Gregory Peck : A Biography

by Gary Fishgall

An authoritative biography, the first ever written with the actor's cooperation, traces the illustrious career of this extremely private man who starred in such film classics as Roman Holiday, Horatio Hornblower, and To Kill a Mockingbird, revealing the many personal roles he has played in his life, from husband and friend to dedicated activist. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Film

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book on GREGORY PECK is an admiring and uncritical look at the actor. Perhaps the only balance is provided by Peck's own words: As Peck approved this biography and supported it.

"I've had my ups and downs. There have been times when I wanted to quit. Times when I hit the bottle. Girls. Marital problems. I've touched most of the bases."

Gary Fishgalls biography is a well studied book on his professional career, dates, his films, his political thoughts his charity work which is well documentated. Where is falls a little short in this story is his own thoughts of his co-stars, his private life, he loved travelling, he loved South Of France, well for a few years.

Was good friends with David Niven, Roger Moore, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, not much mentioned about his relationships with his co-stars and friendships.

Yes full information of all his great films and not so successful films. Published in 2001/2002, Peck died in 2003 aged 87 years old.

I know that Gregory Peck liked to play tennis, not mentioned once in the book, yes he was a very private man, he tough relationship with Robert Mitchum in Cape Fear, they did not get on.

My Favourites The Yearling, The Guns Of Navarone, The Big Country, The Omen , To Kill A Mockingbird, Cape Fear and Roman Holiday.

[Rayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved it simply because I love Gregory Peck.

[Zeck Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing review of Peck's life and film career. The writer's MO is for the most part chronological: he goes through the films, most of which are thoroughly forgettable, and quotes from actors and critics. Ho hum. There is little psychological insight into Peck, at least the kind that would guide a more enlightened thematic approach to the man and his work. I'm suggesting that the author might have been more aware of the psychological elements in Peck's life and career -- and used them to guide the structure and development of the book. If you don't know Peck's films well (I certainly don't), reading a lumbering series of reviews is hardly engaging. Yes, Peck was a private man, as Fishgall suggests. So how exactly did this privacy influence his choice of scripts and his relations with wives (he was married twice), other actors, and family? (In the case of the family, Fishgall discusses the suicide of Peck's oldest son in a few scant paragraphs, a throw-away in the middle of another boring recitation of film plots. And why would he have married his first wife, in his mid-20s, someone who had very little in common with him, as the marriage was to prove?)

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellant book

[Benedict Reid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good solid bio with a focus on the career rather than the man. However it lacked that spark which can make biographies great.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

50/50 Book Quest category: Bonus (because this was a real joy for me to read; I have seen many of Gregory Peck's movies and understanding his life and the background behind the movies was a bonus).

I did a little research on the best Gregory Peck biography to read, and this was the one I ultimately decided on. It was described as being fair and honest, and it did not disappoint. Author Gary Fishgall does a superb job of laying out the life of this great actor, from birth to childhood, college to Broadway to the silver screen, and finally to years of activism and t.v. roles. And it was all told with candor and honesty, well-researched and fairly portraying the great Gregory Peck.

I must say I do love Mr. Peck quite a bit- tall, handsome, and that baritone voice!- and I found this biography an absolute delight! I gained so much insight into his life. He wasn't perfect, but he did his best in each endeavor he undertook, and was generally a quite upstanding man. I'll be watching every movie of his I can and with the background I have, will enjoy those films more.

[Robyn Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by Gregory Peck before I started to read this book. This book told me a lot of what he was like as a man rather than as the actor I had known him as before. After finishing it, I'm more intrigued and fascinated by Eldred Gregory Peck than I was before, and I wish there were more to read about him. For being a man born into the time he was, he was so honest about choices and opinions he felt. I respect a man like that.

[John Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hero, Gregory Peck. It was great to learn his life story. The man is Atticus Finch, in heart and attitude and honor, although he is an actor not a lawyer.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad biography on this actor from his childhood up to about the year 2000. He had a strong work ethic and was honest and kind. I have always liked him but not all of his movies.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

gregory peck i love you💗

[Sean Claycamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tells his story completely.

[Sarah Ní Bhríomhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this but it really disappointed. Yes, there's heaps of information (more emphasis on his career) and it's easy to read, but it just didn't grab my attention and I honestly found reading it to be a chore. It's definitely not on my list of favourite biographies.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one year ago and still can remember large sections of it. There are two reasons for this: First, Gary Fishgall is one of the four best biographers around and he has experience and talent to back it up; the second reason is that Gregory Peck was one of the most articulate and noble men to ever grace the screen. I was enthralled by his level of dignity and honesty about himself. he is one of my top five favorite actors of all-time. BTW, James Stewart, John Wayne, Charlton Heston and Paul Newman are the others. Have fun reading about this wonderful man and actor.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Gregory Peck. Remember watching his movies as a child, and admiring how handsome he was and a great actor. I have the DVD of his Conversations with Gregory Peck, and there you see him as the person, with his loving family, and realize what a true Gentleman looks like.
The book is great. I recommend it.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gregory Peck was an incredible man. He was not flashy or egomaniacal like so many other actors. His calm supportive presence during pictures was lauded by nearly all who worked with him. He tried to do what he believed was right nearly always. His bio was not always glowing with praise, but he does come off as noble as he appears on screen.

[amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, it mainly focused on Peck's career. I'd only recommend it if you're a big Peck fan.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read about a talented and charitable actor who conducted himself with dignity and integrity - Hollywood (and the rest of the world) could benefit from more people like him.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-- a little dense.

[Magda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting, but I didn't get past page 66. Maybe I'll try this again.