Oscar®-winning actor Gregory Peck, who just recently topped the American Film Institute's list of all-time cinematic heroes for his portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, died overnight of undisclosed causes at his home in Los Angeles; he was 87. A tall actor of quiet grace and dignity whose rugged good looks belied a talent for inhabiting numerous characters, Peck planned on becoming a doctor before turning to Broadway in 1942. Two years later, he achieved instant stardom with his role as a priest in The Keys of the Kingdom, which garnered the California-born actor his first Academy Award nomination. A string of critically and commercially successful films followed, including Spellbound, The Yearling, Gentlemen's Agreement and Twelve O'Clock High; the `50s saw Peck take on lead roles in Captain Horatio Hornblower, Roman Holiday and Moby Dick, among others. After four Oscar nominations, Peck finally won the Best Actor honor in 1962 for his stirring portrayal of lawyer Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, the role that best embodied his screen persona. A champion of liberal causes and president of Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences during the late 1960s, Peck was also honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian award in 1967. His later films included The Omen, The Boys from Brazil, and Amazing Grace and Chuck. Peck is survived by his wife, Veronique, and four children. --Prepared by IMDb staff...