Actor Peter Graves found dead at his home in Pacific Palisades

Actor Peter Graves was found dead Sunday at his home in Pacific Palisades, according to law enforcement sources. Graves, who stared in "Mission: Impossible," "Airplane!" and Billy Wilder's "Stalag 17"--apparently died of natural causes, the sources said.

Graves was 83, according to a biography on the website IMDB.com.

In a Times story late last year, Graves said he initially turned down the role for "Airplane!" because he thought it was in poor taste--until actors Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen signed on to the cast. "They say you are supposed to stretch as an actor, so let's go stretch it," he told The Times' Susan King.

A full obituary is coming shortly from The Times.

--Andrew Blankstein and Cara Mia DiMassa

Photo: Peter Graves, pictured Dec. 8, 2009. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

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A new Times database puts readers on the sidewalks of Hollywood, using more than a century of archives to track the lives of the stars, including current Oscar nominees Jeff Bridges, James Cameron, Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep.

Comments

[David]

Joey, Have You Ever Been In A Turkish Prison?

R.I.P. Mr. Graves

[nobleone]

Peter Graves liked to point out that one of his best friends was the great actor William Holden, with their friendship going back decades in Hollywood. By being found dead in his Pacific Palisades home, Peter follows the path trod by Bill Holden back in 1981, who lived in that general neighborhood at his untimely death. While Bill Holden had a lot of problems with alcohol, he never lost the affection of his many long time friends -- like Peter Graves (and Ronald & Nancy Reagan BTW). Peter Graves made a good impression regardless of what he was appearing in like the early host of A&E's 'Biography' or the father condemned to death in Charles Laughton's 1955 'Night of the Hunter.' It was sad to hear about the death of Bill Holden nearly 30 years ago in the Pacific Palisades zip code, and it is equally sad to hear about the passing of Peter Graves there today. So long champ!!

[james dewey]

He was always good at what ever he was in. Thanks for the years of acting Peter.

[james dewey]

thanks for the years of acting . You did a good job.

[james dewey]

Thanks Peter.

[nr]

RIP Peter. I'll never forget you as agent Jim Phelps, IMF and of course,

"As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim"

[My opinon means nothing]

He was the one who made "Airplane" so funny. Taking a serious actor and putting him in a serious situation with an outragous dialog was pure genius. It was along the same line of what Hitchcock did. Mr. Graves became the veristile actor that he was because of "Airplane". He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

[JustFrustrated]

Every time I think of Peter Graves, I will think of him as the Pilot in "Airplane". I think I will go and watch the movie again right now. Bye Peter, we'll miss you.

[syscom3]

His role in Stalag 17 was phenomenal.

Too bad he's gone. RIP!

[Pablo3535]

RIP Mr. Phelps

[Roy B]

I will never forget his role in Airplane! It was great to watch someone not take himself so seriously and let himself be the butt of so many one liners.

[shawn]

I loved Mission Impossible. God bless you

[Candie Deponte]

I loved Peter in Josie Wales. He was such a hunk in his time. I will truly miss him. My sympathies to his family.

[Reverend Alexander]

God Bless Your Soul Peter, Thank you for the movies, laughs and wisdom. John Wayne and the Rat Pack are very proud of you. Welcome to Haven. I will always take you with me every where I go. The world will get better, I promise. Shalom.

[Kathi]

RIP Jim Phelps

[catherine]

RIP Peter Graves - I remember you best in Airplane - my husband loved you in "Mission Impossible". You were a great "believable" actor. You will be missed immensely.

[Mark VanWey]

The company I worked for remodeled a house a few doors down from him in 1994-1995. I remember him coming over to "inspect" for his neighbors, our clients. He was sincerely concerned for his friend's project. I'm used to celebrity, but this guy was COOL. If I could only be 1/2 that man.
I will miss you.

[Robbiex50]

My deepest sympathy as condolence to his family and friends.
I was an avid fan of Mr. Graves on Mission Impossible I don't believe
I missed an episode, such grace, class and leadership in a role..my thank you to his memory you will not be forgotten.

[kat]

You'll be missed buddy.

[jim]

RIP, thanks for the good times

[Bill]

His greatest Line: "Ever seen a grown man naked?

[abc]

Thanks for the memories, Mr. Graves. Rest in peace.

[Your Daddy]

What a drag. He was GREAT in Stalag 17.

[Dan Briggs]

Good Night, Mr. Phelps.....you will be greatly missed.

And thank you....Thank you for being the consummate professional in your field; Kind, polite, and able to take time out for your fans.

My deepest condolences go out to his widow Joan, his three children, his grandchildren and the rest of the Aurness Family.

A grateful fan,
Dan Briggs

[Jazz1103]

Peter Graves will be missed. I grew up watching him and Greg Morris in Mission Impossible.

If you want to see him in one of his early roles take a look at "Night of the Hunter" with Robert Mitchum. His character was a prisoner "Ben Harper" who was executed early in the movie.

Peter may you rest in peace.