Like many, my fascination with the world of entertainment started at a young age. Growing up in the 1960s, the television was a window to a world of spies, mysteries, and charismatic figures. Amidst the plethora of spy-themed shows that dominated the era, one actor stood out with his suave demeanor and captivating presence: Peter Graves.
The 1960s were undeniably the golden age of spy fiction on screen. Fueled by the James Bond phenomenon, both film and television embraced espionage with open arms. Movies like “Our Man Flint,” “In Like Flint,” “The Silencers,” and “Murderer’s Row” offered a lighter, often comedic take on the secret agent trope. On the small screen, the landscape was equally thrilling, with series like “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Get Smart,” “The Avengers,” and the unique Western-spy blend of “The Wild, Wild West” captivating audiences weekly. However, for me, it was “Mission: Impossible” that truly resonated, and at its heart was the compelling leadership of Jim Phelps, portrayed by Peter Graves.
While initially, as a child, the intricate plots of “Mission: Impossible” might have been slightly over my head, the undeniable charisma of Peter Graves was instantly appealing. Years later, catching reruns of the show, I developed a deep appreciation for its sophisticated storytelling and the commanding performance of Graves. His portrayal of Jim Phelps as the unflappable leader, orchestrating complex missions with a calm intensity, was iconic. In fact, the impact of “Mission: Impossible” and Peter Graves’ role was so profound that it subtly inspired elements within my own creative writing projects, a personal homage to the show’s enduring appeal.
The opportunity to potentially meet this television icon arose unexpectedly one Friday in 2009. Flipping through the weekend entertainment section of the local newspaper, my eyes caught an announcement that Peter Graves was to be honored at the Ojai Film Festival the very next day. The event promised a screening of the classic comedy “Airplane!”, featuring Graves in a memorable comedic role, followed by a Q&A session with the actor himself.
Ojai, a charming town nestled about an hour’s drive away, was easily accessible, and the festival was open to the public. The spontaneous thought, “Why not go?” quickly took root. Excitement building, I started formulating a question for the Q&A, hoping for a chance to interact with Peter Graves. I also retrieved my copy of “The Mission: Impossible Dossier,” a book detailing the making of the iconic TV series, envisioning the possibility of getting it autographed by the man himself.
The drive to Ojai, however, proved to be a bit more adventurous than anticipated. Choosing the scenic back roads over the potentially congested freeway, I soon found myself navigating a labyrinth of steep hills, winding roads, and sharp hairpin turns. The picturesque rural landscape was unfortunately lost on me as I focused intently on the challenging drive.
Arriving in Ojai, finding the festival venue was straightforward as the town essentially revolves around a main street. The location, however, was somewhat underwhelming – a rather plain school auditorium. It seemed a surprisingly modest setting for honoring a star of Peter Graves’ stature. Nevertheless, I joined the growing line of attendees, patiently waiting for the doors to open. While in line, I noticed some people engaging in conversation with the man ahead of me, but at the time, I didn’t pay much attention to who he was.
Inside the auditorium, I secured a front-row seat on the right-hand side, settling into the old-fashioned wooden bleacher-style chairs. The event’s emcee explained that it was customary for the festival honoree to select a favorite piece of their work to be screened, and Peter Graves had chosen “Airplane!”. It was indeed an intriguing choice, showcasing his range beyond the serious roles he was typically known for.
Following the hilarious screening of “Airplane!”, Peter Graves walked onto the stage, accompanied by Robert Hayes, another star from the movie. To my surprise, the man who had been standing in front of me in line also joined them on stage. It turned out to be Rossie Harris, who played Joey, the memorable cockpit kid in “Airplane!”, now all grown up. In hindsight, I chuckled at the missed opportunity – perhaps I should have tried for his autograph too!
Observing Peter Graves up close, it was evident that time had taken its toll. He was no longer the robust leading man of his “Mission: Impossible” days. He appeared frail, noticeably thinner, and relied on a cane for support. His voice, though still recognizable, had a slight tremor, and there were moments where he seemed to momentarily lose his train of thought. Despite these physical changes, his mind remained sharp, and his speech was largely lucid and engaging.
When the Q&A session began, I eagerly raised my hand. When called upon, I posed my question, referencing the prevalent smoking in “Mission: Impossible.” “Mr. Graves,” I asked, “there was quite a bit of smoking in ‘Mission: Impossible.’ Was that something just for the character, or did you smoke in real life?” (referencing also the on-screen smoking habits of fellow cast members Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, and Greg Morris).
Peter Graves responded with surprising vigor, his voice resonating through the auditorium, “I smoked for forty years and enjoyed every puff!” He then elaborated, explaining that a skiing accident, which resulted in his jaw being wired shut for several weeks, had ultimately forced him to quit. He humorously added a slightly graphic detail, mentioning that the doctor had provided him with wire cutters in case he needed to remove the wires to vomit – a bit more information than perhaps necessary, but delivered with a touch of self-deprecating humor.
As the program concluded and the audience began to disperse, Peter Graves and his small entourage started heading towards the exit. Serendipitously, my seat was positioned directly in his path to the door. Seizing the moment, I approached him quickly and asked, “Mr. Graves, may I have your autograph?”
He initially responded, “I came empty-handed,” implying he had nothing with him to sign.
I promptly presented my book and a pen. He seemed genuinely surprised, exclaiming, “Oh, you have the book!” I carefully placed “The Mission: Impossible Dossier” on the edge of the stage, providing him with a stable surface for signing. He graciously took the pen and signed the page I had opened. I thanked him sincerely, and he continued towards the exit. While I couldn’t decipher if he was slightly bothered by my impromptu autograph request – I was indeed the only one in the crowd who had approached him – I was absolutely thrilled.
Tragically, Peter Graves passed away just six months later. That brief encounter became a cherished memory, a reminder of a Hollywood icon and a testament to the impact he had on audiences worldwide.
My experience meeting Peter Graves, and other celebrities over the years, has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of graciousness towards fans. While my own career as an author is on a much smaller scale, and I may never reach the level of fame Peter Graves enjoyed, I carry the lesson with me. When I have the opportunity to interact with readers, I strive to be as pleasant and accommodating as possible. I recall once being interrupted during a meal at a writers’ convention by a reader wanting an autograph. Far from being annoyed, I was genuinely touched and thrilled that someone valued my work enough to seek my signature.
However, even with the best intentions of fan appreciation, there are still boundaries. Let’s just say, please don’t approach me for an autograph in the ladies’ room.
[Insert image of Peter Graves in Mission: Impossible]
