The rewards of being a successful, famous actor can be big but the chances of reaching that goal are very small. Think about all the preparation involved, the expectations and the inevitable disappointments. And the ever present elements of luck, talent and timing that can make the difference between getting a part or being rejected. And once you’ve gotten the role, is it in a worthwhile vehicle or something that can stall your ambitions even before they start? And then if you catch the public’s eye and imagination you are suddenly under a microscope.
Category: 1972 and Later
July 1, 2015Laura
"It's Just Natural for Me..."
by Art Zolan; Movie World, January 1972
After searching through the large sound stages of Universal Studios, I finally found the Alias Smith and Jones crew shooting on an outdoor set on the back lot where Pete Duel was working in an amusing but exhausting fight scene. It had been a few years since I had seen Pete; in fact, the last time was when he was starring in Love On a Rooftop.
Pete certainly is a different man. I noticed the change immediately. He had even changed his name from Peter Deuel to Pete Duel. As I ... Read More
December 29, 2014Laura
Read All the Facts
Teen Pin-Ups, January 1972
PETE DUEL: One of Pete's childhood ambitions was to become a pilot and he grew up learning everything he could about planes. In high school, however, his dream was shattered when he was told his vision wasn't good enough to meet the requirements for flying. Shrugging off his disappointment, he set his sights on acting. And today he's walking on air instead of flying through it!
December 29, 2014Laura
by Marvene Jones; Movie Life, July 1972
When MADLYN RHUE told JOANNA PETTET she heard Joanna and ALEX CORD were divorcing due to Joanna's prior romance with the late PETER DUEL, Joanna quipped, "Peter was not my type. Besides, Alex and I filed for divorce a year ago and then never bothered to do anything more about it."
December 29, 2014Laura
by Michelle Blackley; The Penfield Post, June 21, 2001
Nothing stands in the way of Pat Oliver and the legacy of actor Peter Deuel — not even the Atlantic Ocean. Oliver, of Stockton, England, made her second trip to Penfield last week, with her husband John Oliver, to pay homage to 1960s actor Peter Deuel, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of his death.
Deuel — who had a reoccurring role in Alias Smith and Jones, grew up at 1790 Penfield Road, now Northfield Coffee Co., and attended Penfield High School — died in the 1970s, playing Russian roulette [untrue]. He is ... Read More
December 29, 2014Laura
Superstar, July 1972
Peter Ellstrom Duel was born on February 24, 1940, and died in his Hollywood home a star, on December 31, 1971, just a couple of months before his 32nd birthday. Apparently, he died by his own hand and for his own reasons, although his friends and relatives did not seem fully aware of how deep his intense depressions were.
Pete enjoyed playing the character of Hannibal Heyes. He used to say "Heyes is hunted by every posse yet he is still able to laugh. It's something that I love him for. I try to be like that, but with ... Read More
December 29, 2014Laura
FLIP, flipflap section, May 1972
The world has lost one of its greatest actors. He will be missed by many. I would like to suggest that you dedicate a page in FLIP in memory of Pete Duel. Maybe it could consist of pictures of him from his many roles on TV, or something else you feel would be fitting. But please, please, don't ignore the subject of his death just because it was a probable suicide. Pete was a great man and an excellent performer, and he deserves some sort of tribute for the joy and happiness he brought to his ... Read More
December 27, 2014Laura