by Richard Morris; Motion Picture, April 1972
Peter Ellstrom Duel died the same way he had acted — with passion and precision and in the shadow of his grim, stubborn judgment. He turned his back on a life that he’d found inadequate as an alternative to death. It was fitting — tragically fitting — that he’d gained fame as the star of a television series called Alias Smith & Jones, because Peter Duel was an alias in real life, too. In his 31 years on this earth, he had never been able to find himself. Changing his last name from Deuel to Duel hadn’t helped much.
The past holds many clues to Peter’s destruction, the seemingly self-inflicted death that stilled his body on December 31, 1971, when a .38 caliber revolver’s speeding bullet tore its way through his brain and emerged, blood-flecked, to shatter the street window after passing through him. And it also helps to explain why Peter was so alone when it all happened, why he only had his girlfriend, his anger and his gun for company on the night before New Year’s Eve, one of the most sociable and joyous times of the year. In a strange and sorry sense, his death had been a long time coming.
Peter Duel’s bleak and brief life began when he was born to Dr. Ellsworth S. Deuel and Lillian Ellstrom Deuel in Rochester, New York, on February 24, 1940. His family had produced three generations of doctors, but Peter had rebelled at the thought of a medical future or any future in which he would lose his identify to gain professionalism. At an early age, and in a dignified way, he made it perfectly clear that he wanted to be the sole determiner of his fate.
“I chose the line of least resistance in choosing my career,” Peter admitted later. “I just fell into something I love — the only thing I ever really like doing. There’s something that happens to me when I’m working in front of a live audience … an excitement forms in the pit of my stomach.”
Unfortunately, his acting career became locked into television (Love on a Rooftop, Alias Smith & Jones, and numerous guest spots), and the video screen was only a pale ghost next to Peter’s theatrical aspirations. Shortly before his death, he had wearily complained that “a television series is a big, fat drag to any actor who is really interested in his work.”
Love was just as elusive as peace. Peter was linked with actress Jill Andre, Judy Carne, and, most lastingly, with Dianne Ray. He and Dianne seemed to be headed for something more permanent, more stable than anything previous in his life. It was her influence that made him move into a new home, learn to enjoy himself, reach but for the love he so desperately needed to offset his lethargy and fear.
Motion Picture had run an earlier story on Peter in September, 1971, and it has sadly proven to be the truth. Titled HE CARRIES THE WORLD ON HIS SHOULDERS, the first page showed a stern-faced photo of him with Dianne, the blurb next to which read: “Things bother me too much … war, pollution, prejudice. I can’t smile.” And underneath the photo was the simply-worded caption: “Dianne Ray is the magic that keeps Pete’s life sorted out.” The only question one can ask is: what made the magic fail?
From the report issued by the Los Angeles Police Department, it appears as if time alone was the victim’s executioner.
“You wouldn’t believe the mail I’m getting,” Detective Sergeant Paul Estrada, who has been assigned to the case, confided to our reporter. “I’ve been hearing from high school girls all around the country who want to take over the investigation.” And he added in grotesque understatement, “They don’t believe there was anything in the world that would make Pete Duel want to shoot himself — but actually he had quite a bit on his mind.”
Our representative asked Estrada to reconstruct Peter’s final evening. Here is a summary of the official police record:
On the evening of December 30, 1971, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Harold Frizzell (Duel’s actor stand-in and “man Friday”) swung his car into the driveway of the late actor’s home at 2552 Glen Green Street. As usual, Duel was with him, and both men vacated the car and walked into the house. (Editor’s Note: Since his conviction on drunken driving charges on October 24, 1970, Duel’s license had been indefinitely suspended. It was usual for a friend to drive him to and from the studio and to transport him at other times whenever possible.) Dianne Ray had her own key to the house and had let herself in upon her earlier arrival at 7:30 p.m.
The three of them sat around inside and watched Alias Smith & Jones on Duel’s portable television set. At approximately 9:00 p.m., Frizzell left the house. It had been a peaceful visit; though Duel hadn’t carried on a lively conversation, he had not appeared to Frizzell to be either sullen or despondent.
As soon as Frizzell had left, Duel changed channels to a basketball game. He sat watching it alone for a few minutes, then picked himself up and walked into the bedroom. When he left the bedroom (time lapse undetermined at this report), Miss Ray caught sight of him while she stood in the hallway of an adjoining room. He was carrying a .38 revolver in his hand.
“I’ll see you later,” Duel told her. He disappeared into the living room.
At approximately 12:10 a.m., a shot sounded in the house. Miss Ray ran into the living room. Duel lay beneath the Christmas tree, dead. By his side lay the .38 revolver.
A subsequent medical report revealed that the bullet had completely torn through his head and had also shattered a front window, eventually landing in a carport across the street.
It has not been indisputably proven that Duel’s death was self-inflicted, but, as Detective Estrada puts it, “It is doubtful that somebody else could get that close to him while he was standing there and put a gun to his ear.” (And the crime lab report has undeniably endorsed the belief that the gun muzzle had been less than an inch from his ear when it was fired.)
One thing, though, does disturb the police. “The autopsy showed that Duel had consumed a lot of alcohol just prior to the shooting,” Detective Estrada pointed out. “I can’t give you the exact figures on the blood test, but I can tell you they were pretty extreme.” But according to the testimony of Allan Cahan, unit publicist for Alias Smith & Jones, Duel had not been in a bad mood over the holiday week. “I spent Christmas Day with him,” he recalled. “Pete was in fine spirits.”
Two facts sharply contrast with the general contention of friends that Duel had been in relatively good spirits:
A) At the time of the search, carried on in his home on the night of his death, a second bullet had been found — a bullet that was about one week old. It appeared as if the late actor had fired it at a telegram that was framed and hung in the hallway. It was a telegram announcing his defeat in an election to the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild.
B) It is a well-known fact that Duel was depressed about his drinking problem — and that he was managing to stay off the bottle. Something very stressful must have occurred within those last few hours which finally culminated in the pulling of the trigger.
Dianne Ray has not alluded to their having had any sort of argument on the fatal evening. In fact, no one could figure out just what had depressed him so — even those who were closest to him. They eventually agreed that the cause was his general nature, the personality that had dominated his actions throughout his life. Thus, in a very dark and dismal summation: Peter Duel died the way he did because his whole life had been geared to it. It seemed inevitable that he would someday take his own life. And — whether you’d like to believe it or not — if Duel had not committed suicide on December 31, he probably would have done it at some later date.
Sounds scary? Even far-fetched? Then consider what Pete said in 1967.
“My father took great pains to get me ready for college. But I had been watching the world and I didn’t see one thing in my future that I really wanted. Everything seemed phony. I was down, terribly depressed. I knew that if I went to college I’d be educated like every other guy who ever went to college. I’d be given little chance to become Peter Duel…”
“That’s when I decided to commit suicide. I thought about it a long time. I felt useless. I was ambitious for nothing. I kept feeling I was on the wrong track and would never get off. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me if I died, but it seemed the only sensible thing to do. Then I discovered there was one thing I didn’t have — the guts to take my own life. So, in truth, I just chickened out and after a while the urge went away.”
And it is probable that the urge had returned prior to his death. Peter fought it off, desperately trying to use his girl, his acting, and his friends as antidotes to the poison of hopeless that grew through the years like a cancer inside of him. But, as with many cases of cancer, it proved just a little too subtle, too complex, too stubborn to remove. Finally, he was just too tired to fight any longer. So on that fateful night of December 31 at 10 minutes past midnight, Peter Duel sighed one final sigh of resignation and regret and carried out the life-long decision he hadn’t: the “guts” to execute at the age of 16 in Rochester, New York.
In his own words, acting was something he loved, “the only thing I ever really liked doing.” And although it’s almost certain that Peter Duel has made it to heaven, it’s a pity and an irony that he could never find enough reason to stay on earth.
Kathy I am watching it now. It does bring back so many memories.
So happy you’re still with us & found your way! That’s a testament to your strength. I just wish Pete Duel would have had strength like that to fight through it, don’t know if article is true when it said he probably would have done it eventually because I think if he could have hung on another year he would have met people that would have furthered his career & his deep longing to make world a better place as there were lots of activism for the things that upset him happening in the ‘70’s he could have had a purpose. I, too, like all on comments on board had huge crush on him & same age as lot of commenters on her, I was 11. Thanks for helping me feel better!
He was clearly depressed and fighting many demands…Diane is my grandmother and I can tell you she definitely doesn’t have it in her to hurt anyone especially not someone she cared for so deeply.
To this day ,many fans refuse to accept the fact Duel committed suicide. His siblings knew him alot better than any of his fans. Duel suffered from bouts with clinical depression before the Dilantin was prescribed. That and being heavily intoxicated during holiday season, leaves no doubt whatsoever in mind. Any suicide is tragic but Duel also experinced much happiness with his girlfriend and his love of nature and the outdoors. Thats what I prefer to remember him by. He definitely touched many lives. RIP Pete Duel.
I remember watching Pete Duel every week on Alias Smith and Jones, and I thought he was the cutest guy I’d ever seen. I was only 11 years old but I was heartbroken, and I never forgot him. I remember in one Episode Pete Duel singing and although I don’t remember the name of the Song I remember him singing “‘Tis the gift to be simple, Tis the gift to be free” and that’s all I remember. I often find myself singing it.
I loved Pete Duel and always will. Fly Angel xxx
Just watched the Virginia in which Peter Duel was a guest star that brought back so many memories. I was 12 years old when Peter Duel took his life. Like all of you I was heart broken and devastated, my best friend and I use to play alias smith and jones. I cut out the newspaper article, that informed me of his death, which I still have today, it’s hard to believe that someone could leave such an impression on someone else’s life. So sad that he never knew how great he was, and what he would of become…..
I was 18 when Pete passed and after recently watching alias Smith and Jones again i found it difficult to understand why a guy with everything to live for would choose to take his own life, but after reading this he was clearly troubled. RIP Pete Duel.
I just recently saw an episode of Alias Smith and Jones. I absolutely LOVED this show! I was 12 when Pete committed suicide. At that age, you don’t understand the reasoning behind it. Now, at 61, I hope he found the peace he was looking for. R.I.P. Pete. Thanks for the memories. Fly with the Angels. 🤠❤🙏
I was 10 years old when I learned of Peter’s suicide. I was heartbroken, not understanding at the time how he could have been so sad that he could take his own life. I understood more as I got older, but it was always so sad to me. I loved Alias Smith and Jones, primarily because of him. I guess I had a “little girl” crush on him, but there is still something about him I’m drawn to.I still enjoy watching the episode reruns that he is in. That’s what brought me here.
I was also 17 when he died. It started a huge depression for me. I was lucky to get help. Now I’m much older and I know a lot more about depression and how it works. I’ve suffered from it since I was 17 off and on. It’s hard, but there are ways of coping. Pete was too young to know that. Also there wasn’t much available back then. He influenced many of us more than he knew, I think. It’s because of him that I became interested in psychology and studied it in college. Also I became interested in ecology at that young age. I wish he knew the difference he made to his fans. He was a fine actor and a fine human being. Better than he thought he was, obviously.
I was 17 when Pete took his life. I watched Alias Smith &Jones regularly. I was shocked and saddened the day he died. He was always the star of the show to me. Lost interest in the show soon after. He had the looks and the personality of a star. I thought he’d make it big one day. I thought of him today because I ran across a rerun of his show earlier today. May he always rest in peace and may God continue to bless his loved ones. The world lost a good man when he passed.
I was going on 10. years old when he died, I had his picture/obit on my dresser mirror for a very long time. I had such a crush on him and was so sadden by his death, I had never heard of anyone that had committed suicide before. Since then my cousin when I was in college and my brother in law when I was on my honeymoon committed suicide. RIP Pet Duel I have a special place in my heart for you forever!
At this very moment, I am watching Alias Smith & Jones. I will NEVER forget Peter Duel & no one will ever be able to replace him.
Wow I so loved and adored Pete Duel I wanted to marry a beautiful cowboy just like him. Chivalrous handsome manly gentle strong protective of his close loves yet proud of them at the same time. Bit ridiculous that i got all of these qualities out of watching no perving over him week in & week out. I found a man just like him even similar to look at and oh so easy on the eye just like Pete I don’t know how or why I knew he was the sort of man for me at 12 years old here in little old new zealand but I did. He taught me so much about men and cowboys I have both in my cowboy here. I am so lucky I found pete duel he has always been on my mind I laugh at myself for this and hope he knows he showed me what I wanted to love in a man as I have been with my gorgeous cowboy for 34 absolutely the coolest and most fun and loved filled years and we are still finding adventure and love in each other our families and all we do. Pete if only you could have found what you showed me it’s been a magic 34 years and counting.
RIP PETE DUEL love you forever & always. Karen xxxx
I was 14 when I heard of Peter Duel’s suicide. I was a very sad & confused teenager before Peter’s. My father was full of rage & fury at the time, my mother was depressed, I didn’t have anyone I thought cared about me, & I wished I didn’t exist at the time. My only true friend was my horse, & he had suddenly died the summer before. Peter lived in my fantasy world. To say I was crushed was an understatement. I was completely destroyed. I ended up attempting suicide myself. I went on to become a drug addict. When I cleaned up I flew into a severe depression. But I survived. I help people who are depressed now. By God’s grace, I am happy & healthy. I wish Peter knew the effects of his suicide on others… I hope there’s no one out there that’s gripped with the despair Peter felt, but I know there are.
I agree with your assessment. But we’ve also learned that Pete was prescribed the drug Dilantin for his epilepsy, a drug with the side effects of depression and suicide. Epileptics have 5 times the risk of suicide. We don’t know what role his epilepsy and its treatment played in his death, except that he told his brother the Monday before his death that he was terrified, though he knew not from what. Perhaps it was a drive he literally had no power over, caused by influences beyond alcohol, one that set him up for drinking and ultimately his death. One thing is certain: he did suffer. To learn more, read here about Dilantin and here about the risk of suicide among epileptics. Thank you for your thoughtful comments about Peter.
I was only 9 y.o. when Pete Duel died and I barely remember watching the show and then hearing he committed suicide and I just never could understand why he would do such a thing with his success and having a “Hit” series on TV..I just started watching the reruns on the INSP Channel and I enjoy the show they play 2 episodes on Saturdays 11am to 1pm and I liked it more when Pete was on more than his replacement Roger Davis..but as I read more about Pete’s life and his drinking and loss of his driver’s license he obviously wasn’t too happy with his life..it’s just terrible he thought that was his only solution to do and not try to get help or something R.I.P. Pete..🙏
It was so sad to see Pete take his own life , Peter duel made alias Smith and Jones work. I can’t watch the reruns after Roger Davis took over just wasn’t the same.still not sure if he did it! My favorite show of all time! Rest in peace my friend 🙏
I feel the same as you do about Dianne Ray.I think even today they ought to go back and look at the case again
I remember the lead up for Alias Smith & Jones. My brother and I looked forward to watching it every week. As a 10 year old this was a must watch. Hearing of Pete Duel taking his own life was hugely devastating. To this day, the loss of Pete Duel disturbs me. I hope Pete was able to enter God’s Kingdom. I hope I will meet him some day when I get there. I’m 57 years old now and still watch the “Re-runs” over and over. I feel a great sense of loss when Roger Davis enters the series. Sad how things work out; very sad.
Same
I loved Peter Duel, he was a delight in my life once a week. A friend of mine died that was very close and he looked so much like Peter, and than Peter died the next month. I was 12 years old and a very sad, confused child for many years. I now watch the reruns and wonder what life he could have had if he could have over came his demons. RIP Peter
I was about 14 when this happened. I was crushed. I had a huge crush on Pete and just couldn’t understand why he would do this. Then i learned how he hated being in a series and that broke my heart again because he was so good at it, and so loved by his fans of Alias Smith and Jones. I’ve been watching the reruns and thankful for them, but it leaves such an empty place in my heart every time i watch. Still love you Pete.
I watched some episodes of Alias, Smith and Jones today. It made me think of Pete and wonder what else he had been in. I was 12 when I heard the news of his suicide. I just remember feeling very sad for him and his family. My prayers are with all who knew and loved him. I had forgotten that he was also in Gidget and Love on a Rooftop. I was really young when these shows were on but I watched a couple of episodes of Love on a Rooftop. It was a good show. I hope that he can somehow know how much he meant to his family, friends and fans! God bless you, Pete!
I remember it well when Peter Duel died. Was right after Christmas that year. Really soured the New Year for us. He was great. An excellent actor. Watched Alias Smith and Jones every week back then. Always wondered if he really committed suicide? Stories point to the fact that he did, but I always thought there was something odd about it. I was just a kid back then, and news wasn’t like it is today. In this era, the younger generation have no idea who he even was, but all of us from the sixties never forget the good shows and actors such as Peter Duel. He was excellent. RIP
I was 13 when Peter died and like many other teenagers, I watched him every week. I was shocked to hear he had taken his life and at the time could not understand why. He seemed to have everything most people want, looks and success. Sad to hear he was so troubled.
I was heartbroken when I learned Pete took his own life. I adored him. I never missed a show either. I joined his fan club! I was 15 and loved life and I could not understand why he did this. I am now a licensed mental health counselor and strive to understand suicide. I wish Pete could have reached out for help instead of his gun. I plan on visiting his grave next time I am in Rochester. I will send him thoughts and prayers from all of the unknowns who miss him and continue to think about him. Peace.
I was young when he died, never missed his show; loved him, and still watch his show ALIAS SMITH & JONES. He was so handsome. Really miss him.
One account I read claimed that Pete met with a fortune teller not long before he died, and she told him 1972 was going to be a very bad year for him. If that be the case I hope she’s dead and frizzling in hell where she belongs.
I was just 12 when he died. I loved the show, and him, because he looked like my big brother. I cried and cried because in my young mind, I was afraid my brother would die too. It took my mother a long time to convince me that my brother wouldn’t die, and leave me too. I’m so sorry that he felt so alone. Still, RIP!
I was 12…it really saddened & pissed me off…I as a kid “immeitated” him….R.I.P
I am with you,if u read Pete Duel biography by Green, Dianne Ray seems to be more involved. There was also another man there.She had been violent with Pete b4,and left after the funeral to a country without extradition 2 the U.S..There r just 2 many avenues that were not explored.
I was a kid that loved the show.could not believe it then n now. Most woulda considered his career a huge success.I woulda anyhow
It’s good to read all these comments and know I’m not alone. He was my first crush I guess, from 8 years old, I loved watching Alias Smith and Jones on a Sunday afternoon and I felt so sad when he died. Even 40 plus years later, that sadness is still there. Such a waste of a lovely man. RIP Pete Duel.
I was 9 when Pete Duel committed suicide. I realy liked his character on Alias Smith and Jones. I felt very sad and confused when he killed himself. It was was the first time I had to focus on suicide as a kid.
I really didn’t care when Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin died like a lot of my friends did back in high school. Pete Duel’s death really bothered me and I remember being angry about it.
I was 18 when Pete killed himself. I remember hearing it on the news and thinking, “Whaaaaat?” Pete was a nice fellow, but his demons got the better of him. The sound of the gunshot signaled peace within himself. You are still missed, Pete.
I shall miss him for a long, long time
After all these years, the same feelings come back when I learned Pete Duel had taken his life. I was 20 and this was my first recollection of hearing about suicide. A terrible sadness when someone brought so much enjoyment to so many people, but seemed to have so much sadness in his heart. I pray he rests in peace and wish he could have found a reason to stay around. Really enjoyed him in Gidget, Love on a Rooftop and Alias Smith and Jones. Thank you, Pete. You will always be remembered❤️
I enjoyed him and his acting for years. I am 68, recently got a computer. Watched him on reruns of Gidget. Did I wanted to learn more about him. I do this even when I remember any actor/actress I’d like to recall. I was shocked to hear whet happened. Like other celebrities, too. I wish there was a way if any person feel the need, please talk to someone. You are always loved. There is so much to live for. He will always be remembered. Prayers always to family friends and fans.
Romans 1:9.
I believe it was suicide. The girlfriend wanted to kill him wait until they get married, then kill him and collect his insurance and royalties form film and TV.
I believe it was his girlfriend. was she ever investigated. After all it was only
Her version of what happened.
All these years later I’m 60 and I never missed Alias Smith &I Jones. And will never forget the feeling I felt when I heard about what happened to this wonderful man and actor and yes I had it bad for him also…… it just makes you wonder if it had been this day and time could things been different ….. and all he says to girlfriend is I will see you later!!!!! I don’t know what to make of this …Didn’t understand it then Don’t understand now. I just know how sad it makes me feel and I know I’m not alone. Lots of love to his family ……. love and miss you Pete
I was 14 years old when Pete died and was absolutely devastated. I watched Alias Smith and Jones every week and loved the character Pete played of Hannibal Heyes, he was so happy and go lucky. My friend came and told me he had died, I felt like it was a close and loved friend, so sad. I’m 59 now and still think what a sad loss he was, only 31 and so much more to give. RIP Pete. Love always, Eileen xxx
Knew the family as they had a cottage on Little Hawk Lake and we had one on Big Hawk Lake in Ontario. Used to see Pete and his brother Geoff at the lodge; remember fun times they had. Pete was my brother’s age. Have always thought it was such a waste, as Pete was so handsome and nice. Will never forget him and his family. Never met his sister, just the boys, both so nice…
All of this is such great advice, Chris. And empathetic, too. Another thing to consider is that, often, prescription medications are responsible for severe depression and even suicide, including Dilantin, which Peter took to control his epilepsy seizures. We’re only now beginning to appreciate how much the drug played a role in his death. Just too sad to think about.
My husband and I watched a show tonight on “The Virginian” with Peter Deuel (aka: Duel); it was called “The Good Hearted Bad Man”. I recognized Peter but could not remember his name; told my husband that he was on a t.v. series and well-known; so, I looked up his name tonight (5/1/16) to find out the name of the series (“Alias Smith and Jones”) and what became of him; sorry his life was hard like that and it ended that way. Hope he chose and made it to Heaven; his mind was sick obviously…too bad; he seemed so smart and had a good personality and was a great actor!…Debra
I was a teenager, as was my sister. She had such a crush on him. Too many are preoccupied with themselves to reach out and, to recognize, could even take more of your time. So little was discussed abt suicide back then. Maybe we can learn from this sad event. Get involved. Be willing to listen. Don’t just sit back and roll out the, “Oh well”s. Uncomfortable? How do you think the person contemplating suicide feels? Then add in, they know you aren’t there for them, either. Get involved. Are you so self important a life doesn’t matter? (other than yours?)
I was eleven when he died. I was so enamoured by him, I wrote him and he sent a photo of himself, looking handsome in a cowboy hat and vest, and signed it “Peace, Pete Duel.” I have it in front of me as I write this. I was going thru an old suitcase of photo’s today, and there was Pete, staring back at me. Makes me feel heartsick all over again. It’s now my turn to wish PEACE to him.
I share the same birthday as Pete 24th Feb I was only young when he passed but I still feel the heartache hearing the news then He will always have a special place in my heart RIP Pete
Hi Jane. Thank you for your remembrances of Peter. We do know he spoke of suicide to Geoffrey (and others) just days before he died, but it’s just one of those things no one believed could be a reality. We learn these lessons the oh so hard way. Thank you again for thinking of him.
It’s so sad when everyone loved him that he felt so alone, I would have thought as his father was a Doctor he would have recognised the feeling of desperation that Pete was feeling and got him help, but there’s a lot of “if only” I still doubt it was suicide but guess we will never really know