#OnThisDay 1974: Barry Norman sat down with Gregory Peck to discuss politics, To Kill A Mockingbird and the secret of film acting. | BBC Archive

"Circa April 1968, actor Gregory Peck and his wife, Veronique Peck, were photographed at the 40th Academy Awards in California, where he was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Peck, already celebrated for his Academy Award-winning performance in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), looked distinguished as he accepted the recognition for his philanthropic contributions. Veronique, elegant and poised, stood proudly beside him, reflecting their shared commitment to humanitarian causes. The

Gregory Peck was one of Hollywood’s most iconic and distinguished actors, known for his deep voice, commanding presence, and the quiet strength he brought to his roles. Born on April 5, 1916, in La Jolla, California, he rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age, starring in classic films such as Roman Holiday (1953), The Guns of Navarone (1961), and Cape Fear (1962). However, his most celebrated performance came in 1962 when he portrayed the noble and principled lawyer Atticus Finch in To Kill