Hollywood bade a fond farewell to one of its best-loved figures on Monday, as a host of stars gathered to pay their final respects to Gregory Peck. The inimitable actor died at his home on Sunday with his wife of 48 years, Veronique, at his side. He was 87-years-old.
"He was an actor of extraordinary depth, breadth and achievement," said Cardinal Roger Mahony, who led the service. "But his life was not acted. He lived his life authentically. Gregory did not have to act at being an extraordinary human being."
Among the mourners attending were Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart, Lauren Bacall, Anjelica Huston, Michael Jackson and Harry Belafonte. Close to 3,000 people attended the service, which took place after a smaller, private funeral.
The eulogy was delivered by Brock Peters, who co-starred with Gregory in To Kill A Mockingbird. The 75-year-old recalled how Gregory called him to introduce himself after they had both been signed up for the film.
"I was surprised and stunned," said Brock. "This was an idol of mine, both as an actor and as a person. I'd only just been cast to play the role of Tom Robinson and suddenly found myself ear-to-ear, voice-to-voice with Gregory Peck – and I dropped the phone." His iconic co-star went on to win the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of idealistic lawyer Atticus Finch in the movie.
The actor's children also spoke at the ceremony, before a video tribute was shown. In one clip, from an interview Gregory had given late in his life, he was asked how he would like to be thought of in the future. "I would like to be remembered as a good husband and father," he said. "As a professional, I'd like to be thought of as a storyteller."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
