Peter Graves: 1926-2010

Peter Graves, here in 1996, is best remembered for his role on the hit TV series "Mission: Impossible," where he played Jim Phelps. He died at the age of 83 on March 14, 2010, in Los Angeles.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

This 1969 file photo shows actor Peter Graves close up during shooting of the popular television show "Mission: Impossible." According to a publicist, Graves died in Los Angeles on March 14, 2010. He was 83.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

Peter Graves poses during dedication ceremonies for his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Oct. 30, 2009. His movie career spanned classics such as "Stalag 17" to comedies including "Airplane!", but he is best remembered by many as the head of the "Mission: Impossible" force in the 1960s and '70s.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

Peter Graves guest starred on the popular TV show "7th Heaven" from 1997 to 2007. He has also lent his voice to many animated movies and TV series. He is best remembered for his role in "Mission Impossible," where he originated the role of Jim Phelps later represented by Tom Cruise in the film remake.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

Peter Graves poses during dedication ceremonies for his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Oct. 30, 2009. His movie career spanned classics such as "Stalag 17" to comedies such as "Airplane!", but he is best remembered by many as the head of the "Mission: Impossible" force in the 1960s and '70s.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

From left, actor Peter Graves, his wife, Joan, and Barbaree and Leslie Nielsen arrive at "So the World May Hear," a fundraising event for the Starkey Hearing Foundation in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday, July 20, 2004. The event raised over $2 million to distribute hearing aids around the world.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83

Peter Graves, seen in a 1986 photo, reprised his role as Jim Phelps in "Mission Impossible" when the series was brought back from 1988-1990. Graves says he wasn't asked to portray his signature role in the film remake of "Mission Impossible," the big-budget movie starring Tom Cruise. Graves said in 1996, he "wouldn't like to play Phelps as the bad guy." Graves' publicist, Sandy Brokaw, says the actor died on March 14, 2010, shortly after returning to his Los Angeles home from brunch with his family. He was 83.

TV, Film Star Peter Graves Dies at 83