Pete Duel was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Alias Smith and Jones, Gidget, and Love on a Rooftop. He garnered attention for his acting skills and became a popular figure in television during the 1960s.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 24, 1940, in Rochester, New York, his birth name was Peter Ellstrom Deuel. He was raised by his parents, Dr. Ellsworth Shaut “Bob” Deuel, a physician, and Lillian Marcella (Ellstrom) Deuel, alongside his siblings Geoffrey and Pamela. Pete attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City from 1957 to 1961, which helped him pursue his passion for acting.
Career
After moving to West Hollywood in 1963, Pete started his career by appearing in small roles in various television series. His breakout role came with the series Gidget in 1965, followed by Love on a Rooftop in 1966, both of which were short-lived but well-received. He achieved greater fame with the hit series Alias Smith and Jones, which solidified his place in the entertainment industry.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Pete Duel died on December 31, 1971, in Hollywood from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His unexpected death shocked many, leading to investigations that concluded it was a suicide, influenced by depression and alcohol-related issues. He was remembered fondly by fans and friends, with memorial services held both in California and his hometown of Penfield, New York.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 1969-12-15 | Walter Owen |
| Cannon for Cordoba | 1970-10-01 | Andy |
| The Hell with Heroes | 1968-08-28 | Mike Brewer |
| The Young Country | 1970-03-17 | ‘Honest’ John Smith |
| Scarecrow | 1972-01-10 | Richard Talbot |
| The Psychiatrist: God Bless the Children | 1970-12-14 | Casey T. Pope |
| How to Steal an Airplane | 1971-12-10 | Sam Rollins |
| Marcus Welby, M.D. | 1969-03-26 | Lew Sawyer |
| Espionage Target: You | 1964-01-01 | Pete Karras (uncredited) |
| Gidget | 1965-09-15 | |
| The F.B.I. | 1965-09-19 | Wayne Everett Powell |
| Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. | 1964-09-25 | |
| Alias Smith and Jones | 1971-01-05 | Hannibal Heyes (alias Joshua Smith) |
| Love on a Rooftop | 1966-09-06 | Dave Willis |
| Combat! | 1962-10-02 | Szigeti |
| Ironside | 1967-03-28 | |
| Mickey | 1964-09-16 | |
| The Fugitive | 1963-09-17 | Buzzy |
| The F.B.I. | 1965-09-19 | Mike James |
| The Name of the Game | 1968-09-20 | Andrei Chernin |