Peter Duryea was an American actor who is best known for appearing in the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, “The Cage” (1964), most of which was reused in “The Menagerie” (1966), as Lieutenant Jose Tyler. His father, Dan Duryea, was also an actor who starred in many films and TV shows, such as The Little Foxes (1941), Winchester ’73 (1950), and Wagon Train (1957-1965).
Peter Duryea was born on July 14, 1939, in Los Angeles, California. He studied math and physics at Amherst College in Massachusetts before discovering acting. He made his debut in The Defenders (1964), a TV series about a father-and-son team of lawyers. He then appeared in several other TV shows and movies, such as The Fugitive, The Outer Limits, Dr. Kildare, Daniel Boone (with his father), Bewitched, I Spy, and Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. (1966).
A Star Trek Icon
One of his most memorable roles was in Star Trek, the iconic sci-fi series created by Gene Roddenberry. He played Lieutenant Jose Tyler, the navigator of the USS Enterprise, in the original pilot episode, “The Cage” (1964). The episode featured Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffrey Hunter) and his crew encountering a mysterious race of telepathic aliens, the Talosians, who capture Pike and subject him to various illusions.
The pilot was rejected by NBC for being too cerebral and complex, but Roddenberry was given a second chance to make another one. He reused most of the footage from “The Cage” in a two-part episode, “The Menagerie” (1966), which served as a flashback to explain why Pike was severely injured and confined to a wheelchair. Duryea’s scenes as Tyler were also reused, making him one of the few actors to appear in both the pilot and the series.
Duryea later said that he enjoyed working on Star Trek and was impressed by Roddenberry’s vision and creativity. He also praised his co-stars, especially Hunter, who he described as a “wonderful guy” and a “great actor”. He said that he was surprised by the enduring popularity of Star Trek and the fan appreciation for his role as Tyler. He attended several Star Trek conventions and events, where he met and interacted with his fans.
A Nature Lover and Environmentalist
After his father’s death in 1968, Duryea shifted away from acting and moved to Kootenay Lake, in British Columbia, Canada. There, he became a writer, director, documentary filmmaker, boat guide, and naturalist. He also founded a non-profit society called Guiding Hands Recreation Society, which hosted a peaceful getaway called the Tipi Camp. The camp opened in 1988 and offered a variety of programs and activities for groups and individuals who wanted to connect with nature and themselves. Some of the popular programs were the “W.I.S.E Camp” (Wilderness Immersion for Self-Esteem) for teenagers and the annual Yoga Retreats.
Duryea was also an activist and a leader in the environmental movement. He fought against clearcut logging and advocated for the preservation of the wilderness and wildlife. He was involved in several campaigns and projects, such as the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, the Kootenay Lake Ferry, and the Kootenay Lake Osprey 2000 Society. He also produced and directed several documentaries and videos, such as The Tipi Camp Story (1992), The Kootenay Lake Ferry Story (1994), and The Osprey Story (1996).
A Beloved Family Man and Friend
Duryea was survived by his longtime partner Janice Bryan, with whom he owned a video production company; his daughter Star; and his brother Richard, who is a talent agent. He also had many friends and admirers who remembered him as a kind, generous, and inspiring person. He was described as a “revered East Shore elder” and a “spiritual guide” by his community. He was also honored by the Star Trek family, who paid tribute to him as a “Star Trek pioneer” and a “wonderful man”.
Duryea died at his home on March 24, 2013, aged 73, from undisclosed causes. A private family service was held on March 28, 2013, followed by a burial in the Gray Creek cemetery. A public celebration of his life was planned for later that year. His legacy lives on in his work, his family, his friends, and his fans.
