Actor. Born Peter Duesler Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he participated in athletics and was an accomplished musician before beginning his career as a radio announcer, where he utilized his robust speaking voice. During World War II (WWII), he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1944 to 1945, earning the rank of corporal. For his military service, he received the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After studying drama at the University of Minnesota, he followed his older brother James Arness into the entertainment industry, when he broke into films with his motion picture debut in "Rogue River" (1951). Throughout the 1950s, he appeared in routine movies and had a memorable role as 'Price' the German informer in the picture "Stalag 17" (1953). The decade also saw Graves appear on the small screen, with a featured role in the series "Fury" (1955 to 1960), as well as guest performances in other programs. It would be the role of 'Jim Phelps' on the popular espionage television series "Mission: Impossible" (1967 to 1973), for which TV audiences would most identify him with. A later generation would fondly remember him for his comical performance as Captain Clarence Oveur in the classic comedy movie "Airplane!" (1980), its sequel in 1982, and for his narration work in the "Biography" series with the Arts and Entertainment (A&E) Network. He remained busy in a large range of TV and film roles from the 1970s until his death, including "The Winds of War" (1983), and an updated version of "Mission: Impossible" (1988 to 1990), repeating his character from the original series. He died from a heart attack.
Actor. Born Peter Duesler Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he participated in athletics and was an accomplished musician before beginning his career as a radio announcer, where he utilized his robust speaking voice. During World War II (WWII), he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1944 to 1945, earning the rank of corporal. For his military service, he received the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After studying drama at the University of Minnesota, he followed his older brother James Arness into the entertainment industry, when he broke into films with his motion picture debut in "Rogue River" (1951). Throughout the 1950s, he appeared in routine movies and had a memorable role as 'Price' the German informer in the picture "Stalag 17" (1953). The decade also saw Graves appear on the small screen, with a featured role in the series "Fury" (1955 to 1960), as well as guest performances in other programs. It would be the role of 'Jim Phelps' on the popular espionage television series "Mission: Impossible" (1967 to 1973), for which TV audiences would most identify him with. A later generation would fondly remember him for his comical performance as Captain Clarence Oveur in the classic comedy movie "Airplane!" (1980), its sequel in 1982, and for his narration work in the "Biography" series with the Arts and Entertainment (A&E) Network. He remained busy in a large range of TV and film roles from the 1970s until his death, including "The Winds of War" (1983), and an updated version of "Mission: Impossible" (1988 to 1990), repeating his character from the original series. He died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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