NEW YORK (AP) - The actor who played a son of ranch owner Barbara Stanwyck on the 1960s Western "The Big Valley," has died. Peter Breck was 82.
died Monday in Vancouver, British Columbia, after a long illness..
Breck died Monday in Vancouver, British Columbia, after a long illness, his wife, Diane, announced on the website The Big Valley Writing Desk.
A native of Haverhill, Mass., Breck was also a regular on the TV Westerns "Maverick" and "Black Saddle." He had guest roles on series from the 1950s through the early 2000s including "Perry Mason," ''The Virginian" and "Fantasy Island."
His film appearances include "Thunder Road," ''I Want to Live!" and "Benji."
Breck was best known for his role as hot-tempered rancher Nick Barkley on "The Big Valley," which aired from 1965 to 1969.
He and his wife were longtime Vancouver residents.
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You were a Menuhin the show & I assume off shore as well. Not to mention your very manly looks. I really like watching reruns on Sat mornings. I never got into BIG VALLEY until I was older. I LOVED THE EPISODE WHERE U HELPED A BROKEN FIGHTER GET BACK HIS GUMPTION & FIGHTING STANCE WHERE HE DIDNT GET HIT ON AN INJURED SIDE OF HIS FACE.
RENEE ROSENTHAL
December 30, 2025
Although I was young Big Valley was my favorite. I still record and watch it. Peter and Barbara were my favorites and still are. Wish it had lasted longer.
Janice
December 29, 2025
Great actor! Loved watching him and continue to watch him. He will not be forgotten.
L A
October 23, 2025 | TX | Friend
I loved him when I was a teenager i used to watch big valley, his manly attitude & carisma
Renee
June 28, 2025 | Other
Addio peter sempre nel mio
Pasquale
June 09, 2025
As I turned 63 in March I can´t help remembering how my mother would always watch Big Valley. I remember "Nick" Peter Breck as always being the rebel type. I absolutely loved that in his character. Today I am proud to say I am watching Big Valley on MeTVplus. And loving every minute of it and wishing life was as simple as that again. RIP Peter, I certainly hope you are enjoying a big valley life amongst the stars.
Teresa L.
May 27, 2025 | Other
Loving birthday memories of PeterBreck (nick )from big valley 13th March a star was born 1929 and a Knight had died 2012 what great actor loved him so much god bless Diane RIP Peter and Chritopher
Susan Brierley
March 16, 2025
I've been a fan of peter Breck since Black Saddle-- It ended too soon. Still watching Big Valley. Good actor. So sorry abt their son...
Virginia
March 12, 2025
I'm a 63yr old woman who was in love with Nick Barkley as a young teenager. As I watched the reruns, I was taken back.. R.I.P Peter..
Patti
November 16, 2024
