Biografia
House Peters Jr. dedicated over 32 years to Hollywood as a respected character actor and occasional B-movie star. Launching his career with the 1935 film Hot Tip, he primarily portrayed supporting roles and numerous villains across stage productions, films, serials, TV shows, and commercials.
Born into an acting family, he was the son of silent film star House Peters and actress Mae King Peters. Known affectionately as "Junior" or "Juny" by friends and family, he was raised in Beverly Hills, attended local schools alongside many children of Hollywood's elite, and entered the acting world after graduating from Beverly Hills High. His career paused during WWII when he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps' Air Sea Rescue unit as a small-boat operator. While stationed in the Philippines, he met and married Lucy Pickett. After the war, he returned home and resumed acting. Throughout the late 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, Peters found steady work in films and television, playing soldiers, police detectives, Western outlaws, and notably the original Mr. Clean in a series of popular TV commercials.
Peters set a personal goal to achieve star status by age 50; otherwise, he would leave show business. True to his word, after being cast mostly in supporting roles, he retired in 1965 following his recurring role as county sheriff Jim Simmons on the television show Lassie. He then transitioned into the real estate business in the San Fernando Valley, a career he pursued until retirement. Afterward, he and Lucy traveled extensively across the country in their van and travel trailer, enjoying fishing, gold prospecting, sightseeing, and attending swap meets. Peters earned the prestigious Golden Boot Award and authored an autobiography titled "Another Side of Hollywood." He occasionally appears at Western film festivals, including the popular event at Iverson Ranch in Chatsworth, California. Reflecting on his life, Peters often stated he would change one thing if given the chance: his name.
