Craig Stevens never resented that folks called him Peter Gunn

He was proud to be the title detective.

Let's be honest here... Fame is not something most of us will ever have to contend with. No matter how good we are at our jobs, we're not getting recognized out on the streets. That's why it's endlessly fascinating to read about how stars contend with their celebrity. 

Oftentimes, when actors become renowned for their portrayal of one specific character, they become more associated with that role than with their own identity. If Carroll O'Connor walks down the street, he could expect to be called Archie. If Leonard Nimoy goes for a stroll, chances are, someone would call him Spock. Sometimes, though, that can get a little old. Especially if that one famous role comes early in an actor's career. Try as they might, some actors can never escape their biggest role, much to their chagrin.

One actor who never got upset about being identified with his most famous character was Craig Stevens. Although he spent decades in the spotlight, most people only knew Stevens as Peter Gunn, the main character of the same-named show.

"I don't fight it," Stevens told The San Bernadino County Sun. "Usually, it is only a first reaction. I find that most people I meet do know that my real name is Craig Stevens.

"I owe any public prominence I may have to the Peter Gunn television program and character. How could I resent identification with it? Besides, I won't be going that way again, and I hope to be Craig Stevens for quite a number of years to come."

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14 Comments

deltadart 4 months ago
Craig Stevens had two other shows, Man of the World, one season (Also good) ITC produced in 1962 and Mr. Broadway CBS 1964. I have Peter Gunn and Man of the World on DVD. You can find these shows on YouTube and even a couple of Mr. Broadway episodes. Henry Mancini did the Theme music for Man of the world.
tootsieg 13 months ago
Great theme song and jazzy show.
Ajax 13 months ago
Loved the show and the jazz !
GOOSEYGOOSE9 13 months ago
What gun did Peter Gunn carry in what holster I like the henry Mancini music
Runeshaper 13 months ago
Craig Stevens was AWESOME as Peter Gunn! Always enjoy watching that show with my family.
justjeff Runeshaper 13 months ago
His character (and in a way, his hair style) was based loosely on Cary Grant... suave, debonaire and determined...
Runeshaper justjeff 13 months ago
Both slick gents!
Coldnorth justjeff 13 months ago
Let’s not forget the looks.
JHP 13 months ago
I absolutely LOVE this show! Case closed...
MrsPhilHarris 13 months ago
Good for him. I like to hear that there are actors that aren’t all bent out of shape about being called by a character’s name.
Coldnorth MrsPhilHarris 13 months ago
If you read my posts, I say the same. I bet there are actors that loved it when the money was coming in.
MrsPhilHarris Coldnorth 13 months ago
Exactly. When they get the role they are thrilled after years of struggles. Then they poo poo the role.
Coldnorth MrsPhilHarris 13 months ago
Thankx for agreeing with me lol
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