Special Sub-Topic: Pete Duel, That Dark Haired Cowboy Click Here To Play: Pete Duel, That Dark Haired Cowboy

What was Pete Duel's middle name?

Ellstrom. Peter Ellstrom Deuel (actual spelling) got his middle name from his mother's maiden name. When Pete hit Hollywood he dropped the extra 'e' in his last name.

Pete Duel was born in Rochester, New York on what date?

February 24, 1940. Peter Ellstrom Deuel was the eldest of three children born to Dr. Ellsworth Shaut Deuel and Lillian Marcella Ellstrom Deuel. Pete had a younger brother Geoffrey who was also an actor, and a sister Pamela who was a Christian music singer.

One of Pete's first TV appearances was in November 1964 and can be seen in the "Gomer and The Dragon Lady" episode of "Gomer Pyle USMC".

t. Pete was billed as only the "first man" and had lines in two scenes. Duel's performance was good enough to catch the eye of producer William Sackheim, who would settle for no one, but Duel for his series "Love on a Rooftop" (1966).

Pete first recurring role was in "Gidget" airing from September 1965 to April 1966.

t. Pete played the square John Cooper, husband of Gidget's sister Anne. Duel and his co-star Sally Field were great friends throughout his life. Contrary to popular belief, Duel's relationship with Sally Field was only platonic.

Pete appeared in what 1966 romantic situation comedy co-starring Judy Carne?

Love On A Rooftop. Pete co-starred with his then girlfriend Judy Carne, but audiences didn't warm to the series and it was cancelled in 1967. Filmed in San Francisco, Pete played an architect who marries an art student, played by Carne. This sit-com couple lived on a rooftop with no windows. Shortly after the series was cancelled, Carne & Duel's relationship fizzled as well.

In 1970, Duel was offered a role in "Alias Smith And Jones."

t. Duel's audition was nothing short of perfection. Duel was the only actor considered for the part of Hannibal out of hundreds of auditioning actors.

Pete co-starred in "Alias Smith And Jones". The name of Pete's character was what?

Hannibal Heyes. Pete portrayed Hannibal Heyes, the fun loving, wise cracking outlaw up until his death. After Pete's death, Roger Davis tried to fill that spot, but "Alias Smith And Jones" (1971) never recovered and was cancelled.

Duel appeared on "Marcus Welby MD" twice. His first appearance was in a Season Two episode "A Passing Of Torches" which aired on 26 March 1971. Duel's character had the ability to say only one word. What was that word?

Mother. Duel played Roger Nastili, an aphasic patient struggling to learn how to speak again after a tragic car wreck. With this one word, Duel showed yet another side of his acting abilities, one that garnered him many accolades from his peers and tabloids alike.

Pete died prematurely at age 31. What was the official cause of death?

suicide by gunshot. According to reports, Pete had been upbeat earlier that day and was planning to watch his show on television that night. Diane Ray, his girlfriend at the time was in the apartment at the time of death. Diane was in bed when she heard the shot. It was she that found Pete dead and called the police. The death was eventually ruled a suicide.

Peter Ellstrom Deuel died on what date?

December 31, 1971. Whether it was an accident or intentional we will never know. Pete did not leave a suicide note, nor did he purportedly appear despondent the day of his death. At least we have re-runs.