Peter Breck was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Big Valley, Thunder Road, and Maverick. Born Joseph Peter Breck on March 13, 1929, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he became a familiar face in television and film as a leading man.
Personal and Family Life
Peter Breck was raised by his grandparents in Massachusetts after his parents, both musicians, were often on the road. He married Diana Bourne in 1960, and they had a son named Christopher. Tragically, Christopher passed away from acute myeloid leukemia in his 20s, which deeply affected Breck and his family.
Career Highlights
After serving in the United States Navy, Breck pursued acting and found success in various television roles during the late 1950s and 1960s, becoming known for his character Nick Barkley in The Big Valley. He also acted in films like Thunder Road and had guest spots on many popular TV shows of the era. In addition to acting, he established The Breck Academy, an acting school in Vancouver, where he taught aspiring actors.
Death and Legacy
Peter Breck passed away on February 6, 2012, in Vancouver, Canada, due to complications from advanced dementia. His contributions to film and television left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as a talented actor who brought many memorable characters to life on screen.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Benji | 1974-10-17 | Dr. Paul M. Chapman |
| Decoy | 1995-12-19 | Wellington |
| Highway 61 | 1991-09-05 | Mr. Watson |
| Shock Corridor | 1963-09-25 | Johnny Barrett |
| The Unnamable II | 1992-10-21 | Sheriff Hatch |
| The Crawling Hand | 1963-09-04 | Steve Curan |
| The Beatniks | 1959-06-05 | Bob Mooney |
| Portrait of a Mobster | 1961-04-19 | Frank Brennan |
| Terminal City Ricochet | 1990-05-11 | Ross Gilmore |
| Hootenanny Hoot | 1963-08-01 | Ted Grover |
| Lad: A Dog | 1962-06-02 | Stephen Tremayne |
| The Wild and the Innocent | 1959-05-27 | Chip |
| Thunder Road | 1958-05-10 | Stacey Gouge |
| Jiminy Glick in Lalawood | 2005-05-08 | Tibor |