Known for his tall frame, deep voice, and natural acting ability, Gregory Peck, born on April 5, 1916, in La Jolla, became one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. His on-screen presence and range as an actor helped him build a career spanning over 50 years.

But his connection to La Jolla ran deeper than just his birthplace — it was a place that meant a lot to him, personally and professionally, according to many reports.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER

Peck grew up in La Jolla, where his father worked as a pharmacist and his mom was a teacher and artist. He went to local schools and, with encouragement from his parents, started taking an interest in acting. After finishing at San Diego High School, he set his sights on Hollywood and soared.

His early roles didn’t grab huge attention, but that quickly changed. His big break came with the film “The Keys of the Kingdom” (1944), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Throughout the 1940s and ’50s, he became one of Hollywood’s go-to leading men, starring in hits like “Spellbound” (1945) and, of course, “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962), which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor.

LOVE FOR LA JOLLA

Despite his success in Hollywood, La Jolla always remained special to Peck, and in 1960, he bought a home in La Jolla Shores. It became his quiet getaway, a place to recharge and unwind away from the Hollywood spotlight, according to various websites.

GIVING BACK

Peck wasn’t just about enjoying the beauty of La Jolla; he was also deeply involved in its arts community. One of his most notable contributions was to the La Jolla Playhouse, a theater company that still thrives today. Thanks to Peck’s support, the Playhouse became a major player in the theater scene, (and still is) producing shows that eventually made it to Broadway.

“Gregory Peck’s tremendous vision, talent, and commitment to honing his craft brought La Jolla Playhouse to life in 1947. More than 75 years later, we strive to continue his legacy of supporting artists and developing innovative and engaging new work for the San Diego community and beyond,” said Debby Buchholz, La Jolla Playhouse managing director.

Charlton Heston, who was a friend and fellow actor, once said, “Gregory Peck brought dignity and grace to every role he played. There was never a moment on set where you didn’t feel his presence and dedication to the craft.” (In the Arena: An Autobiography).

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS

Peck’s love for La Jolla wasn’t just about its arts scene. He was also a big advocate for preserving its natural beauty and he supported environmental efforts to protect the area’s coastline and marine life. He was all about making sure future generations could experience La Jolla the way he did throughout his lifetime.

Audrey Hepburn, who starred with him in “Roman Holiday” (1953), said of him, “He was a wonderful man, a great actor, and he made me feel comfortable and confident when I was just starting in Hollywood.” (Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit).

PERSONAL THOUGHTS ON LA JOLLA

Peck often spoke about how much he loved La Jolla in interviews, and it wasn’t a secret that he valued the peacefulness and natural beauty saying it gave him the perfect escape from the stress of Hollywood. His involvement in the community — whether through the Playhouse or his conservation efforts—showed how much La Jolla meant to him.

Ava Gardner, who worked with Peck on several films, summed up what a lot of his colleagues thought of him: “Gregory Peck is the most natural actor I’ve ever worked with, a true gentleman both on and off the screen.” (Ava: My Story).

LEGACY, DEATH, AND NEW FANS

Of course, Peck’s connection to La Jolla lives on as well as on film and at The Gregory Peck Theater at the University of California, San Diego, all examples so how he’s still celebrated in the area.

Sadly, Peck passed away on June 12, 2003, at the age of 87. He died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles due to bronchopneumonia. His funeral was held at St. John’s Cathedral, and he’s buried at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels mausoleum in Los Angeles, where fans continue to visit him. Though he’s gone, his impact on both Hollywood and La Jolla is still very much alive.

Many of his films have enjoyed a resurgence by younger fans for Peck on social media and fan tribute websites. Many of them highlight his iconic role as Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and share how his portrayal of integrity and moral strength still resonates today. On the official Gregory Peck website, there are heartfelt fan tributes that speak about how Peck’s performances brought comfort and inspiration. One fan even shared, “Gregory Peck makes me smile when I’m sad, and he makes me believe in goodness again.” These emotional connections show how deeply his work continues to touch people, decades after his passing.

Additionally, his daughter, Cecilia Peck, marked his centenary by releasing a documentary, “Conversations with Gregory Peck,” which also attracted many fans who shared their admiration for the way he balanced his humility with such a commanding on-screen presence. Fans often cite his performances as timeless, and many feel that Gregory Peck represents the best of classic Hollywood, both in talent and character.

If you’re interested in exploring more fan comments or tributes, you can visit the Gregory Peck Official Website and watch his films, visit here.