Hollywood has lost one of the most-loved figures of its golden era, with the death of Gregory Peck at his home in Los Angeles. The legendary actor, who delighted audiences the world over in films like MacArthur and Roman Holiday, was 87 years old.
Despite being considered one of the world's most attractive men, Gregory only had eyes for one woman, his wife of 48 years Veronique Passani, who was with him when he died. "She told me he just died peacefully," said spokesman Monroe Friedman. "She said she was holding his hand and he just closed his eyes and went to sleep and he was gone."
Gregory became well-known for playing honourable, clean-cut characters, picking up a best actor Oscar for his performance in 1962's To Kill A Mockingbird. His chiselled good-looks also played a role in making him the classic Hollywood good-guy.
Not that he couldn't take on the role of a villain, as his turn in The Boys From Brazil more than proved. The actor's portrayal of crazed Nazi doctor Josef Mengele left audiences around the world feeling distinctly unsettled.
But more than anything else, Gregory will be remembered for the sense of dignity and integrity he emanated. "Greg is one of the nicest, straightest guys I ever knew," said Moby Dick director John Huston.
Such was his appeal that the Democrat Party once tried to convince him to run for governor of California, but the 6ft 3in star preferred to avoid party politics. Instead he lent his support to non-governmental organisations such as the American Cancer Fund. After winning the Jean Hersholt humanitarian award in 1968 the humble actor declared: "I'm not a do-gooder. It embarrassed me to be classified as a humanitarian. I simply take part in activities that I believe in."
The former president of the Academy Awards body is survived by his wife and four children.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
