Former Burbank teacher dies at 64

Molly Shore

Gerald Perreau-Saussine, who taught at Burbank’s Jordan Junior

High School, now Jordan Middle School, died of cancer Aug. 3 at his

Los Angeles home. He was 64.

Perreau-Saussine, who was born April 1, 1938, in Tokyo, had family

in Japan and in France.

“Gerald was with us in Normandy on D-Day when the Allies landed,”

his mother Eleanor said.

Perreau-Saussine enjoyed several careers. He began as a child

actor in the 1940s and ‘50s, then became an author, teacher and art

curator at Pasadena’s Pacific-Asia Museum and the Honolulu Academy of

Arts.

Using the stage name of Peter Miles, Perreau-Saussine often

appeared in movies with his sister Gigi Perreau. He was in the

original version of “The Red Pony,” “Quo Vadis” and other films and

TV shows.

“When he went to Rome for ‘Quo Vadis,’ he visited all the

museums,” his mother said. “He had a tremendous love of art.”

Using the pseudonym Richard Miles, he published three novels, as

well as poetry and numerous art catalogs.

During his teaching years, he also served as president of the

Burbank Teacher’s Assn.

Perreau-Saussine is survived by his mother, Eleanor Perreau; and

sisters Gigi Perreau, Janine Smylie and Lauren Perreau. He is also

survived by partner Brian Quach and lifelong friend Errol Jacobs.

At Perreau-Saussine’s request, there was no funeral service.