Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dies in LA <cite><abbr title="2010-03-14T19:49:43-0700" class="recenttimedate"></abbr> </cite> <!-- end .hd --> <cite>AP</cite> LOS ANGELES - Peter Graves, the tall, stalwart actor likely best known for his portrayal of Jim Phelps, leader of a gang of special agents who battled evil conspirators in the long-running television series "Mission: Impossible," died Sunday.
I watched MI as a kid. Liked the show and liked him. Cracked me up in Airplane, too. A long life, good career, successful marriage, great kids and a quick ending. Spent his last morning at brunch with his family. Just about all one could hope for out of this life. Good night, Mr. Phelps.
Good actor - not always good movies - had some real stinkers in the fifties! He at first refused the part in "Airplane", thinking it 'tasteless'. Then he heard his friends Robert Stack and Lloyd Bridges signed on, so he did too.