BreakTV.com - The Monkees

Peter Tork

“The Sweet One” or “The Dumb One”

Born: February 13, 1942
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Height: 5'10"
Parents: John and Virginia Thorkelson
Siblings: Nick, Chris, Anne
Marriages: 3, Jodi, Reine, Barbara
Current Marital Status: Single
Children: 2, Hallie 1/25/70, Ivan Joseph 12/22/75

Peter came to the Monkees as a musician first and actor second. He began studying classical piano at the age of nine and continued to study music at Carlton College. He learned to play many instruments, including the guitar, bass, banjo, keyboards and various types of percussion and wind instruments.

Peter was a part of the folk scene in Greenwich Village in the early sixties, playing local clubs and passing the hat between songs. He played with such future stars as Roger McGuinn of the Byrds, Cass Elliott of the Mamas and the Papas, and Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Buffalo Springfield. Peter and Stephen Stills were often mistaken for each other. It was his friendship with Stills and his resemblance to him that led Peter to the Monkees.

Stephen Stills answered the casting call ad in Variety. At the audition, Stills was told by those ever-sensitive casting folk that they were looking for someone just like him, only with “better teeth and hair.” Stills, obviously, didn’t get the job, but he told his pal Peter to give it a shot. Peter did, and the rest is history.

Peter is currently performing with his band Shoe Suede Blues.

Biographies for: | Micky | Peter | Davy | Mike