Peter Graves

Biography

Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness; March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor. While growing up in Minnesota, he excelled at sports and music (as a saxophonist), and by age 16, he was a radio announcer at WMIN in Minneapolis. After two years in the United States Air Force, he studied drama at the University of Minnesota and then headed to Hollywood, where he first appeared on television and later made his film debut in Rogue River (1951). Numerous film appearances followed, especially in Westerns. However, Graves is primarily recognized for his television work, particularly as Jim Phelps in Mission: Impossible (1966). Peter Graves died of a heart attack on March 14, 2010, just four days before his 84th birthday.

Known For

Men in Black II

as Peter Graves

House

as Myron

Airplane!

as Capt. Clarence Oveur

Addams Family Values

as Host

American Dad!

as Mr. Pibb (voice)

The Night of the Hunter

as Ben Harper

Looney Tunes: Back in Action

as Host of Civil Defense Film

Airplane II: The Sequel

as Capt. Clarence Oveur

House on Haunted Hill

as Himself

Stalag 17

as Sgt. Frank Price