Gregory Peck (born Eldred Gregory Peck on April 5, 1916, and expired June 12, 2003) was a renowned American performer whose career spanned six decades. From the 1940s to the 1970s, he emerged as one of Hollywood’s most esteemed and favored actors, acknowledged for his towering, dignified presence, resonant voice, and portrayals of forthright, principled individuals. In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized him as the 12th greatest male star of classic Hollywood cinema. Peck garnered five Academy Award nominations and received the Best Actor accolade for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), a performance deemed one of the finest in film history by many.
He featured in iconic films such as The Keys of the Kingdom (1944), Gentleman’s Agreement (1947), Twelve O’Clock High (1949), Roman Holiday (1953), Moby Dick (1956), The Guns of Navarone (1961), and The Omen (1976). Beyond acting, Peck advocated for liberal initiatives, voiced opposition to blacklisting during the McCarthy period, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969. As of 2026, over 20 years after his demise, his legacy persists through film retrospectives, streaming accessibility to his works, and ongoing admiration for his philanthropic contributions and enduring screen presence.
Age
Gregory Peck was born on April 5, 1916, in La Jolla, San Diego, California. He reached the age of 87 and departed on June 12, 2003.
Net Worth
Upon his death in 2003, Gregory Peck’s net worth was estimated between $20 and $40 million. Adjusted for inflation, this would amount to approximately $35 to $70 million in 2026. He accrued his fortune from various avenues:
- Decades of prominent film roles and leading salaries (particularly during the 1950s–1970s)
- Producing credits and royalties from enduring successes
- Real estate investments, comprising properties in Los Angeles and elsewhere
- Endorsements, speaking engagements, and income from awards
- Royalties from his expansive film collection, which continues to yield modest revenue for his estate via streaming, television broadcasts, and home media
No significant new income sources have emerged for his estate since his passing; however, his films remain widely viewed and licensed.
Cause of Death
Gregory Peck departed peacefully during his sleep on June 12, 2003, at his residence in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 87. The official cause of death was bronchopneumonia, a lung infection that arose as he aged and his health worsened. He generally enjoyed good health until his final months, when he began experiencing breathing difficulties. His spouse, Véronique, was present at the time of his passing. A private funeral was conducted, and he was interred in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels mausoleum in Los Angeles. Numerous tributes poured in from Hollywood and globally, with many recalling his elegance, integrity, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian endeavors.
Wife
Gregory Peck was wed twice:
- Greta Kukkonen (married October 4, 1942, and divorced December 30, 1955) was a Finnish-American hair stylist and entrepreneur. They had three sons together. Their union concluded due to personal disparities and the pressures stemming from Peck’s increasing fame.
- Véronique Passani (married December 31, 1955, until his demise in 2003) was a French journalist who first encountered Peck in 1952 while working for France-Soir. They fell for each other, and she resigned from her position to be with him. They welcomed two children, a son and a daughter. Their marriage spanned 47 years and was characterized by love and support. Véronique remained by his side throughout his final illness and lived until 2012.
Family
Gregory Peck fathered five children across his marriages:
- From the first marriage to Greta Kukkonen:
- Jonathan Peck (1944–1975) – Worked in television news; took his own life at age 31.
- Stephen Peck (born 1946) – Author and Vietnam War veteran.
- Carey Paul Peck (born 1949) – Politician and former California State Assembly candidate.
- From the second marriage to Véronique Passani:
- Anthony Peck (born 1956) – Former spouse of supermodel Cheryl Tiegs; film producer.
- Cecilia Peck (born 1958) – Documentary filmmaker and activist.
Peck also had numerous grandchildren, including actor Ethan Peck, son of Stephen, who has carried on the family’s acting legacy. The Peck family values their privacy yet remains supportive, with Véronique and the children frequently attending tributes and film retrospectives in his honor.
Career
Gregory Peck received training in acting at the Neighbourhood Playhouse in New York under Sanford Meisner and performed in over 50 stage plays along with three Broadway productions prior to relocating to Hollywood. He made his film debut in Days of Glory (1944) and earned his initial Oscar nomination for The Keys of the Kingdom (1944). He rapidly ascended to being a leading man, starring in:
- Spellbound (1945, Alfred Hitchcock)
- The Yearling (1946)
- Gentleman’s Agreement (1947, Oscar-nominated)
- Twelve O’Clock High (1949, Oscar-nominated)
- The Gunfighter (1950)
- Roman Holiday (1953, alongside Audrey Hepburn)
- Moby Dick (1956)
- The Guns of Navarone (1961)
- Cape Fear (1962)
- To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Oscar win as Atticus Finch)
- The Omen (1976)
- The Boys from Brazil (1978)
Peck was noted for portraying characters marked by strong ethics, and he was acclaimed for his nuanced and contemplative performances. He also produced films and remained engaged in theater and television. He was politically active, vocally opposing the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947 and supporting liberal initiatives throughout his lifetime.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Eldred Gregory Peck |
| Born | April 5, 1916 – La Jolla, California |
| Died | June 12, 2003 (age 87) – Los Angeles, California |
| Cause of Death | Bronchopneumonia |
| Wives | Greta Kukkonen (1942–1955, divorced); Véronique Passani (1955–2003, his death) |
| Children | 5 (Jonathan, Stephen, Carey from first marriage; Anthony, Cecilia from second) |
| Breakthrough Role | The Keys of the Kingdom (1944) |
| Signature Role | Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Oscar win) |
| Major Awards | Academy Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom (1969), AFI Life Achievement Award |
| Net Worth (at death) | $20–40 million (2003 dollars) |
| Legacy | Ranked 12th greatest male star of classic Hollywood; humanitarian icon |
