Logo

Veteran TV Star Dies — Best Remembered for ‘Big Valley,’ ‘Maverick’

Feb 10, 2012  •  Post A Comment

A veteran television actor best known for his role on the acclaimed 1960s Western series “The Big Valley” has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Peter Breck, 82, died Monday in Vancouver following a long illness.

Breck played the son of Barbara Stanwyck’s character on “The Big Valley” from 1965-1969, and played Doc Holliday on another Western, “Maverick,” where he appeared opposite James Garner. He also appeared as a regular on “Black Saddle,” and showed up in guest roles on “The Virginian,” “Hawaiian Eye,” “Lawman,” “Gunsmoke,” “Perry Mason” and other series.

Breck worked in film as well, including “Thunder Road” in 1958, Samuel Fuller’s “Shock Corridor” in 1963 and “Benji” in 1974.

THR reports: “On ‘Big Valley,’ Breck played Nick Barkley, who lost his temper easily and was often spoiling for a fight. Nick was the brother of the characters played by Richard Long, Charles Briles and Linda Evans and the half-brother to Lee Majors. He stayed close with Stanwyck after the show finished production.”

The story notes that Breck moved to Vancouver in the 1980s and opened an acting school. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 10 and was reportedly suffering from dementia.

peter+breck.jpgPeter Breck

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)