The original Mission: Impossible TV show captivated audiences with its ingenious team of IMF agents, who used their wits to outmaneuver foreign adversaries and shadowy forces. It was more about brains than brawn—a stark contrast to the action-packed Tom Cruise films that came later. Despite the modern franchise’s success, the original cast held a special place in fans’ hearts, even as some of them rejected the film adaptations. Let’s revisit the stars who made this iconic series unforgettable and explore their unique contributions and post-Mission: Impossible legacies.
1. Peter Graves (Jim Phelps)
As the leader of the Impossible Missions Force, Jim Phelps was the epitome of calm, calculated brilliance. Peter Graves joined the show in 1967, replacing Steven Hill due to Hill’s scheduling conflicts and disruptive behavior. Graves brought gravitas to the role, with a career shaped by early standout performances in Stalag 17 and the TV series Fury. He famously turned down the chance to reprise Phelps in the 1996 movie, refusing to play a villainized version of his beloved character. Graves’ comedic chops shone in Airplane!, and his Hollywood legacy extended to his family, as his brother James Arness starred in Gunsmoke. Sadly, Graves passed away in 2010, just shy of his 84th birthday.
2. Greg Morris (Barney Collier)
Barney, the IMF’s mechanical and electronics genius, was essential to every mission. Greg Morris was one of only two actors to appear in every season of the original series. His performance resonated deeply, and he expressed disdain for the 1996 film by walking out of the premiere. Morris also shone in Vega$ as Lt. David Nelson and returned for the 1988 Mission: Impossible reboot alongside his son Phil, who played Barney’s son Grant. A lifelong smoker, Morris passed away from lung cancer in 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for Black actors on television.
3. Peter Lupus (Willy Armitage)
Willy, the muscle of the IMF team, was brought to life by weightlifting champion Peter Lupus, who was no stranger to physical feats. Known for his titles like Mr. Hercules, Lupus embodied strength both onscreen and off. He even set a Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to bench-press over 300 pounds! Despite his imposing physique, Lupus also had a lighter side, guest-starring in comedic roles on The Joey Bishop Show and Fantasy Island. Now 91 years old, he remains an inspiration for fitness enthusiasts.
4. Martin Landau (Rollin Hand)
Rollin Hand, “The Man of a Million Faces,” was the master of disguise and versatility. Martin Landau’s incredible talent shone through every performance, and his refusal to sign a restrictive five-year contract spoke to his commitment to diverse roles. Landau had an illustrious career beyond Mission: Impossible, earning an Oscar for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood and starring in classics like North by Northwest. His coaching work with actors like Jack Nicholson cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. Landau passed away in 2017, but his influence endures.
5. Barbara Bain (Cinnamon Carter)
Cinnamon Carter, a stylish spy who used her charm to outwit enemies, was portrayed by Barbara Bain, who became the first actress to win three consecutive Emmy Awards. Bain and her then-husband, Martin Landau, left the show after three seasons due to salary disputes, but she continued to dazzle in roles like Space: 1999. At 92, Bain is still acting and remains a vocal critic of the Tom Cruise films, standing firm with her fellow original cast members.
6. Leonard Nimoy (Paris)
Leonard Nimoy stepped into the IMF team as Paris, another master of disguise, replacing Landau in season four. Already iconic as Spock, Nimoy brought a unique gravitas to the series. Beyond acting, Nimoy explored photography, music, and writing, proving his artistic versatility. His final tweet, “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved,” captured his poetic spirit. Nimoy passed away in 2015, but his legacy as a cultural icon lives on.
