Peter Duesler Aurness, a talented individual, was born on March 18, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his formative years in Minnesota, he showcased exceptional skills in sports and music, with a particular affinity for the saxophone. By the age of 16, he had already secured a position as a radio announcer at WMIN in Minneapolis, demonstrating his versatility and early aptitude for broadcasting.
Following his service in the United States Army Air Force, Graves pursued a degree in drama at the University of Minnesota. Upon completing his studies, he relocated to Hollywood, where he made his television debut and subsequently appeared in his first film, Rogue River, in 1951. Throughout his career, Graves made numerous film appearances, with a notable emphasis on Westerns.
However, it is his extensive work in television that has cemented his legacy. One of his most iconic roles was that of Jim Phelps in the popular series Mission: Impossible, which premiered in 1966. Peter Graves passed away on March 14, 2010, at the age of 83, just four days shy of his 84th birthday, due to a heart attack.
