Gregory Peck, the quintessential old Hollywood actor: tall, dark, handsome, charismatic, with a deep well-modulated voice that made women’s hearts melt; and men wanted to emulate his strength and courage.­­­ He was the perfect gentlemen.

At the University of California, Berkeley he had ambitions to be a doctor, but destiny pushed him into acting. He dropped out of college, short by one class to graduate, and headed for New York.

During his lean salad days, he supported himself as a Radio City Music Hall tour guide and as a catalog model.

After his Broadway debut, success came easily and steadily as he returned to Hollywood to star in the best films, including “Spellbound,” “The Yearling,” “A Gentleman’s Agreement,” “Roman Holiday,” “The Big Country,” “The Guns of Navarone,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

He was much sought after because his screen presence displayed the qualities for which he became well known. He was 6’3”, rugged and heroic, with a basic decency that transcended his roles.

At his funeral that was attended by over 3,000 people, his eulogy included these words:

"In art there is compassion, and in compassion there is humanity, with humanity there is generosity and love. Gregory Peck gave us these attributes in full measure."

Gregory Peck, forever In Heaven with the Stars.