Remembering Gregory Peck: An iconic actor known for his masterly finesse

On the centenary year of American actor Gregory Peck’s birth, his co-stars pay him tributes.

As Atticus Flinch, American actor Gregory Peck gave a lifetimes performance in To Kill A Mocking Bird, winning an Oscar. He was earlier nominated in the late 40s for an Oscar too. The tall, robust, handsome actor with an inimitable style acted in countless memorable films like A Gentleman’s Agreement, Snows of Kilimanjaro, Mac Arthur and others.

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As an actor he was versatile, confident and his dialogue delivery had no peers. On the centenary year of his birth, his co-stars pay him rich tributes.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Lauren regrets that she could not work with Gregory Peck in films like Roman Holiday or Beloved Infidel

I worked with the incomparable Gregory Peck in a thriller Arabesque (1966). It was not the right kind of film for us. I signed it only to work opposite Gregory Peck. He was not at all a frivolous person or actor. So he came out as a miscast in Arabesque and disappointed his countless fans. Yet in the few romantic scenes we performed he eclipsed me. A tragedy we did not get a film like Roman Holiday (1953) or Beloved Infidel (1959) to work in.

Christopher Plummer

Actor Christopher Plummer calls Gregory Peck the “biggest star” and says had the “golden opportunity” to work with him on Peck’s last film, Scarlet and the Black. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

When I was growing in stature as an actor in the 60s, Gregory Peck was the biggest star. His films gave maximum initial draw throughout the world. I had the golden opportunity to work with him in his last starrer, Scarlet and the Black (1983). The character he performed was very much like his real self. A golden hearted bishop who saves many lives from the Nazis during World War II. He was the true star actor of the film, shedding his mannerisms and delivering a sincere and honest performance.

Roger Moore

Sir Roger Moore matured as an actor after working with Gregory Peck (Lehtikuva)

I learnt a lot about polished performances working with Richard Burton and Richard Harris in The Wild Geese (1978). Similarly the actor in me matured considerably working with Gregory Peck and David Niven in Sea Wolves (1980). A World War II saga shot in India, it was a successful film. Sporting a moustache, Gregory Peck underplayed his character with élan. He was really encouraging and cooperated in every shot.