# Peter Graves

> American actor (1926-2010)

**Wikidata**: [Q156532](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156532)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Graves)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-graves

## Summary
Peter Graves was an American actor and director best known for his iconic roles in the television series *Mission: Impossible* (1966–1973) and the comedy film *Airplane!* (1980). A veteran of World War II, he transitioned to a prolific career in film and television, earning multiple Emmy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His contributions spanned acting, directing, and military service, leaving a lasting mark on American entertainment.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 18, 1926, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**: University of Minnesota  
- **Known for**: Starring in *Mission: Impossible* and *Airplane!*, directing television series  
- **Employer(s)**: U.S. Army Air Forces (1944–1945), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Columbia Pictures  
- **Field(s)**: Acting, television directing, military service  

## Contributions
- **Mission: Impossible** (1966–1973): Starred as Jim Phelps, leader of a covert operations team, anchoring the series for seven seasons.  
- **Airplane!** (1980): Played Dr. Rumack, delivering the film’s memorable line, “I am serious… and don’t call me Shirley,” cementing his status in comedy.  
- **Television Directing**: Directed episodes of *The Love Boat*, *Hawaii Five-O*, and *The Dukes of Hazzard* (1980s).  
- **Military Service**: Served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II (1944–1945), attaining the rank of first lieutenant.  
- **Western Films**: Appeared in *Sergeant Rutledge* (1960) and *The Longest Day* (1962), contributing to the war and Western film genres.  

## FAQs
**What was Peter Graves' early life and education?**  
Graves was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota before serving in World War II.  

**What were his most notable acting roles?**  
He is best known for starring in *Mission: Impossible* (1966–1973) and his comedic turn in *Airplane!* (1980).  

**Did Peter Graves serve in the military?**  
Yes, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II (1944–1945), earning the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.  

**What awards did Peter Graves receive?**  
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1998), two Primetime Emmy nominations, and military honors for his WWII service.  

**Was Peter Graves involved in directing?**  
Yes, he directed episodes of popular 1980s television series, including *The Love Boat* and *The Dukes of Hazzard*.  

## Why They Matter
Peter Graves’ career bridged the Golden Age of Hollywood and the rise of television, solidifying his status as a versatile actor in both dramatic and comedic roles. His portrayal of Jim Phelps in *Mission: Impossible* influenced the spy genre, while his performance in *Airplane!* became a touchstone of American comedy. As a WWII veteran, he embodied the transition from military service to entertainment, inspiring later actors. His work behind the camera as a director further demonstrated his dedication to the industry, ensuring his legacy as a multifaceted contributor to 20th-century media.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Roles**: Jim Phelps in *Mission: Impossible* and Dr. Rumack in *Airplane!*  
- **Military Honors**: American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal  
- **Awards**: Hollywood Walk of Fame star, two Primetime Emmy nominations  
- **Dual Career**: Actor and television director, with over 100 film/TV credits  
- **Family Ties**: Brother of actor James Arness (*Gunsmoke*)  
- **Genre Versatility**: Worked in Westerns (*Sergeant Rutledge*), war films (*The Longest Day*), and comedies  

## Body

### Early Life and Military Service  
Peter Duesler Aurness was born on March 18, 1926, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to a family of Norwegian and German descent. He attended the University of Minnesota before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944. During World War II, he served as a first lieutenant and navigator on B-25 bombers, earning the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. After his discharge in 1945, he adopted the stage name “Peter Graves” to pursue acting.

### Acting Career  
Graves began his film career in the 1950s, appearing in Westerns and B-movies such as *The Black Whip* (1954). His breakthrough came in 1966 when he replaced Steven Hill as Jim Phelps in *Mission: Impossible*, a role he played for seven seasons. The series became a cultural phenomenon, blending espionage thrills with social commentary. In the 1980s, Graves transitioned to comedy, starring in *Airplane!* (1980) and *Airplane II: The Sequel* (1982), which revitalized his career. He continued working into the 2000s, appearing in *Hawaii Five-0* (2010) shortly before his death.

### Directing Work  
In addition to acting, Graves directed 24 episodes of *Mission: Impossible* and later helmed episodes of *The Love Boat*, *Fantasy Island*, and *The Dukes of Hazzard*. His directing career spanned over two decades, reflecting his technical skill and industry respect.

### Legacy and Death  
Graves died on March 14, 2010, at his Beverly Hills home, just four days shy of his 84th birthday. His legacy endures through *Mission: Impossible*, which spawned a blockbuster film franchise, and *Airplane!*, ranked among the greatest comedies of all time. He is remembered as a consummate professional who excelled in both drama and comedy, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. MusicBrainz
8. Internet Broadway Database
9. Find a Grave
10. Discogs
11. filmportal.de
12. GeneaStar
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. The Movie Database