Pete Duel was born February 24, 1940. He was best known for his role in Hannibal Hayes in Alias Smith and Jones. He was quoted about a month before his death about the character he portrayed. “He is hunted by every posse, yet he is still able to laugh. It’s something I love him for. I try to be like that, but with so many problems besetting the world from war to pollution and injustice. I find it difficult to keep smiling.”

(Photo of Pete Duel’s last residence.; 2552 Glen Green, Hollywood.  This is one of the stops on the Dearly Departed Tour.)

On December 31, 1971 the evening of his death, Pete Duel was drinking.  In the past few years he had a few run-ins with the law and had his licensed revoked.  He made a sincere effort to give up drinking and had joined AA.

On the night he died, he and his girlfriend, Diane Rey watched an episode of Alias Smith and Jones.  Diane Rey went to bed and Pete Duel stayed up to watch basketball.  Sometime after midnight, he came into the bedroom and picked up his .38 revolver and told his girlfriend “see you later.”  Then he walked into the living room and few minutes later he shot himself.  There was no note.  Pete Duel had called his answering service that evening to schedule a wakeup call at 6:30 AM.  Even though he took his own life it most likely wasn’t premeditated.  His blood alcohol level was .31.  His sister believes if he hadn’t been drinking that night he would have never taken his own life.

Almost thirty-six years later, there are still fan sites with pictures, video clips, and writings about the actor. He is well missed.

Websites: http://www.peteduelclub.com/
http://www.peteduel.info/home.html