Hailing from San Diego in 1916, Gregory Peck emerged as a titan of the Golden Age of Hollywood, earning the 12th spot on the American Film Institute’s list of Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood cinema. His performances were stellar, his charisma and commanding voice unmatched, and his selection of roles impeccable.
Unlike many contemporary stars, Gregory Peck exuded a genuine soul and class rarely seen in today’s Hollywood landscape.
This California native, with his captivating gaze, initially honed his craft in the theater world, appearing in around 50 plays before transitioning to the silver screen with his debut in the 1944 war-romance film, “Days of Glory.”
However, it was his role in his second film, “The Keys of the Kingdom,” that propelled him to stardom. Portraying an octogenarian Roman Catholic priest reflecting on 50 years of missionary work in China, Peck delivered a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and showcased a touching tale of faith and devotion.
Peck further solidified his status as a cinematic legend through collaborations with acclaimed director Alfred Hitchcock, notably in “Spellbound,” opposite the iconic Ingrid Bergman. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and despite their respective marriages, rumors of a clandestine affair persisted. While Peck neither confirmed nor denied these rumors publicly, his 1987 interview with People magazine hinted at the truth without divulging specifics.
“In this regard, I find myself unable to provide a comprehensive answer. All I can express is a genuine affection for her, and perhaps that’s where my commentary should conclude. However, I will add that she resembled a beautiful Swedish rose. We were both young, immersed in weeks of intense and intimate collaboration,” Peck remarked five years following Bergman’s passing.
Despite their strained relationship, Peck and Hitchcock collaborated on another project, “The Paradine Case.” While Peck lacked experience and often required guidance, Hitchcock offered minimal direction, famously remarking, “I couldn’t care less what your character is thinking. Just let your face drain of all expression.”
Despite Hitchcock’s critique of his acting abilities, Peck garnered five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor. His portrayal of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” finally clinched the coveted Oscar.
“There’s a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep ‘em all away from you.” – Atticus Finch #HappyFathersDay
Although “To Kill a Mockingbird” stands as his most renowned work, Peck delivered memorable performances in other classics such as “Moby Dick” (1956), “The Big Country” (1958), and “How the West Was Won” (1962).
Peck was also deeply involved in humanitarian endeavors. In 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson bestowed upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his lifetime commitment to humanitarian causes.
Marriage and family:
Gregory Peck wed Finnish-born Greta Kukkonen in 1942, with whom he had three sons: Jonathan, Stephen, and Carey Paul. While Stephen and Carey Paul survive to this day, Jonathan tragically passed away in 1975.
Following his divorce from Greta in 1955, Peck found love again with news reporter Véronique Passani. The couple, who had met during an interview prior to Peck’s departure to Italy to film “Roman Holiday,” raised a son, Antony, and a daughter, Cecilia. Peck and Véronique remained devoted partners until his demise in 2003.
His grandson, a mirror image:
It seems that the acting talent of Gregory Peck resurfaced in the next generation, particularly in his grandson, Ethan Gregory Peck. Ethan’s father, Stephen Peck, is one of the sons Gregory had with his first wife. Stephen, a Vietnam War veteran, has contributed significantly to society and served as President and CEO of U.S. VETS.
Born in 1986, Ethan Peck made his television debut at the tender age of nine, co-starring in the film “Marshal Law” as the son of Jimmy Smits.
In “That ’70s Show,” Ethan portrayed the younger version of Michael Kelso, played by Ashton Kutcher. His film credits include “Passport to Paris” (1999) alongside Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and “Tennessee,” where he shared the screen with Adam Rothenberg and Mariah Carey.
Ethan not only inherited his grandfather’s acting prowess but also bears a striking resemblance to him, with strong, dark eyebrows and eyes.
While Ethan had a typical relationship with his grandfather, he didn’t feel particularly close to him. He fondly recalls his grandfather teaching him how to float in a swimming pool, but laments the missed opportunity for deeper conversations about acting.
In 2009, Ethan’s talent was recognized with the “Best Actor” award at the Sonoma International Film Festival for his role as “Sailor” in “Adopt a Sailor.”
One of his significant roles was in the second season of “Star Trek: Discovery,” and he was set to reprise the role in the spin-off series “Star Trek: Strange New World” (2022).
Despite the advantages of having such a famous grandfather, Ethan insists he doesn’t feel the weight of his legacy. He maintains that his connection lies more with his father, from whom he believes he inherited the qualities for which Gregory Peck is renowned.
