Secrets of Longevity: Peter Berkos, 86, Encinitas
By Melissa Harrison
Peter Berkos, 86, at his home in Encinitas
”I was thinking to myself: ‘It can’t get much better than this.’ To be up there, looking out into the crowd and seeing these faces who you admire and have been lucky enough to work with over the years — and to be recognized by them with [an Oscar],” said Berkos. “It was one of the highlights of my life.”
Credited with sound production for more than 400 television and film projects, Berkos led his field. As President of the Motion Pictures Sound Editors Guild, he successfully fought to obtain full screen credit recognition for sound editors. Now 86, Berkos has retired from the industry, but a daily reminder of his 35-year career can be seen in his Rancho Bernardo home, where the Oscar still stands perched high on his writing desk.
These days, Berkos writes fiction novels — a hobby that he’s dabbled in since childhood, but didn’t fully pursue until after retirement. Seven days a week he wakes up at 6 a.m., prepares a healthy breakfast of fruit and cream of wheat, and sits down to write. Each day is different for Berkos, who sometimes writes for just a few hours, or all day. He’s a big believer in variation and says the key to his contentment is optimism.
“I roll with the punches, and I try to keep an active mind. I don’t internalize stress, and I don’t let people get me down. It’s important to not let negativity surround you, and to have positive people to lean on.”
Berkos looked to those positive people for support nine years ago, after his wife Sally Ann died suddenly of cardiac arrest just four months after their 50th wedding anniversary. Devastated, he found comfort in his faith, friends and family — especially his twin brother, Paul.
”Growing up together, we were always close, but we’re even closer now,” said Berkos. “Paul helped me pull through the hard times more than he’ll ever know. He’ll always be my best friend.”
DIET: Healthy basics: fruits, eggs, Slimfast. Allows himself occasional wine with dinner. No red meat, nothing fried.
EXERCISE: Prefers simply to “keep moving” — via working around the house or running errands around town.
FAMILY : Wife: Sally Ann, deceased.
MEDICAL HISTORY: Perfect health. For prevention, takes an aspirin every morning and gets an annual doctor’s checkup.
MOTTO : “Roll with the punches — and don’t let people get you down.”
FUN FACT: Berkos is often noted for his work as sound designer on the 1978 television series “Battlestar Gallactica.” He created the voice of the Cylons.
