The Unseen Life Of Gregory Peck: 7 Shocking Facts About Hollywood's Ultimate Gentleman

Eldred Gregory Peck remains one of the most revered figures in Hollywood history, a towering presence whose on-screen integrity was mirrored by his real-life moral conviction. While he is eternally celebrated for his Oscar-winning role as the heroic Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, a film that continues to shape legal and social discourse today, his life off-camera was filled with equally compelling and often surprising chapters of activism and personal dedication.

As of the current date, December 13, 2025, Gregory Peck's legacy is more relevant than ever, with his 2016 centennial celebration having cemented his status not just as a film star, but as a humanitarian icon. This deep dive explores the lesser-known facets of the man often called "Hollywood's Gentleman," from his surprising political battles to the extraordinary friendships that defined his career.

Gregory Peck: A Complete Biographical Profile

Gregory Peck's life spanned nearly nine decades, marking him as one of the most enduring stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. His career was defined by playing men of quiet strength, a persona rooted deeply in his own character.

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• Full Name: Eldred Gregory Peck
• Born: April 5, 1916, in La Jolla, California, U.S.
• Died: June 12, 2003 (aged 87), in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Bernice Mae "Bunny" Ayres (mother) and Gregory Pearl Peck (father), a pharmacist.
• Education: University of California, Berkeley (studied pre-med).
• Spouses:
  • Greta Kukkonen (m. 1942; div. 1955)
  • Veronique Passani (m. 1955)
• Children:
  • Jonathan Peck (1944–1975)
  • Stephen Peck (b. 1946)
  • Carey Peck (b. 1949)
  • Anthony Peck (b. 1956)
  • Cecilia Peck (b. 1958)
• Key Awards:
  • Academy Award for Best Actor (1963, for To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969)
  • Golden Globe Award (multiple wins, including two for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)
  • Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (1970)
  • AFI Life Achievement Award (1991)

Peck initially pursued a pre-med degree at UC Berkeley before finding his calling on the stage. His move to New York City and subsequent study at the Neighborhood Playhouse launched a career that would make him a global icon.

The Unseen Activist: Why Gregory Peck Was on Nixon's Enemies List

While his roles often portrayed moral heroes, Gregory Peck’s most impactful heroism took place in the political arena. He was a lifelong Democrat and one of Hollywood’s most outspoken political activists, a commitment that put him directly in the crosshairs of the establishment.

His unwavering liberal views and public advocacy for humanitarian causes were so pronounced that they earned him a spot on President Richard M. Nixon’s infamous "enemies list." This list, compiled during the Nixon administration, targeted political opponents, journalists, and celebrities, a truly shocking distinction for a man whose public image was one of unimpeachable integrity.

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A Champion of Civil Rights and Social Causes

Peck’s activism was broad and deep, extending far beyond the typical celebrity endorsement. He was a vocal proponent of gun control, serving as the chairman of the American Cancer Society, and actively working against nuclear proliferation.

His commitment to anti-racism was particularly notable. Long before the release of To Kill a Mockingbird, Peck was personally fighting Hollywood bigotry. Unpublished documents from the Margaret Herrick Library reveal his private opposition to racial discrimination in the industry. This deep, personal conviction made his portrayal of Atticus Finch—the defense attorney fighting institutionalized racism—the most authentic performance of his career, a role the American Film Institute would later name the greatest hero in cinematic history.

He also helped found the Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts and providing opportunities for minority artists.

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Behind the Scenes: The Enduring Legacy of the Gentleman

Peck’s reputation as a true gentleman was not a Hollywood fabrication; it was a character trait that defined his personal and professional relationships. This integrity led to one of the most celebrated and enduring friendships in film history.

The Lifelong Bond with Audrey Hepburn

The on-screen chemistry between Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in the classic film Roman Holiday (1953) was electric, leading to widespread speculation about a real-life romance. However, both stars consistently denied any romantic involvement, insisting their relationship was one of deep, platonic friendship.

Peck was instrumental in launching Hepburn's career. He famously insisted that she receive co-star billing for Roman Holiday, recognizing her immense talent even before the film's release. This act of generosity and professional respect solidified a lifelong bond between the two, a friendship that lasted until Hepburn’s death. He would later call her the most charming woman he had ever met.

The Role He Initially Regretted

While Peck is celebrated for his noble characters, one of his most challenging roles was the obsessive Captain Ahab in John Huston's 1956 adaptation of Herman Melville's Moby Dick. Peck initially struggled with the role, feeling he was perhaps miscast as the maniacal, vengeful figure, a departure from his usual portrayals of rational, moral men.

Despite his personal reservations about capturing Ahab's madness, the film remains a landmark cinematic achievement. It demonstrated Peck’s versatility, proving he could embody darkness as effectively as he embodied light, even if his heart truly belonged to characters like Atticus Finch.

The Continuing Celebration of Gregory Peck's Moral Fortitude

The centennial of Gregory Peck's birth in 2016 sparked a global resurgence of interest, with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences unveiling a special exhibition in his honor. This renewed focus highlights how his legacy extends beyond classic film into the realm of civic duty and humanitarianism.

His family continues to honor his memory through the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence, which is presented annually to a director, producer, or actor whose work embodies the spirit of artistic integrity and social consciousness that defined his career. This award serves as a perpetual reminder that the "Gentleman of Hollywood" was, above all, a man of profound moral fortitude.

From his early stage work in New York to his final film roles, Gregory Peck consistently chose projects that reflected his personal values, creating a filmography that is a testament to the power of decency. His life story—a pre-med student turned Oscar-winning actor, a political target, and a tireless humanitarian—offers an inspiring example of how a celebrity can use their platform to champion justice and change the world.