A UK magazine (source unknown), 1972
Universal Studios, where the Alias Smith and Jones series was filmed, carries on as usual. You might think that, in all that hustle and bustle, one actor could easily be forgotten … but not Pete Duel.
Pete was a very special person. Everyone who knew him is agreed on that. But I don’t need to tell you that, because you know from first-hand experience. You may only have seen him on a TV screen, but enough of his unique personality comes through for you to know the sort of guy he must have been in real … Read More
by Hamilton B. Allen; Rochester Times Union, January 31, 1970
Arrival of the picture Generation at the Regent yesterday gave us two reasons to cheer: It’s a very entertaining comedy which bridges the generation gap in its audience appeal and provides hometown actor Peter Deuel a top-shelf vehicle in which to make his big-screen debut. His performance captures major interest among the picture’s several enticements, a deftly shaded sketching of the intense young photographer Walter Owen who distrusts the Establishment and all American institutions. One would bet that Pete is headed for top stardom if his showing here is a measure … Read More
Life Just Wasn’t Worth Living
Modern Screen’s Hollywood Yearbook, 1973
He was young (31), good looking, the star of a successful TV series (Alias Smith and Jones) and had a best gal. He had everything, in fact, except peace of mind. And the prospect of facing 1972 was simply too much for him. So, on December 31, Pete Duel picked up a gun, went into the living room, and shot himself through the head. When his girlfriend, Dianne Ray, rushed into the living room, she found Peter slumped on the floor near a brightly lit Christmas tree.
Many reasons have been given … Read More
WHY THEY BOTH NEED TO GET MARRIED!
by Linda Darwood; TV Family, June 1971
In January of 1971, two new and very handsome faces made their premiere on television. It was a premiere in the sense that Pete Duel and Ben Murphy are starring together for the first time in a brand new TV series. These two aren’t completely new to television; they have made various appearances in various shows, but they are new to co-starring roles.
Both Pete and Ben can be classified with the new breed of actors who realize that the real world is not in and around the studio. … Read More
16 Magazine, July 1971
One of the programs that will return is ABC’s hit western series Alias Smith and Jones. Those two lovable “outlaws”, Pete Duel and Ben Murphy, will be back with more escapades and adventures to keep you laughing and loving along! While the show is on hiatus, Pete and Ben will use the time to relax and “get away from it all.”
Pete will take off for the country and some camping out, while sidekick Ben gets some books out of the library and reads! Why don’t you tell Pete and Ben how happy you are that they’ll be … Read More
The Box Magazine, 1997; No 46 Pete Duel
The James Dean of television. After six years of bit parts in series like The Virginian and Marcus Welby, M.D., Duel finally made it big as poker-faced gambling Hannibal Heyes in Alias Smith and Jones. But before the first series had finished running, he had been found shot. Officially it was suicide. It was also a tragic waste; he was 31.
by Walter Scott; Parade Magazine, October 29, 1972
Q. What’s this about a Peter Duel cult springing up in England since the actor’s death?
A. Ever since the star of Alias Smith and Jones shot himself last December, the BBC has received some 7,000 letters a week from fans demanding that the series be aired again. Therefore, the network is using the reruns rather than the programs with his replacement.