Peter Graves - Actor Profile

Peter Graves

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 18, 1926
Birth Place: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

About Peter Graves

Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness; March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor. While growing up in Minnesota, he excelled at sports and music (as a saxophonist), and by age 16, he was a radio announcer at WMIN in Minneapolis. After two years in the United States Air Force, he studied drama at the University of Minnesota and then headed to Hollywood, where he first appeared on television and later made his film debut in Rogue River (1951). Numerous film appearances followed, especially in Westerns. However, Graves is primarily recognized for his television work, particularly as Jim Phelps in Mission: Impossible (1966). Peter Graves died of a heart attack on March 14, 2010, just four days before his 84th birthday.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Peter Graves reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Peter Graves's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Peter Graves remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Featuring Audra McDonald and Peter Graves, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Peter Graves Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Peter Graves's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Peter Graves.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2009 What a Difference a Day Made: Doris Day Superstar Self Super Hit Similar →
2005 Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Featuring Audra McDonald and Peter Graves Self Super Hit Similar →
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Host of Civil Defense Film Average Similar →
2002 Men in Black II Peter Graves Average Similar →
2001 These Old Broads Bill Average Similar →
1999 House on Haunted Hill Self Average Similar →
1996 Jerry Lewis: The Last American Clown Self - Host Average Similar →
1995 Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons Self - Narrator (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1994 Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess Self - Host Hit Similar →
1993 Addams Family Values Host Hit Similar →
1984 Aces Go Places III: Our Man from Bond Street Tom Collins Average Similar →
1982 Airplane II: The Sequel Capt. Clarence Oveur Average Similar →
1982 Savannah Smiles Harland Dobbs Hit Similar →
1980 Airplane! Capt. Clarence Oveur Hit Similar →
1980 The Memory of Eva Ryker Mike Rogers Average Similar →
1980 Steve Martin: Comedy Is Not Pretty TV Director Hit Similar →
1978 SST: Death Flight Paul Whitley Average Similar →
1977 High Seas Hijack Elliott Rhoades Super Hit Similar →
1976 The Mysterious Monsters Himself - Narrator Average Similar →
1975 Dead Man on the Run Jim Gideon Average Similar →
1974 Where Have All the People Gone Steven Anders Average Similar →
1974 The Underground Man Lew Archer Average Similar →
1974 Scream of the Wolf John Wetherby Average Similar →
1973 The President's Plane Is Missing Mark Jones Average Similar →
1969 Mission: Impossible vs. the Mob Jim Phelps Super Hit Similar →
1969 The 5-Man Army Dutchman Hit Similar →
1969 The Assassination Bureau Dragomiloff's Butler (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1968 Sergeant Ryker Maj. Whitaker Average Similar →
1968 The Ballad of Josie Jason Meredith Average Similar →
1968 The Movie Orgy Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1966 Texas Across the River Capt. Stimpson Average Similar →
1956 Canyon River Bob Andrews Average Similar →
1956 Hold Back The Night Lt. Lee Couzens Average Similar →
1955 The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell Capt. Bob Elliott Hit Similar →
1955 Fort Yuma Lt. Ben Keegan Flop Similar →
1955 The Naked Street Joe McFarland Average Similar →
1955 The Night of the Hunter Ben Harper Super Hit Similar →
1955 Wichita Morgan Earp Average Similar →
1955 Robbers' Roost Heesman Average Similar →
1955 The Long Gray Line Corporal Rudolph Heinz Hit Similar →
1954 Black Tuesday Peter Manning Average Similar →
1954 The Raid Capt. Frank Dwyer Hit Similar →
1954 The Yellow Tomahawk Sawyer Average Similar →
1953 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef Arnold Dix Average Similar →
1953 War Paint Trooper Tolson Average Similar →
1953 East of Sumatra Cowboy Flop Similar →
1953 Stalag 17 Sgt. Frank Price Super Hit Similar →
1951 Angels in the Outfield Radio Announcer (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1951 Fort Defiance Ned Tallon Average Similar →

Peter Graves - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Peter Graves?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Peter Graves is "Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Featuring Audra McDonald and Peter Graves" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Peter Graves acted in?

Peter Graves has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Peter Graves?

Other notable films include "High Seas Hijack", "Mission: Impossible vs. the Mob", and "Betty Boop: Queen of the Cartoons".