GOODNIGHT MR. PHELPS (ENCORE)

      I know that everyone is going to leave this earth eventually, it is just a given in the equation of life.  Some however, evoke thoughts and memories of a time past; a fond recollection of a moment in our lives that stands out from the rest, and for me, Peter Graves did just that.

       A week long family vacation to Washington, DC with my parents and my younger sister, when I was only 11 became much more than a sightseeing trip of monuments and history.  Brochures and cameras in hand, the four of us spent the first couple of days, visiting the Lincoln Memorial, watching money be printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and after enjoying the view, walking down the 896 steps of the Washington Monument.  It was my first taste of history that was tangible and current.  Our next stop came midweek, when after a hardy breakfast we took a taxi to the White House.  There we stood, outside the curving iron fence, peering through the bars at the Presidential residence.  My Father then shepherded us over to the waiting line that would eventually give way to a tour of the most famous house in the country.  A mere 30 minutes later, there we were, standing at the visitors entrance of the White House, ready to go in when out walks Actor Peter Graves! 
       Now mind you, my entire family enjoyed watching each episode of Mission Impossible.  The show began with Agent Phelps, (played by Graves), listening to a tape of instructions outlining the details for his team's latest mission and explaining that if he or any of his agents were killed or captured "the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions" and then the tape would always self-destruct right in the player, within seconds of Phelps listening to it.  I don't think the writers of those words, have any idea how often during the shows initial run that those lines were repeated by fans, young and old.

       I'm not sure my Father could believe his eyes, judging by the look on his face.  There, standing 2 feet from him, dressed in a suit and tie with that beautiful white hair, Mr. Graves smiled, said hello, reached out and shook my Fathers hand, as my Mother and us girls watched on in awe.  He then told us to enjoy the tour as we stepped through the door and  he proceeded to shake a few more hands of those in line.  I don't really remember what I saw inside the White House, but I'll never forget the consummate gentleman and Actor I met at the door that day. 

      Today, March 14, 2010, with sad heart, and fond memories I wish you farewell Peter Graves, rest in peace.  Born Peter Aurness, March 18, 1926.  Known professionally as Peter Graves, a truly iconic American film and television actor.  His role as Jim Phelps in the series Mission: Impossible won him a Golden Globe Award in 1971 and earned him nominations for Emmy Awards and Golden Globe awards in other seasons of that show.  As host of A&E Biography, he won an Emmy Award for outstanding informational series in 1997.  Peter was the younger brother of  actor James Arness of Gunsmoke fame. GOODNIGHT!!!