Craig Stevens

Born

1918

Died

2000

From

Liberty, Missouri, USA·Los Angeles, California, USA

Height

1.93 m (6'4")

Credits on file

Decades active

In short · Acted for nine decades — 55 credits.

Remembered for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

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Biography

Craig Stevens, born Gail Shikles Jr. in Liberty, Missouri, is best known for his portrayal of the smooth, cool private eye Peter Gunn in the groundbreaking 1958 television series. The show introduced a new type of detective—tough yet sophisticated, skilled with both his fists and with women—and was notable for its use of jazz, particularly as the main theme. Stevens was attending Kansas University and originally intended to become a dentist when he began performing in student plays. Inspired by acting, he moved to California and was signed by Warner Bros. in 1941, where he met his future wife, Alexis Smith. Though never a top-tier star, Stevens appeared in numerous supporting roles throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He is also recognized for his lead role in the cult classic *The Deadly Mantis* (1957). As his film career slowed, he transitioned to television, where he found his greatest success with *Peter Gunn*. Over the years, Stevens made numerous guest appearances on TV series and had recurring roles, including in *Dallas* (1978). He also starred in ITC's *Man of the World* (1962). Stevens retired from acting after appearing in Blake Edwards' 1981 film *S.O.B.*.