Gregory Peck’s Grandson Embraces His Legacy: A Striking Resemblance and Shared Path in Acting

Born in San Diego in 1916, Gregory Peck rose to prominence as a towering figure during Hollywood’s Golden Age, securing the 12th position on the American Film Institute’s list of Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood cinema. His performances were outstanding, marked by his charisma and authoritative voice, and his choice of roles was faultless.

In contrast to many modern stars, Gregory Peck possessed an authentic spirit and a level of class that is seldom found in today’s Hollywood scene.

This Californian, known for his compelling gaze, first refined his acting skills in the theater, appearing in approximately 50 plays. He made his cinematic debut in the 1944 war romance film “Days of Glory.”

However, his breakthrough came with his second film, “The Keys of the Kingdom,” where he played an octogenarian Roman Catholic priest reflecting on 50 years of missionary work in China. This role earned Peck an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and highlighted a poignant story of faith and devotion.

Peck’s reputation as a cinematic icon was further cemented through his collaborations with the renowned director Alfred Hitchcock, especially in “Spellbound,” alongside the legendary Ingrid Bergman. Their undeniable on-screen chemistry sparked rumors of a secret romance, despite both being married. Peck never publicly confirmed nor denied these rumors, but in a 1987 interview with People magazine, he offered a glimpse into their relationship, albeit without revealing details.

“I cannot give a comprehensive answer in this matter. I can only say I had genuine affection for her, and perhaps that’s where my comments should end. But I will add that she was like a beautiful Swedish rose. We were both young, thrown into weeks of intense and intimate collaboration,” Peck reflected, five years after Bergman’s death.

Despite their tense relationship, Peck and Hitchcock teamed up once more for “The Paradine Case.” Although Peck was relatively inexperienced and frequently needed guidance, Hitchcock provided little direction, famously stating, “I couldn’t care less what your character is thinking. Just let your face drain of all expression.”

Despite Hitchcock’s skepticism about his acting skills, Gregory Peck earned five Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, finally winning the Oscar for his iconic role as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“There’s a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep ‘em all away from you.” – Atticus Finch #HappyFathersDay

While “To Kill a Mockingbird” remains his most celebrated film, Peck also gave unforgettable performances in other classics like “Moby Dick” (1956), “The Big Country” (1958), and “How the West Was Won” (1962).

Peck was also committed to humanitarian efforts. In 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring his lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes.

**Marriage and Family:**

Gregory Peck married Finnish-born Greta Kukkonen in 1942, and they had three sons: Jonathan, Stephen, and Carey Paul. Tragically, Jonathan passed away in 1975, but Stephen and Carey Paul are still alive.

After his divorce from Greta in 1955, Peck found love again with journalist Véronique Passani. They first met during an interview before Peck left for Italy to shoot “Roman Holiday.” Together, they raised a son, Antony, and a daughter, Cecilia. Peck and Véronique remained devoted to each other until his death in 2003.

His grandson, a mirror image:

The acting talent of Gregory Peck has evidently passed down to the next generation, notably in his grandson, Ethan Gregory Peck. Ethan’s father, Stephen Peck, one of Gregory’s sons from his first marriage, is a Vietnam War veteran who has made significant societal contributions as President and CEO of U.S. VETS.

Born in 1986, Ethan Peck made his acting debut at just nine years old, appearing in the film “Marshal Law” alongside Jimmy Smits. He later played the younger version of Michael Kelso, originally portrayed by Ashton Kutcher, in “That ’70s Show.” His film roles include “Passport to Paris” (1999) with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and “Tennessee,” where he starred alongside Adam Rothenberg and Mariah Carey.

Ethan not only inherited his grandfather Gregory Peck’s talent for acting but also shares his striking features, including his strong, dark eyebrows and eyes.

Although Ethan’s relationship with his grandfather was typical, he didn’t feel especially close to him. He cherishes the memory of his grandfather teaching him to float in a swimming pool but regrets not having deeper conversations about acting with him.

In 2009, Ethan Peck was honored with the “Best Actor” award at the Sonoma International Film Festival for his portrayal of “Sailor” in “Adopt a Sailor.”

He also played a notable role in the second season of “Star Trek: Discovery” and was set to reprise his character in the spin-off series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” in 2022.

Despite the advantages of having a famous grandfather like Gregory Peck, Ethan insists that he doesn’t feel burdened by his legacy. He believes that his connection is stronger with his father, from whom he inherited the qualities that made Gregory Peck celebrated.