Oscar-winning movie legend Gregory Peck dead at 87

One of Hollywood's last great leading men, Gregory Peck, famed for his heroic roles in such classics as "To Kill a Mockingbird," died Thursday at the age of 87.

Peck, known for his quiet dignity, became an icon of cinema's golden era with starring roles in more than 60 films, including "Roman Holiday," "Cape Fear" and "Spellbound" and won the best actor Oscar for "Mockingbird" in 1962.

A classic star who became a respected elder statesmen of cinema, Peck died peacefully in his Los Angeles home at 4:00am Thursday (1200 GMT) with his French-born wife of 48 years, Veronique, holding his hand, publicist Monroe Friedman said.

His death is a stunning loss to the movie industry and cuts one of the last remaining links to Hollywood's golden age.