Pete Duel was born on February 24, 1940, in Rochester, New York, and later relocated to West Hollywood in 1963 after touring with the National Road Company's "Take Her, She's Mine".
After landing small guest roles on various television series, Duel was cast in a recurring role alongside Sally Field on the series Gidget in 1965. Although the show only lasted one season, Duel was quickly cast in another comedy series, Love on a Rooftop, alongside Judy Carne in 1966. Despite receiving positive reviews, the series was cancelled after one season.
In July 1967, Duel signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, leading to a string of guest spots and movie roles. In 1970, he was offered the part of Hannibal Heyes on the comedy Western pilot Alias Smith and Jones, loosely based on the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The pilot was sold to ABC and a series was commissioned, which became a huge hit with the youth audience and made Duel a subject of fascination for teen magazines, earning him a loyal following.
Tragically, news of his sudden death by apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound was reported on December 31st, 1971, shocking his family and friends. Initially, there was suspicion of foul play, but evidence ultimately pointed to death by suicide, with depression and serious alcohol problems seen as contributing factors.
Following a memorial service at the Self-Realization Temple in California on January 2nd, 1972, Duel's body was flown to Penfield, New York, where he was buried in Oakwood Cemetery after a memorial service at Penfield Baptist Church.
