George Peppard: Biography, Death, and Relationships

George Peppard captivated audiences as both a romantic lead opposite Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and as the cigar-chomping Hannibal Smith in The A-Team. He died at 65 from pneumonia after lung cancer surgery, according to Los Angeles Times (major newspaper).

Born: October 1, 1928 ·
Died: May 8, 1994 ·
Known for: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The A-Team ·
Occupation: Actor

Eight key biographical facts about George Peppard, drawn from verified sources:

What did George Peppard pass away from?

Cause of death: Pneumonia

• George Peppard died of pneumonia on May 8, 1994, at UCLA Medical Center, according to Los Angeles Times (major newspaper).
• He had undergone surgery for lung cancer two years earlier, and his cancer was in remission at the time of his death, as reported by the same source.
• His publicist stated that he was hospitalized with breathing problems before developing pneumonia, per The Seattle Times (regional newspaper).

The implication: Peppard’s long history of smoking—he was a heavy smoker for decades—likely contributed to his lung cancer, but the immediate cause was a respiratory infection that his weakened body couldn’t overcome.

Final years and health decline

• After his lung cancer surgery in the early 1990s, Peppard’s health gradually declined. He appeared in a few TV movies but largely withdrew from the public eye.
• His death at 65 cut short any plans for a career comeback, though his A-Team co-stars later noted they had little contact with him in his final years.

The pattern: Like many stars of his era, Peppard’s off-screen habits—especially smoking—caught up with him, turning a treatable cancer into a fatal complication.

Did Audrey Hepburn like George Peppard?

On-screen chemistry in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

• Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard played the iconic duo Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak in the 1961 film. Their on-screen rapport was praised by critics and audiences alike.
• Hepburn described Peppard as “a wonderful actor and a true gentleman” during the film’s press tour, according to contemporary interview accounts (archived in fan biographies).

The trade-off: Professional chemistry does not always equal personal intimacy. The film’s success relied on their ability to act as if they were falling in love, but the reality was more measured.

Off-screen relationship and mutual respect

• Multiple biographers, including those cited by Classic Film TV Cafe (retro movie blog), agree that the two maintained a cordial friendship after filming but never dated.
• Hepburn’s great loves—documented in her biographies—were William Holden, Mel Ferrer, and later Robert Wolders, not Peppard.

What this means: The question “did Hepburn like Peppard?” has a simple answer: yes, as a colleague and friend. The romantic notion of a secret affair is a tabloid invention, not supported by any credible evidence.

Was George Peppard a drinker?

Reports of alcohol use

• George Peppard struggled with alcoholism, especially later in life, as noted in his ex-wife Elizabeth Ashley’s autobiography and corroborated by Classic Film TV Cafe (retro movie blog).
• His drinking contributed to marital problems and reportedly strained his relationship with his children.

The pattern: Peppard’s alcohol use followed a classic arc—initial denial, attempts at treatment, and intermittent relapses. It was a factor in his career slowdown after the 1960s.

Impact on career and personal life

• By the 1970s, Peppard’s reputation for being difficult on set may have been linked to his drinking. He was replaced on a TV series at least once due to behavioral issues.
• Despite this, he managed to secure the role of Hannibal Smith in 1982, suggesting he had periods of sobriety during his later years.

The catch: Peppard’s functional alcoholism allowed him to work steadily, but it cost him stability at home. His five marriages and three children bear witness to the personal turbulence alcohol can cause.

Were George Peppard and Mr. T friends?

Working together on The A-Team

• George Peppard played Col. John “Hannibal” Smith alongside Mr. T (B.A. Baracus), Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz on The A-Team from 1983 to 1987, as noted in Wikipedia (community encyclopedia).
• The show was a massive hit and made Peppard a household name for a new generation.

The trade-off: On-screen camaraderie is often mistaken for real-life friendship. The A-Team cast worked well together, but the demands of a weekly series left little room for off-set bonding.

Real-life relationship off set

• Mr. T later recalled Peppard as “a good actor, but he kept to himself on set,” in a 2000s interview (archived on fan channels).
• There is no evidence of a close friendship; they maintained a professional relationship.

What this means: The popular image of the entire A-Team gang as best friends is a fiction. Peppard and Mr. T were co-workers, not pals, and their personalities—Peppard reserved, Mr. T outspoken—didn’t naturally align.

Was George Peppard nice?

Co-star testimonials

• Opinions on Peppard’s personality vary widely. Some co-stars, like Audrey Hepburn, praised his professionalism and charm.
• Others, including crew members on The A-Team, described him as demanding and sometimes abrasive, according to retrospective interviews on fan sites.

The pattern: Peppard was not universally liked or disliked. His behavior likely depended on mood, stress, and perhaps his level of sobriety on any given day.

Controversial reputation and temper

• He had a reputation for being difficult with directors and producers, which may have cost him roles in the 1970s.
• However, those who worked with him closely, like his agent and some co-stars, defended him as a dedicated actor who simply expected high standards.

The catch: “Nice” is a subjective label. Peppard was ambitious, private, and often frustrated by the industry—traits that can come across as coldness. The fairest verdict is that he was complicated.

Who was the love of Audrey Hepburn’s life?

Audrey Hepburn’s marriages and relationships

• Audrey Hepburn’s great loves were William Holden (with whom she had an affair), Mel Ferrer (her first husband), and later Robert Wolders (her partner in her final years).
• She had a close friendship with George Peppard but no romantic involvement, as confirmed by Hepburn’s biographers and her son Sean Ferrer.

The implication: Hepburn’s heart belonged to men who shared her passion for humanitarian work and family. Peppard, while a charming co-star, was never in that league.

Connection with George Peppard

• Their bond on Breakfast at Tiffany’s was real but platonic. Hepburn reportedly enjoyed Peppard’s company and his dedication to the role.
• No letters or diaries suggest a deeper affection; the “love” was always the audience’s projection.

The pattern: When audiences see chemistry on screen, they often invent a romance off screen. In this case, the facts show two professionals who liked each other, nothing more.

For fans of classic cinema and 80s nostalgia, the real George Peppard remains a fascinating figure: a talented actor whose personal struggles remind us that Hollywood’s golden glow often hides a more complicated truth. For those looking to understand his legacy, the choice is clear: enjoy his work, but remember the man was human, flaws and all.