Biography
Peter, born in Iceland, started running track at an early age. He thrived in the sport and, in his late teens, was a member of the Icelandic National Team for the decathlon, holding multiple national records. While competing in Europe, he met a U.S. runner attending and competing for USC. After their conversation, the USC athlete invited Peter to consider running for USC in the United States. Peter eagerly accepted, and after speaking with the coach, he enrolled at USC on a full scholarship, bringing his three children—Lisa, Petur Jr., and Kristine—with him.
During his time at USC, a casting call for the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth was underway. The producer struggled to find someone to play Hans, a tall, strong Icelandic native. A producer’s colleague, whose son also attended USC, learned about the casting challenge at a social event. The colleague’s son, a track team member, recommended Peter as the ideal candidate. An audition was arranged, and Peter quickly landed the role of Hans.
Following the film’s completion, Peter was offered a long-term acting contract but declined, valuing his privacy and preferring not to live in the public spotlight. Later, he competed for Iceland in the 110-Meter Hurdles at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He subsequently married Marie George, a Southern California native of Danish descent, now Marie Ronson. Together, they had two sons, Brian and Stephen, both of whom are licensed physicians in Southern California and take great pride in their father.
