Trivia

He married his wife, Betty, in Birmingham, Michigan, while on a week's leave after graduating from pre-flight school in Iowa City, Iowa. After a week's honeymoon, he was shipped out to serve his country as a marine combat pilot during World War II.

He grew up in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan. He served with the Marine Corps in WWII, flying combat missions in the South Pacific. After moving to Hollywood and working at the famed Pasadena Playhouse, he appeared with Alan Ladd in Branded (1950).

He and his General Hospital (1963) co-star, Rachel Ames, were both in the sci-fi movie When Worlds Collide (1951).

During the filming of The Savage (1952), he and his co-stars, Charlton Heston and Milburn Stone were adopted by the Sioux Indians. Hansen was renamed 'Shining Star,' which translates to 'may the brightest star that shines always be your guide'.

Early in his career, he spent three years as the spokesman for Plymouth cars. He was known as Mr. Plymouth. His commercials were seen on the first season of The Lawrence Welk Show (1951). The series was broadcast from Stage A where later the soap opera General Hospital (1963) would be taped. Hansen had his longest running role on General Hospital as lawyer, Lee Baldwin.

During a production at the Pasadena Playhouse, he was discovered by an agent and signed to star in the film, Branded (1950), and given a contract with Paramount Studios.

He was an art major at the University of Michigan; he always had an interest in art since he was old enough to doodle.

He became good friends with Alan Ladd after the two acted together in the 1950 film Branded (1950).

Under contract to Paramount Studios in 1951, Peter was part of their illustrious "Golden Circle of Newcomers.".

Hansen and his General Hospital (1963) co-star, John Beradino often played tennis on their lunch breaks.

He was born in Oakland, California, but moved to Michigan when he was 6 years old.

In 1946, he entered the famous Pasadena Playhouse as a drama student on the G.I. Bill for three years.