The overall gist of the series is something like a take-off on the famous Butch Cassidy flick with the ultra-handsome Redford and Newman in the starring roles capturing the hearts of all the ladies and the gut-clutching imagination of all the men. Hence, the series, a moderate success in the ratings, but a smash hit with the younger set across the nation. Thanks to the looks...and the acting ability..of it's two stars. Why don't you say hello to them. They'd love to say hello to you, too.
Ben Murphy, almost a spitting image of Paul Newman, was born on March 6th in Jonesboro, Arkansas, but grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He graduated from St. Precopius Greek Orthodox School, then went to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. After one year, he transferred to Loyola University in New Orleans, then transferred again to the University of the Americas, Mexico City. He still maintained his credits when he again transferred, this time to the University of Illinois where he received his Bachelors degree in international relations. He achieved his second Bachelor of arts at the Pasadena Playhouse in California in theatre arts.
The widely-travelled Murphy has done graduate work in theatre arts at the University of Southern California, and physical education at San Fernando State College, in the meanwhile, managing some acting roles in "The Name of the Game" series, "The Virginian," "It Takes a Thief" and "The Outsiders." His film work includes roles in "The Graduate," "The Thousand Plane Raid" and "Yours, Mine and Ours."
Murphy, who is a bachelor, likes to ski, swim, play tennis and go horseback riding whenever his acting allows him a brief respite. He currently lives in an apartment near Universal studios in the San Fernando Valley.
Pete Duel, the handsome second half of the series, is also a bachelor, and lives the quiet, simple life in an apartment over a garage in West Hollywood. He loves to take off and get away from it all in a four-wheel-drive camper, leaving the hustle and bustle of city life as far behind as possible.
Born in Rochester, New York on February 24th, Pete quit St. Lawrence University after two years study and enrolled at American Theatre Wing in New York City, then joined the Shakespeare Wrights Repertory Company after two years at the Wing.
Pete's first big break came after a stint with the Family Service Group which toured and produced shows for schools, service and PTA groups. Pete signed for a movie that was shot in the Philippines, "Wounded in Action," then went directly into a co-starring role with Tom Ewell in the national road company of "Take Her, She's Mine." He has since appeared in roles in TV series such as "Combat," "12 O'Clock High," "The Fugitive," "Ironside," "The Virginian," "The Name of the Game," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Young Lawyers" and another long list of others. You probably remember him as the young newlywed in "Love on a Rooftop" playing opposite the hilarious Judy Carne.
It's been a long and hard road for both, but the going is easier now.
Say hello, and welcome, Alias Smith and
Jones!
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