At age 83, Golden Globe-winning actor Peter Graves has died. Best known for his iconic role of James Phelps in CBS’ Mission: Impossible. From 1967 to 1973, and a revival in the late ’80s. His work during the show’s initial run earned him an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe win.

Grave’s list of roles in television and films spans all the way back to 1942 and includes the aforementioned Mission: Impossible, a role as Major Noah Cooper on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and he more recently played himself in Men In Black II, and voiced Mr. Pibb on the Fox animated series American Dad, and the Emmy-winning host of Biography.

Graves was also part of the cult classic comedy film, 1980’s Airplane, which he starred opposite Leslie Nielson, Robert Stack and Lloyd Bridges, as Captain Clarence Oveur – a role which he would reprise in the 1982 sequel, Airplane II.

Graves was found dead today, reportedly of natural causes in his Los Angeles-area home. Graves is survived by his wife, Joan Endress (whom he’s been married to since 1950), three daughters and six grandchildren.

[Note]

On behalf of everyone here at SciFi Mafia (contributors and readers alike), I would like to extend our sympathies to all of Peter Graves’ family and friends. “Good Night, Mr. Phelps…”