Gregory Peck

Date of Birth: April 5, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 12, 2003

Biography

Eldred Gregory Peck was an American actor who is regarded as one of the greatest and most beloved actors in the history of American cinema. Born in La Jolla, California, Peck attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he initially studied pre-med before switching to English and eventually pursuing acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1942, and his film debut came in 1944 with “Days of Glory.” Peck’s career spanned over five decades, and he starred in numerous classic films, including “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Roman Holiday,” and “The Guns of Navarone.” Known for his deep, commanding voice and earnest screen presence, Peck won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962). He was also a humanitarian and active in political causes, notably opposing the House Un-American Activities Committee’s blacklist during the 1950s. Gregory Peck passed away on June 12, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional performances and social contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about Gregory Peck

1. Gregory Peck was nominated for five Academy Awards throughout his career, winning once for “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

2. He was an outspoken opponent of the Hollywood blacklist, which targeted alleged communist sympathizers during the Cold War.

3. Peck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969.

4. He founded the La Jolla Playhouse in 1947 with actors Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer.

5. Gregory Peck was a lifelong supporter of the University of California, Berkeley, and even donated his Oscar to the school’s Bancroft Library.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gregory Peck

1. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do, remember?”

2. “You have to dream. We all do. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

3. “I just do things I really enjoy. I enjoy acting. When I’m driving to the studio, I sing in the car.”

4. “Faith is a force multiplier.”

5. “There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Gregory Peck’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.

Children

Gregory Peck had five children: 1. Jonathan Peck (1944–1975) – Peck’s first son, who tragically committed suicide. 2. Stephen Peck (b. 1946) – A former actor, now an advocate for homeless veterans. 3. Carey Paul Peck (b. 1949) – A former politician and environmentalist. 4. Cecilia Peck (b. 1958) – An actress and documentary filmmaker. 5. Tony Peck (b. 1956) – An actor.