The actor Peter Graves died today. He was 83. He will be remembered as the  "the cool spymaster" Jim Phelps, leader of the Impossible Missions Force or IMF, of television's “Mission Impossible,” and as the dignified host of the “Biography” series." He appeared in hundreds of television shows. He died at his home from natural causes, a heart attack. (New York Times)

Born Peter Aurness, he lived from March 18, 1926 - March 14, 2010,  known professionally as Peter Graves. He was an American film and television actor.  He was the younger  brother of the actor James Aurness.  In addition to his work on "Biography" and "Mission Impossible," he is being remembered for his continuing roles in the network TV series "7th Heaven" and in the comedy spoof motion pictures, "Airplane!"  and "Airplane II: The Sequel".

When I think of Peter Graves, I think of Mission Impossible, the TV series, and I remember the "Mission Impossible," theme and the phrases, "Good morning , Mr Phelps  -- This tape will self-destruct in ..."   The memories won't self-destruct. These are memories I doubt if I shall ever be able to get out of my head.

R.I.P. Peter Graves