terms of physical presence. This attribute played a significant role in shaping the characters he portrayed on screen, enhancing their authority and intensity.
| Birth | April 05, 1916 |
| Birth Name | Eldred Gregory Peck |
| Nick Name | Father PeckGreg |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1941-2000 |
| Spouses | Greta Kukkonen,Veronique Passani |
| Death | June 12, 2003 |
| Resting Place | Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels, Los Angeles |
Early Life:
Eldred Gregory Peck was born on April 5, 1916, in the neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, California. His mother was Bernice Mae. His father was Gregory Pearl Peck, a pharmacist, and chemist. His father was of English and Irish ancestry and his mother belonged to English and Scot ancestry. He was raised in the Catholic religion. His parents separated when he was of 5 years and he was brought up by his maternal grandmother. Her grandmother took him to the movies every week.
Education:
At the age of 10, he was sent to a Catholic military school, St John’s Military Academy in Los Angeles. At 14, he moved back to his father in San Diego to live with his father. He attended San Diego High School. After graduation, he was enrolled at San Diego State Teacher’s College for one year. He was encouraged by the acting coach, who find him perfect for the university theater.
Relationship:
Peck married Greta Kukkonen in October 1942. The couple had three sons. They were divorced in December 1955. During his first marriage, he had an affair with Ingrid Bergmann, his co-star in SpellBound.
Peck married Veronique Passani after the day of his first divorce. She was a news reporter and interviewed him in 1952 for his movie Roman Holiday. The couple had a son and a daughter. Passani remained her wife until his death.
Children:
Gregory Peck had five children throughout his life. Here are the names of his children.
- Jonathan Peck: Jonathan is Gregory Peck’s eldest son. He followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
- Stephen Peck: Stephen is another one of Gregory Peck’s sons. Not much information is readily available about his personal life.
- Carey Paul Peck: Carey Paul Peck is Gregory Peck’s third son. Similarly, there is limited information about his personal life.
- Anthony Peck: Anthony Peck, also known as Tony Peck, is the fourth son of Gregory Peck. He is an actor and has appeared in a few film and television roles.
- Cecilia Peck: Cecilia Peck is Gregory Peck’s only daughter. Like her father and brother, she also pursued a career in acting, but she is also known for her work as a documentary filmmaker.
Read Also: Katharine Hepburn Biography
Career:
Peck moved to New York City to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse with the acting teacher Sanford Meisner. He also started modeling in the early time of his career. His stage career began in 1941, he played the role of a secretary in the play The Doctor’s Dilemma. In 1942, he made his Broadway debut in the movie The Morning Star. His second Broadway movie was The Willow and I.
As An Actor:
After gaining stage recognition, Peck was offered his first role in the movie Days Of Glory in 1944. Pecks’s second movie was The Keys Of Kingdom. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards. Peck’s screen presence displayed the qualities for which he became well known. In the 1970s he also produced two movies, The Trial of the Catonsville Nine and The Dove. Peck received worldwide fame with the movie The Gunfighter in 1950.
Famous Movies:
- To Kill A Mockingbird
- Roman Holiday
- Spellbound
- Twelve o’Clock High
- Moby Dick
- Cape Fear
- The Guns Of Navarone
- Gentleman’s Agreement
- The Omen
- On The Beach
- Macarthur
- The Yearling
- The Big Country
- The Boys From Brazil
- The Gun Fighter
- The Man In The Gray Flannel Suit
Death:
On June 12, 2003, Peck died in his sleep from bronchopneumonia at the age of 87 in his home in Los Angeles. His wife was by his side. He was buried in the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels, Los Angeles.
Awards And Honors:
- Academy Awards for Best Actor In Leading Role (1963)
- Presidential Medal Of Freedom (1969)
- Kennedy Center Honors ( 1991)
- AFI Life Achievement Award (1989)
- National Medal Of Arts
- Honorary Cesar (1995)
- David di Donatello Award (2003)
- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1968)
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (1970)
- David di Donatello Award For Best Foreign Actor (1963)
