Gregory Peck

With a commanding presence and a voice that resonated with quiet strength, Gregory Peck became one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons. Whether portraying a principled lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird or a conflicted outlaw in The Bravados, Peck brought depth, dignity, and moral complexity to every role.

Born April 5, 1916, in La Jolla, California, Eldred Gregory Peck grew up with a love for literature and performance. After studying at UC Berkeley and honing his craft at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, he made his film debut in Days of Glory (1944). From that moment on, Peck was a leading man—his piercing eyes, resonant voice, and high cheekbones made him unforgettable on screen.

Though widely celebrated for his dramatic roles, Peck’s contributions to the Western genre are equally remarkable. He starred in over a dozen Westerns, each showcasing a different facet of his talent. In The Yearling, he played a humble farmer with quiet wisdom. In Duel in the Sun, he shocked audiences as a seductive villain. And in The Gunfighter, he delivered a haunting performance as a weary gunslinger seeking peace.

Peck’s Westerns often explored themes of justice, redemption, and personal integrity—values he embodied both on and off screen. In The Big Country, he refused to be drawn into petty feuds, choosing principle over pride. In Billy Two Hats, he portrayed a Scottish outlaw with surprising tenderness, forming a bond with his young accomplice.

Off camera, Peck was known for his humanitarian work and unwavering moral compass. He founded his own production company, advocated for civil rights, and remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until his passing on June 12, 2003, at the age of 87.

Gregory Peck’s legacy lives on in the characters he portrayed—men of courage, conviction, and complexity. Explore his life through rare photos, a detailed timeline, and curated features that celebrate his remarkable journey through film.