Meeno Peluce became a recognizable face in the early 1980s, largely due to his role as the adventurous young companion, Jeffrey Jones, in the NBC time-travel series Voyagers! (1982-1983). Although his time as a child actor was relatively brief, Peluce’s performance in Voyagers! left a lasting impression on audiences and contributed to the show’s cult status in the years that followed. Beyond his work on the show, Peluce’s career has spanned a variety of roles, both in front of and behind the camera, making him an intriguing figure in Hollywood. From his early start in acting to his later transition into directing and photography, Meeno Peluce’s career highlights the versatility and talent of a performer who seamlessly adapted to the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
This article delves into Peluce’s early life, his work on Voyagers!, his career evolution, and the lasting legacy of his contributions to television.
Early Life and Entry into Acting
Meeno Peluce was born on February 26, 1970, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His mother, an American-born artist of Jewish descent, and his father, of Italian and Moroccan descent, instilled in him a rich cultural background. Meeno’s family moved to the United States when he was still very young, settling in California. Growing up in Los Angeles, Peluce was surrounded by the entertainment industry, which sparked his interest in acting at an early age.
Meeno’s unique name comes from his father’s Italian roots and has often been a point of curiosity among fans. His family’s creative background also extended to his younger half-sister, Soleil Moon Frye, who would later achieve fame as the titular character in the hit show Punky Brewster. The two shared a close relationship, and Peluce’s early entry into the world of acting paralleled the careers of many child stars of the time.
Peluce’s start in the entertainment world came when he began appearing in television commercials, which led to a steady stream of small roles in television series. His ability to convey emotions authentically and his undeniable charm made him a standout among child actors of his generation. By the time he was 10, Peluce had already appeared in a number of well-known TV shows, setting the stage for his breakout role in Voyagers!.
Voyagers!: A Star-Making Role
In 1982, Meeno Peluce landed the role of Jeffrey Jones in Voyagers!, an NBC series that revolved around time travel and historical adventures. The show followed the story of Phineas Bogg (played by Jon-Erik Hexum), a “Voyager” who traveled through time to correct historical mistakes with the help of a handheld device called an Omni. After losing his guidebook, Bogg teams up with Jeffrey, a young boy who is knowledgeable about history. Together, they journey through different time periods, fixing historical events that have gone awry.
Peluce’s role as Jeffrey was central to the show’s success. Unlike many other child characters of the time, Jeffrey wasn’t simply a sidekick; his knowledge of history was crucial to the plot and often guided the adult lead, Phineas. Peluce brought a sense of intelligence, curiosity, and youthful energy to the role, making Jeffrey a relatable character for young audiences and a valuable counterpart to the more reckless and inexperienced Bogg.
Voyagers! was praised for its educational value, introducing children to key moments in history while providing exciting, action-packed adventures. Although the show only lasted one season, with 20 episodes airing between 1982 and 1983, it left a lasting impression on its viewers. Over time, Voyagers! gained a cult following, with fans appreciating its blend of historical fiction, adventure, and science fiction. Much of the show’s appeal stemmed from the chemistry between Peluce and Hexum, whose partnership drove the narrative and created a dynamic mentor-student relationship.
Unfortunately, Voyagers! was canceled after one season due to a combination of factors, including high production costs and network scheduling conflicts. However, the show remains beloved by fans who grew up watching it, and Peluce’s performance as Jeffrey Jones continues to be one of the most memorable aspects of the series.
Other Acting Work and Guest Appearances
Before and after his time on Voyagers!, Meeno Peluce appeared in numerous popular television series of the late 1970s and early 1980s. He made guest appearances on shows like Starsky and Hutch (1978), The Love Boat (1978), Diff’rent Strokes (1979), and Fantasy Island (1979), where his natural ability to connect with audiences—whether through drama or comedy—was on full display.
One of his standout guest roles came in the critically acclaimed series The Waltons (1979), where Peluce played one of the children in the family-oriented drama set during the Great Depression and World War II. His performance was noted for its emotional depth, and it showcased his capacity to take on more serious, dramatic roles.
Peluce also appeared in The Incredible Hulk (1981) and CHiPs (1981), continuing to build his resume as a young actor capable of stepping into a variety of genres. His frequent presence on television during this era made him a familiar face to viewers and contributed to his growing popularity as a child star.
Transitioning Away from Acting
After his time on Voyagers!, Peluce continued to act, but by the mid-1980s, his interests began to shift. As many child actors experience, the transition from childhood to adulthood in the entertainment industry can be challenging. Peluce decided to take a step back from acting and focus on his education and personal interests.
He attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he earned a degree in American Studies. This academic pursuit was a departure from his life as an actor, allowing him to explore other passions, including history, politics, and photography. Peluce’s decision to leave acting behind at a young age was a conscious choice to grow beyond the confines of Hollywood and discover new avenues for creativity.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Peluce remained connected to the world of entertainment. In the 1990s, he reemerged in Hollywood, this time behind the camera, working as a director, writer, and photographer. His experiences as a child actor gave him a unique perspective on storytelling, and he began to develop projects that allowed him to explore his creative voice in new ways.
Directing and Photography: A New Chapter
Meeno Peluce’s shift from acting to directing and photography was a natural evolution of his creative career. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Peluce began directing television episodes and working on independent film projects. His understanding of the industry, combined with his experience as an actor, made him a skilled and insightful director who could bring out the best in his actors.
In addition to directing, Peluce found a deep passion for photography. His work as a photographer allowed him to capture the world through a different lens, focusing on themes of culture, history, and human connection. His photography has been exhibited in galleries, and he has worked on several editorial projects, further expanding his artistic reach beyond the screen.
Peluce’s success as a director and photographer demonstrates his ability to adapt and reinvent himself in an industry that often pigeonholes former child stars. His journey from actor to director and photographer showcases his diverse talents and commitment to artistic exploration.
Legacy and Influence
Though Meeno Peluce may have left behind his days as a child star, his role in Voyagers! continues to resonate with fans who grew up watching the show. His portrayal of Jeffrey Jones remains a cherished part of 1980s television, and his performance as a young boy navigating time travel alongside an unconventional mentor left an enduring mark on the science fiction genre.
Beyond his work on Voyagers!, Peluce’s career exemplifies the possibilities that exist for those who transition from acting to other creative fields. His success as a director and photographer speaks to his artistic versatility and ability to thrive outside the confines of Hollywood’s traditional path for child actors.
As the years pass, Meeno Peluce’s legacy in the entertainment world continues to grow, thanks to his contributions both in front of and behind the camera. While Voyagers! remains his most iconic role, his career is a testament to the enduring impact that one actor can have on audiences, even as they evolve and explore new creative horizons.