'Mockingbird' actor Brock Peters dies

[KG]

By GARY GENTILE
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Actor Brock Peters, best known for his heartbreaking performance as the black man falsely accused of rape in "To Kill a Mockingbird," died Tuesday at his home after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

Peters was diagnosed with the disease in January and had been receiving chemotherapy treatment, according to Marilyn Darby, his longtime companion. His condition became worse in recent weeks.

He died peacefully in bed, surrounded by family, she said.

Peters was born George Fisher on July 2, 1927 in New York. His long film career began in the 1950s with the landmark productions of "Carmen Jones" in 1954 and "Porgy and Bess" in 1959.

In recent years, he played Admiral Cartwright in two of the "Star Trek" feature films. He also appeared in numerous TV shows. His distinctive deep bass voice was often used for animated characters.

He was perhaps best known for portraying accused rapist Tom Robinson, defended by Gregory Peck's Atticus Finch in the 1962 film "To Kill a Mockingbird."


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[devilgrrl]

1. It is a sad day in America.

RIP Brock :cry:

[Deja Q]

2. Damn.

Admiral Cartwright was way-cool. (though in Trek VI it was said Brock Peters had a problem with some of the lines. Understandable, the parallel to racism is VERY disturbing; I couldn't blame him as his lines would be tantamount to whites talking of blacks as being garbage (Brock was a human calling Klingons "the alien trash of the galaxy"). Ouch. But he clearly put his job ahead first; his performance was stunningly good - especially after hearing his reservation which, again, I totally understand.) I think (or at least hope!) the ultimate point of making Cartwright one of the baddies is to show that humans of ANY color can still participate in prejudice; which is a refreshingly realistic approach; even if the bulk of us want true equality and respect.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" was a great film as well. One of the all-time greats.

He will be missed. :cry: