June 12, 2003

Legendary actor and Oscar winner Gregory Peck died on this day in 2003. Peck, who’s grandmother Catherine Ashe came from Dingle, studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and debuted in his first Broadway show The Morning Star after graduation. His role in The Keys of the Kingdom in 1944 won him an Academy Award nomination. He became well known for his rugged screen presence and was often cast as the hero, especially in westerns. He starred opposite Audrey Hepburn in her first film Roman Holiday. Peck finally won the Oscar for his role as Atticus Finch in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird.