REMEMBERING PETE DUEL
Thank you to everyone who leaves such poignant and heartfelt expressions in The Memorial Book—and for all your kind words about this site. Your kinship is extremely appreciated. —Laura
Please post your thoughts below. The previous Memorial Book was receiving too much spam, so I had to close it and start this page instead. The previous memorial page also had hundreds of remembrances. I hope to someday transfer them here.
There may be a delay between when you leave your thoughts below and when your post appears, but rest assured, the post will eventually be published. Please keep in mind that many questions still remain about Peter’s state of mind in those final days of his life. One recent question is how much of a role the anti-seizure drug, Dilantin, played on his thoughts. Perhaps Pete was a victim of a pharmaceutical drug and not so much of self-inflicted depression. Also note that Geoffrey Deuel sometimes visited this page. Thank you.
I continue to watch the re-runs of Alias Smith and Jones, even though I’ve seen each episodes dozens of times. I love theses kind of westerns and am a HUGE fan of Mr. Duel and Mr. Murphy. I’ve read Mr. Duel’s story many times and am surprised and sorry that he disliked making Alias Smith and Jones. It brought so much joy to so many people, I wish that he could have felt that love and moved on. The fact that he could make that series while in pain (both emotionally and physically) and NOT show it onscreen was a true credit to his acting. He was such a talented and handsome man! I too suffer from depression so I can relate to those feelings of loneliness and despair. These days, depression is much more talked about and accepted in the public than it was back then. There’s also a lot more treatment options and help available now. It’s heartbreaking that he felt taking his own life was his only way out. The world (and his family) have lost out on watching this man continue to grow, his beautiful smile, and his immense talent. Thankfully, sites like this, and television re-runs, give us the opportunity to still see his work and be reminded of his gift. I hope you finally found the peace you so wanted Mr. Duel. Thank you kindly, from the bottom of my heart, for so many hours of entertainment!
They revived the show ‘Alias Smith and Jones’ and I was curious about what happened to the actors. I had a vague recollection of the show from my time in college and seem to recall a story about Pete Duel being killed by an accidental discharge of a stage prop gun. I was surprised to see it ruled a suicide, but tragically it makes sense. Clearly this very talented actor suffered from depression and was, at least in part, self-medicating with alcohol. Such a loss seems to me this guy had had so many things going for him, but his demons took charge in a moment of weakness and a tremendous talent is lost forever. I hope he found happiness.
I turned 15 six months before Pete Duel took his life. I had been a huge fan since Gidget. I watched Alias Smith and Jones faithfully and I was devastated when I heard. I was a young girl who thought he was dreamy and a fine actor. The night I heard I went to my bedroom and wrote a poem called Benjamin Hale. It was about a man who killed himself. Inspired by Pete Duel, naturally. It was my homage to him. He was someone I imagined to be a lovely and kind man. I am also watching Alias Smith and Jones on INSP. Thank you, Laura.
I loved watching Alias Smith and Jones and had a crush on Pete Duel, I was about 9 years old. I was heart broken when it he passed away.Such a waste of an incredible actor and one that so pleasing to the eyes. Even though time goes on, he is still missed. Rest In Peace and my prayers for his loved ones.
Reruns of Alias Smith and Jones have just started on the Inspiration Channel. It’s so good to see Pete’s charming, dimpled, mischievous smile again. I also remember seeing Pete on a doctor’s show years ago (can’t remember the name) where he was dying of kidney failure or something. He was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good on that show!
How sad that he left this earth the way he did. I still miss him.
God bless his family and friends.