Peter Aurness, (Stage name Peter Graves), the actor that became famous from his roles in the iconic CBS TV Show "Mission - Impossible", and the Hollywood films "Airplane" and "Airplane II - The Sequel" has passed away today here in Southern California at his home in the wealthy enclave of Pacific Palisades. He died of natural causes at 83 years old.

"Mission Impossible" was one of my all time favorite TV shows as a kid, and I still watch the re-runs till this day.

And the film "Airplane"? It's still one of my all time favorite movie comedies! Who can ever forget then Lakers Star Kareem Abdul Jabbar with Graves in the cockpit, consulting that little boy on "Have you ever been in a cockpit before", and, of coarse, the blow up doll "My Friend - The Auto Pilot". The movie started what would become a trend: Comedies that appealed to men with their "Toilet" humor, and I loved them all: Especially the "Naked Gun" pictures.

Peter appeared in over 130 films and TV shows, his brother, James Aurness, was "Matt Dillian" in TV's "Gunsmoke". 

He was also noted for playing the hot shot Germany Spy in the film "Stalig 17", and as a Emmy Award winning host on TV's "Biography".

God bless him, his friends, and family. I'm sure he is laughing in heaven now! Thanks for giving me a lifetime of belly - aching comedy - and adventure!