RIP Peter Graves (1926-2010)

Time's relentless march forward has claimed another Hollywood icon. Actor Peter Graves passed away yesterday at his Los Angeles home at the age of 83. According to his publicist he suffered an apparent heart attack. He would have been 84 this week.

As a child, I watched old reruns of Mission Impossible on WGN or WTBS. After all these years all I remember about the show was Peter Graves' character's name was Mr. Phelps, the leader of the IMF, and of course the opening credits for the show.



But I think I'll always remember Peter Graves for his role as Captain Clarence Oveur in the 1980 movie Airplane! which has since become a cult classic and ranked as one of the funniest movies of all time. Here's some of my favorite clips from the movie.





Thanks for the great performances. After all these years, you've earned your clearance Clarence. I hope your final approach and landing were smooth and peaceful.

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