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May 20, 2024 · Peter Graves and James Arness were best known for their iconic television roles of Jim Phelps and Matt Dillon on Mission Impossible and Gunsmoke, respectively. But likely more important to the two men — and their family — was the fact that they were, first and foremost, brothers.
Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness; March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor who portrayed Jim Phelps in the television series Mission: Impossible from 1967 to 1973 and in its revival from 1988 to 1990. His elder brother was actor James Arness.
James Arness and his family were Methodists. [4] Arness' younger brother was actor Peter Graves. Peter used the stage name "Graves", a maternal family name. [3] Arness attended John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School in Minneapolis.
Peter Graves and James Arness, respectively stars of iconic TV shows 'Mission Impossible' and 'Gunsmoke,' were actually brothers.
While recuperating in a hospital in Clinton, Iowa, Arness was visited by his younger brother Peter (later to gain fame as actor Peter Graves), who suggested he take a radio course at the University of Minnesota. James did so, and a teacher recommended him for a job as an announcer at a Minneapolis radio station.
During World War II, he and his brother James Arness joined the United States Army. Arness was an infantryman and was wounded in the battle of Anzio, Italy, while Graves was posted to the Army Air Force (which later became a separate branch of the United States military).
Mar 15, 2010 · Graves’ older brother, James Arness, would later play Marshal Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke.” Graves adopted his grandfather’s last name to avoid confusion with his brother.
