- Born
- Died
- Birth namePeter Halsten Thorkelson
- Nickname
- The Monkees
- Height1.78 m
- Performed as a folk musician in Greenwich Village and Los Angeles before being selected for the Monkees TV show. Made 58 TV episodes 6 albums, a TV special, and a movie before leaving the Monkees in 1969 Released a solo single in 1982. Rejoined the Monkees for tours and an from 1986 to 1989. Released his first solo album, "Stranger Things Have Happened", in 1994- IMDb mini biography by: Michael J. Bauman <mbauman@acsu.buffalo.edu>
- SpousesPamela Grapes(February 15, 2014 - February 21, 2019) (his death)Barbara Iannoli(January 1975 - 1987) (divorced, 1 child)Reine Stewart(December 24, 1973 - 1974) (divorced, 1 child)Jody Babb(June 5, 1964 - September 1964) (divorced)
- ChildrenErica MarieIvan Joseph IannoliHallie Thorkelson
- ParentsHalsten John ThorkelsonVirginia Hope Straus Thorkelson
- RelativesAnne Thorkelson(Sibling)
- Wolfish grin
- Was actually the first Monkee to play an instrument on one of their records ("Papa Gene's Blues"), after writer/producer Michael Nesmith insisted Peter be allowed to add a guitar part.
- When Stephen Stills was turned down by The Monkees (1965) producers because his teeth were crooked and his hair was falling out, he recommended a local folk musician who looked like him named Peter Tork.
- The most accomplished musician of The Monkees, Tork plays 12 different instruments; his choice "depends on what kind of music I'm playing." While producers Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart admired Tork's playing, he was almost never given lead vocals on the Monkees' records. Box-set and CD bonus tracks from the 1980s and 1990s included several rarely-heard Tork songs and vocals.
- Tork and his grandmother were close; when he became a Monkee, "Grams" was one of his staunchest supporters, running a fan club for him, keeping a huge scrap book on The Monkees and checking local record stores to see that they kept Monkees records in stock.
- Taught algebra and coached baseball at a private school in the late 1970s; also worked as a singing waiter. Said later he'd have been pleased to join Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones in their reunion with Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, had they asked.
- You should be a hero to yourself. And if you're not... check it out.
- The longest I've ever gone without playing [guitar] is two or three days. It keeps me going.
- [late 1960s] "I don't believe in 'My country right or wrong'. My country wrong needs my help."
- [on the death of fellow Monkee Davy Jones] It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. Adios to the Manchester Cowboy.
- The Monkees (1966) - $450 /episode (first season)
- The Monkees (1966) - $750 /episode (second season)
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