Gregory Peck Accepts the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1989

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In 1989, Gregory Peck (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, ROMAN HOLIDAY, CAPE FEAR) was the 17th AFI Life Achievement Award recipient. Watch his acceptance speech from the ceremony.
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[@dwalden74]

One of the most dignified acceptance speeches of all time. What a class act.

[@johnpereira7360]

Actors will come actors will go. Gregory Peck will always be at the top rung of the ladder. A very cultured and dignified personality.

[@FernandaSantos-ri5ms]

Um grande ator I um grande senhor

[@almeggs3247]

And a true Catholic that never blasphemed or used profanity in all his movies!

[@petemurray177]

Mr peck great actor he was..

[@petemurray177]

Mr peck great actor he was

[@rajeevratnalikar5142]

The most regal looking man, looks, voice, and the etiquettes .. 👌👌

[@morbius109]

This man is one of the greatest ever to grace the screens of Hollywood. His passing left the art of acting sadly hollowed, but during his life he showed us grace, skill and wonderful talent. RIP Mr Peck.

[@danieljohnson5983]

8

[@isabellakerr2966]

He will be remembered for his virtues. What a great man. So far I have not seen anybody to fill his shoes. He is the only one to fill the emptiness.

[@DivineSimply]

Proof positive that it was possible to be a great artist and professional, make good money, and at the same time be a balanced, responsible, loving, decent family man and human being. Are you listening, Hollywood?

[@kgnwayne]

DivineSimply a beautiful and wonderful sentiment,

[@tiffsaver]

+DivineSimply No, they aren't.

[@maxpower2093]

Peck along with Heston, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren was One of the few decent people in old Hollywood.

[@Hal09i]

Agree 100%. Gregory Peck was admired and respected...and you know why? he EARNED it. Something modern Hollywood has no time for for the most part...

[@hiramrichards5607]

Great statement and I agree 100% Peck was a legend on and off the screen

[@Scandilady]

I am still in love with Gregory, ever since I first time saw the Roman Holiday.

[@opre-ilioviciucarmen872]

Me, too

[@mikes3827]

Gregory Peck was the epitome of a TRUE gentleman. Just a fine human being, a man with integrity and class. Oh yeah, and a great actor. Like the saying goes, "there'll never be anyone like him again."

[@joannavery8698]

Mr.Gregory Peck was the best ever, I love everyone of his movies because he was a great actor, the best ever R.I.P Mr. Peck R.I.P. love ya!!!

[@nicolemilman1795]

Yes ☺️ I am completely in love with him

[@whaszis]

Every since I saw Duel in the Sun!

[@antikoerper256]

This man is the epytome of the good America, the fine America, the America of old which is partially if not entirely gone, along with him. RIP.

[@billysoccerboypayne]

I could hear him talking for days and days......

[@MegaKrisso]

billy payne same here! 👍

[@madeleine8977]

Such a kind, talented and elegant man. I miss him and his fine acting.

[@stevedandy973]

Gregory Peck - The "actor's Actor." Distinguished, versatile, renowned, a true gentleman. I will always remember his portrayals of "Atticus Finch" and "Captain Ahab."

[@slcRN1971]

Steve Dandy : very well stated! ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ is one of the best movies ever. His portrayal of ‘Atticus Finch’ is deeply moving plus the child actors did such a fantastic job.

[@pianoplayer2692]

What a class act. Kind, intelligent, talented, warm, and gorgeous. A delicious man!

[@Streisand70]

Gregory Peck is one of my all time favourite actors. What a classy guy! They certainly don't build them like that anymore. This kind of person is one who inspires others. What do we have now? Every other word is a four letter word.

[@rhondamcclements86]

Gregory peck was a lovely person and an amazing actor Atticus Finch would always be my favourite film character

[@ulyssgrant3178]

What you say is, sadly, correct about the coarseness of today's celebrities. The world may well forget them, but not Peck, Stewart, Newman, Eastwood. Gregory Peck : Grace, class, gorgeous. No vulgarities. My father taught that if one had to resort to curse words, you were advertising the paucity of your vocabulary.

[@2dasimmons]

So true! He really was a good man who used to be seen on streets of Berkeley, CA ehen I was a younster😍

[@williamoverly1617]

Having had the opportunity to meet Gregory Peck, I can say without the slightest hesitation, he was everything he appeared to be: a lovely, kind, considerate man who recognized his own good luck and had great concern for those less fortunate. Some of his best: THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM, GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENT, TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH, THE GUNFIGHTER, THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, MACARTHUR.

[@enterBJ40]

integrity and dignity is what this man is.

[@abdsamad1959]

the man loves his wife but Audrey Hepburn will always have a special place in his heart...since 1953

[@movieman1556]

This ladies and gentlemen is class. I am so happy to be of age to have enjoyed treasures like Mr Peck. God bless him and all his amazing work.❤

[@laprincesita87]

I love this guy!!! Him and jimmy Stewart are my favorite ones!!!

[@edkeaton1085]

One of the true Hollywood elite. Such an intelligent and an articulate man. RIP Gregory Peck.

[@rhondamcclements86]

I agree

[@strwberykiss12]

Wow, what a room! Billy Wilder, Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day, Anthony Quinn, Don Rickles, Betty White, Sidney Poitier, LIZA! . Oh to be a fly on the wall at that after party.

[@roshangeorge2127]

The real god of hollywood. The greatest actor ever.

[@rociobany290]

A CLASS ACT ** and I will always love him * Rest in Peace, Mr Peck, know you were and are such a grand example of what a man can be *

[@joshuabrooks4907]

When I first saw Gregory Peck in To Kill A Mockingbird, I thought he was from Ireland, judging by his voice. Come to find out, he was from La Jolla, California, I'm like, wow, he's American? Nonetheless, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of the greatest movies of all time, and Gregory Peck was awesome as Atticus Finch.

[@slcRN1971]

Joshua Brooks : so true! I watch that film at least once a year.

[@ilkamarinaj5074]

Gregory Peck had Irish in him

[@PaceFilmsProductions]

I love listening to this speech. He's one of my all-time favorite actors ever. In my opinion Gregory Peck is the definiton of the word Integrity

[@allegory6393]

Great actor, beautiful human being and one of the handsomest men ever to grace the screen. Sorely missed.

[@annemiekvanmierlo5328]

A class act through and through

[@flowergalpower2681]

He was such a gentleman - so kind- great actor

[@everettfuqua114]

That wonderful voice.

[@daphnebasset940]

He would be sickened by reality television we are plagued with, now.

[@scottmiller6495]

One of the greatest entertainers of all time Period!!!!!

[@conniecrawford5231]

Atticus Finch forever! One of the greatest acting roles forever!

[@khalidcompany7717]

One of the most handsome actor ever Hollywood has produced

[@nikosvault]

Did Hollywood produce his handsomeness?

[@MonroeSmile]

Wow. Think Greg gave the greatest acceptance speech in history there.

[@SzerenM]

Gregory Peck was a fine human being a true gentleman and a talented actor. An elegant, beautiful man.

[@nayyarkamal6133]

In my opinion he was the most handsome n 1 of the greatest superstars gracing ever the Hollywood screen. The vacuum caused by his death shall never b filled.

[@Hal09i]

That was well done-- warm, genuine, funny, and heartfelt. Gregory Peck was a class act. It highlights the difference between actors and celebs of old and today's crass, hyper political, no talent hacks. It was a better world then, and we have lost a lot...

[@barryetherton4889]

I was lucky to hear him talk at the Hilton in Pasadena. His commanding voice stays with me.

[@gloriacarpio9914]

I have always loved him.

[@brober]

Greg Peck a class act.

[@madambutterfly7513]

I loved him in To Kill a Mockingbird & so many other movies - truly, one of a kind & so handsome!!!

[@Dan97LHS]

Have a special place of respect for Mr. Peck. I always admired him in the Omen in 1976's horror/thriller classic. He was offered to do the role after much debate over whether to offer it to him since he had just had a tragedy in his life. He was awesome and this was a class act acceptance from a first class man.

[@2dasimmons]

I agree wholeheartedly! I really enjoyed Gregory Peck and Lee Remick in tthat movie😄

[@ar1340]

Class act in every aspect

[@karthu1993]

McKenna's gold, Guns of Navarone, To kill a mocking bird, The omen... great movie

[@judywatson5674]

I love his speech filmmakers of today need to listen to him

[@jakartatokyo]

Atticus Finch you changed my life.

[@williambennett3792]

Atticus Finch ... you are a MAN .. more like THE MAN !!! A legendary character and a man of character.

[@isabellakerr2966]

He represents the class and manhood. He was my idol when I was a child.

[@tiffsaver]

Imagine my utter shock to discover that when I made a list of my Top Ten Favorite Movies, Gregory Peck was in SIX OF THEM. There is no other Hollywood actor who has captured my heart and imagination like this great man. Your work will live on forever.

[@ScottLin96]

tiffsaver which ones?

[@ap42869]

Still missing him. This is 2018.

[@Agr8song]

so beautiful actor!!!!

[@ravisub304]

Beautifull video.................One of the best actor in mind and spirit. RIP..........there will be no one like you any more.

[@angelacarleton9575]

I always loved Gregory Peck who definitely had class and was an incredible actor. He can do it all from drama to comedy - great performances especially one that I love is "To Kill A Mockingbird." Of course, "Rome Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn after all how can one forget his incredible charm and humorous attitude he had with Audrey. Love him and miss him. This type of actor, along with so many of the late 30s,40s, and 50s are gone but never forgotten! RIP Gregory.

[@Agr8song]

Amazing actor and amazing spirit

[@BPantherPink]

OMG... So many of my heroes in one place !!!

[@reneehurt387]

Mr peck came to understand and became atticus finch. To kill a mockingbird would not have been the film it was without his imput

[@0utthe0ther]

Filmmakers of today, especially, the American ones need to hear these words. QUALITY AND ORIGINALITY. The public has been done a great disservice, for they don't know what good is anymore. Greatness used to be something to aspire to, something we believed we could almost achieve but then we try until we can't any more. Now the dust has settled on greatness and mediocrity is all we live for. I'd take 50s cinema over CGI anyday. You cant see the story for the effects, the actors don't even act.

[@leonardnapoli5918]

The greatest moment in my life was in 1966, when I met Mr. Peck in Philadelphia and the photographer took a picture of us at a national cancer event. That picture sits prominently on my bookcase and is the first thing I see each morning when I enter my den. God bless this icon.

[@pmajudge]

BRILLANT SPEECH G.P. THANKS!!

[@maxinedelacroix]

A real gentleman .... my favorite artist ever and forever .... forever .... ".... encourage, foster and commission work of quality and originality.... " - had to add it and edit it.

[@nessmalone]

Gregory Peck RULES!!!

[@pmajudge]

OOOH!! LA!! LA!! WOW!! MY FAVORITE GREGORY PECK. SEEN ALL HIS MOVIES! MATINEE IDOL OF THE 1940'S/50'S/60'S. GREAT ACTOR TOO!! THANKS FOR THE POSTING.

[@whakaarirotoruanewzealand2641]

True legend

[@Rooster792]

They don't make them like they use too! Such class. My favorite actor

[@serbianfoodie4630]

One of the Icons of the Golden era of Hollywood, oh how I wish I was born in the 50's

[@audethyaa]

I am surprised that Gregory peck received it so late and that my favorite actor Anthony Quinn never received an Afi life award.

[@davidjones6470]

A real legend

[@rouryglen]

The greatest

[@capismama2922]

I just recently pulled my Blu-ray out and watched this speech. 'To Kill A Mockingbird' has ALWAYS been one of my favorite films. I loved the book, too. But this is about Mr Peck. I grew up watching him in movies....yet, it is his role as Atticus Finch that always comes to mind when I think of how a man should act. To care about people, regardless of skin color or financial stability. Mr Peck says something during this speech that rings SO VERY TRUE in MY personal thoughts about today's "entertainment" world: "I would like hear some glamorous talks about elevating the QUALITY of films and television.' It simply isn't happening. Films and television have become too smutty and ridiculous that I can't bear to watch them. It takes something special to make me watch it. No slash/horror; no sex-for-sex's sake BS and if someone says a swear word, it has to be in a proper situation....not just calling someone a M-F'er just because it seems to be the norm in the world today. I really can't SEE a situation where someone NEEDS to call someone else a motherf***er....much less any of the multitude of other foul words, or the mere USE of such language. AM I old fashioned? Yep. Do I think I'm wrong? Nope. But I guess that's just me.

[@Curbmaster0312]

A GREAT MAN

[@strwberykiss12]

Wow, what a room! Billy Wilder, Jimmy Stewart, Doris Day, Anthony Quinn. Oh to be a fly on the wall at that after party.

[@jumpstart55million]

6:34-7:26 Wow, No truer words have been said about storytelling as a medium.

[@rafifnautikosantoso3781]

Gregory peck is my favorite actor all of time

[@bigjoetube]

Bring back the one where he was walking to the podium to the theme of To Kill a Mockingbird. Very moving.

[@ellanovek6243]

Gregory Peck IS Atticus Finch! Wonderful person!

[@Soldier-zi6wg]

Classy man.

[@AlexDeLarge77]

A gentleman.

[@jenniechen24]

Gregory Peck is my most favorite actor ！

[@jenniferbibi1972]

Eyes blessed since Spellbound

[@kiriforever1]

What a statesman!

[@srivinit]

A true gentleman

[@davidwilson599]

Nowadays, Adults are happy with newest cartoon. Digitally enhanced of course!!!

[@praveenliverpool]

Gregory Peck - the one and only gentleman of Hollywood

[@RamseyMcV]

A Great Actor who's blood on his mother's side is all rebel.

[@romeoair1314]

special thank to Audrey!!!

[@rebekagyorffy8261]

Gregory Peck is a true gentleman, he is my favorite actor since I first time saw "Roman Holiday". My other favorite movie is "To kill a Mockingbird" with him. Where/how can I watch the entire AFI ceremony?

[@rhondamcclements86]

Gregory peck as Atticus Finch is my favourite role in a film

[@geetjay8579]

#loveforever since roman holiday!!!😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@rayjay3616]

I miss him 😢😢😢i laugh and cry 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💋💋💋

[@malinibhattacharya9226]

Can we have the entire ceremony on here? It would be so gratifying.

[@BPantherPink]

In school in the 60s, we called him Giri Giri Peck, because we couldn't pronounce Gregory then !!!

[@malinibhattacharya9226]

OOooooooo, how lovely, how chweet!

[@DelphinFleety]

LEGEND :)

[@drchepa1]

what a voice!....

[@olgao6792]

A very elegant and kind man. 🌹🌹🌹

[@gh9111]

One of our actor legends. You wouldn't find him bellowing and speaking badly about a president and their politics. Today's actors could learn a lot from Gregory Peck.

[@peachie0keen]

Aw! BLESS!

[@billofrightsamend4]

His mannerisms reminds me of my grandfather, he was from East TN. He later moved to California. So he fit in nicely there. He was a kind man too. Everyone that talks about him always had good things to say about him. At 6 1/2 feet I don't think anyone would mess with you. 😉 Sort of reminds you of a grand gentle elephant.

[@rogergreen9798]

a giant of an actor.

[@sharonjones761]

Classy gentleman, like he was in all of his movies. Wow, acknowledging his wife and family, Class Acts!👏🏽🙏

[@Carpenterdane]

Love this man! Still watch his movies today. He was Loretta Lynn's favorite actor.

[@bettyburke8653]

Class.

[@DCHurlford1]

He was great in the 70's horror classic The Omen (as the doomed Ambassador).

[@mikes3827]

Oh definitely! Gregory Peck was already a legend, but The Omen is EASILY one of the scariest movies ever made.