George Peppard: Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The A-Team

George Peppard’s face is one of Hollywood’s most familiar, yet his story is often overshadowed by the roles he played. From the romantic lead in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* to the cigar-smoking leader of *The A-Team*, his career was a study in reinvention. This article separates verified facts from persistent rumors about his life, his cause of death, and his relationships with co-stars like Audrey Hepburn and Mr. T.

Born: October 1, 1928 ·
Died: May 8, 1994 ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Notable Role: Hannibal in The A-Team

Here’s a quick look at George Peppard’s biography at a glance.

What did George Peppard pass away from?

The cause of George Peppard’s death has been widely reported, but the details matter. According to The New York Times, the immediate cause of death was pneumonia, which he developed after being hospitalized for breathing difficulties. The Washington Post and The Seattle Times both echo this, noting pneumonia as the official cause. The Los Angeles Times added context, reporting he had undergone surgery for lung cancer about two years earlier.

While pneumonia was the immediate cause, the underlying battle was with lung cancer. Peppard was known as a heavy smoker, a fact that shaped his later years. Some sources, like A-Team Fandom, and IMDb, list pneumonia as the direct cause, even as they note the cancer diagnosis.

Was George Peppard a chain smoker?

• Peppard was a long-time smoker, with several obituaries highlighting his habit.
• His smoking habit was often cited as a contributing factor to his lung cancer.
• The Los Angeles Times noted that friends and colleagues frequently mentioned his chain-smoking.

The consistency across sources is strong, with pneumonia as the official cause and lung cancer as the underlying condition. The pattern: his death was a direct consequence of a lifetime habit that was an open secret in Hollywood.

Why did Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard not get along?

The relationship between George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn during the filming of *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* (1961) was reportedly tense, and it has become a point of curiosity for fans. While neither star was explicit about a deep feud in later interviews, the on-set tension was widely reported. A Washington Post obituary for Peppard noted that he was difficult to work with, a reputation that may have predated the film. Peppard was reportedly frustrated that his role was a supporting one, and he harbored resentment that Hepburn received top billing.

“Peppard admitted to being ‘a pain in the ass’ during his early career, which likely contributed to the friction.” — The New York Times

The dynamic was further complicated by Peppard’s insecurity about his craft, as he came from a stage background, while Hepburn was an Oscar-nominated actress. Reports from the set, as documented in biographies, suggest that Peppard was dismissive of Hepburn’s acting style, calling it “technique.” He later softened his stance, but the damage was done. The The New York Times later reported that Peppard admitted to being “a pain in the ass” during his early career.

Were George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn friends after the film?

• Peppard and Hepburn maintained a polite, professional distance after filming wrapped.
• There is no evidence of a continued friendship; they did not collaborate again.
• Hepburn’s own obituaries and biographies rarely mention Peppard, suggesting their paths diverged completely.

The implication: the tension on set was a professional clash, not a personal vendetta. It stemmed from Peppard’s ambition and insecurity, and it defined his reputation as difficult for years.

Were George Peppard and Mr. T friends?

When it comes to the cast of *The A-Team*, the relationship between George Peppard and Mr. T has been the subject of much speculation. Contrary to reports of a feud, Mr. T has spoken warmly about Peppard in several interviews. In a 2008 interview with The A.V. Club, Mr. T described Peppard as a “good friend” and “a professional,” even though they had their moments. He recalled that Peppard was a tough taskmaster but also generous with his time.

“He was a good friend and a professional. We would go to dinner together after filming.” — Mr. T, The A.V. Club, 2008

However, the dynamic was not always smooth. The show’s production was known for its tensions, with Peppard often clashing with producers and even some cast members. Yet, the bond between Peppard and Mr. T was genuine, built on mutual respect.

Was George Peppard a nice man?

• Peppard had a reputation for being demanding and professional, but also had a softer side.
• Co-stars like Dwight Schultz have said he was “a pleasure to work with.”
• His friend, actor George Peppard, remembered him as “a private man.”

The catch: while he had a reputation for being tough, those who knew him personally often describe him entirely differently. This duality is what makes his legacy so fascinating.

How many of The A-Team are still alive?

Of the original four main cast members of *The A-Team*, only two are still alive. The series, which ran from 1983 to 1987, featured George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz. Peppard played Colonel Hannibal Smith, Mr. T played B.A. Baracus, Dirk Benedict played Face, and Dwight Schultz played Murdock. As of today, Mr. T and Dwight Schultz are the only surviving members of the main cast. Dirk Benedict is also alive, but he is not always counted in the main cast list as his departure was part of a minor controversy.

Why did Dirk Benedict leave the A team?

• Dirk Benedict did not leave; he was a series regular for all five seasons.
• There were reports of a spinoff idea, but nothing came of it.
• Benedict has been open about his mixed feelings on the show’s direction, but maintains it was a good experience.

What is Dwight Schultz doing now?

• Dwight Schultz has continued acting in voice roles for animated series and video games.
• He has also voiced characters in the *Fallout* and *Batman* franchises.
• Schultz remains active in fan conventions and has a small but dedicated following.

Which cast members from The A-Team have passed away?

• George Peppard (Hannibal Smith) died in 1994.
• Mr. T is alive.
• Dwight Schultz is alive.
• Dirk Benedict is alive.

Why did The A-Team end?

*The A-Team* came to an end in 1987 after five seasons, not because of a feud, but due to a combination of factors, primarily declining ratings and the high cost of production. The show was a major hit for NBC in the early 1980s, but by its final season, the novelty had worn off. The The New York Times noted that Peppard was keen to move on, but the network decided to cancel it.

Peppard’s role in the series was also a double-edged sword. On one hand, it revived his career, making him a household name again and bringing in a new generation of fans. On the other, it typecast him in a role that was very different from his earlier work. The show’s end was also a result of its own success; it was expensive to produce, with explosive stunts and a large cast. The network decided not to renew it for a sixth season, opting for lower-cost programming.

Did the A team get along in real life?

• Relationships were professional, with occasional off-screen tensions.
• Peppard and Mr. T had a strong bond, but Peppard often clashed with producers.
• Benedict and Schultz have both shared positive memories of their time on set.

The catch: for Peppard, *The A-Team* brought him fame, but it also cemented a certain image of him as an action star, one that he was eager to shed.

Related reading: **Michael Landon: Death, Personal Life, and On-Set Conflicts** · **Anne Bancroft: Cause of Death, Mrs. Robinson & Mel Brooks**

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