Inside Gregory Peck's Cause of Death

Gregory Peck, the Oscar-winning Hollywood actor famous for his roles in iconic films such as 'Roman Holiday,' 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and 'The Omen,' passed away in his sleep at his Los Angeles residence on Wednesday, June 12, 2003, due to natural causes, including bronchopneumonia. He was 87 years old. Peck's wife Veronique, who was with him, confirmed the sad news.

Peck was often cast as strong and heroic characters, from playing a pioneer dad in 'The Yearling' (1946) to confronting anti-Semitism in 'Gentleman's Agreement' (1947). He showcased his versatility in films like 'Twelve O'Clock High' (1950), 'On the Beach' (1959), and the original 'Cape Fear' (1962). Peck even made a cameo in its 1991 remake. Additionally, he portrayed a NASA chief in 'Marooned' (1969), demonstrating his ability to take on diverse roles.

According to the American Film Institute, Gregory Peck's most iconic role was "Atticus Finch" in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' "Atticus", an attorney, defends a black man falsely accused of rape in the Jim Crow South while imparting gentle moral lessons to his children as a single father.

This role earned Peck his only Oscar win, though he was nominated four other times. In 1968, he also received an honorary Oscar for his humanitarian work.

Peck was admired not just for his acting talent and movie choices, but also for his outspoken support for various causes, from peace in Vietnam to cancer research. He once stated, "I'm not a do-gooder. It embarrassed me to be classified as a humanitarian. I simply take part in activities that I believe in."

Gregory Peck also talked about his childhood, and shared how not having a stable family life with his parents affected him. He remembered never having normal family conversations around the dinner table. With nobody to talk to about his feelings, he learned to hide them behind a mask he thought others wanted to see. As a result, he felt lonely, withdrawn, and filled with self-doubt.

Gregory Peck's first marriage to Greta Kukkonen was marked by his love for their three sons. However, ongoing disagreements about his career and frequent moves caused stress. This tension peaked when, at age 34, Peck believed he had a heart attack due to feeling overwhelmed and trapped by his life circumstances. Eventually, these challenges led to the couple's separation.

In 1975, while residing in France, Gregory Peck received the tragic news of his son Jonathan's suicide. Peck, known for his close bond with his children, was aware of Jonathan's struggles, including a breakup, work stress, health issues, and the loss of a former girlfriend to suicide. Peck had supported Jonathan financially and encouraged him to seek therapy. He deeply regretted not being in Los Angeles when Jonathan needed him.

During this time, Peck was married to his second wife, Veronique Passani. She described his grief as overwhelming. Peck questioned himself as a father, wondering what he could have done differently. Passani believed that their family's support helped Peck cope, as there were no easy answers to his questions.

Gregory Peck's passing in 2003 marked the end of a Hollywood era. His spokesperson shared the circumstances, as reported in The Telegraph: "[His wife, Veronique] was with him, holding his hand, when he peacefully passed away in his sleep. He had been getting older and more fragile, but he wasn't seriously ill. He just sort of reached the end of his life and died of old age."