British actor Simon Pegg says the Mission: Impossible franchise played a major role in helping him stay fit and healthy well into his 50s.
Speaking at the premiere of the film Disclosure Day in June 2026, Pegg explained that joining the action-spy series in 2006 as Benji Dunn encouraged him to take better care of himself. According to Pegg, portraying a secret agent made him feel he needed to look the part, which led him to embrace exercise, healthier eating habits, and overall wellness.
Pegg, now 56, said he discovered that maintaining good health was actually enjoyable once he committed to it. He joked that the experience even helped him appreciate foods he had previously overlooked, including seeds and other nutritious options.
A Long Connection to Mission: Impossible
Pegg first appeared as Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible III and went on to become one of the franchise’s most recognizable supporting characters. He reprised the role across multiple installments, including Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
His transformation has been tied closely to the physical demands of the franchise, which is led by Tom Cruise and known for its intense action sequences and stunt-heavy production style.
Previously Credited the Series With Changing His Life
This is not the first time Pegg has praised the franchise’s impact on his well-being. In a 2025 interview, he revealed that working on the films helped him overcome depression and alcohol dependency. Pegg said the production team supported his recovery journey and that the experience inspired him to focus on fitness, nutrition, and sobriety. He has stated that he has remained sober since 2010.
According to Pegg, being encouraged to train and stay in shape for later films—particularly after his role expanded beyond a technical support character—gave him a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
Beyond Mission: Impossible
Outside the spy franchise, Pegg is known for starring in the comedy classics Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End, as well as portraying Scotty in the rebooted Star Trek film series. He also voices Buck in the popular Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs franchise.
Key Takeaway
At 56, Simon Pegg says that joining the Mission: Impossible series did more than advance his career—it transformed his lifestyle. What began as a need to look believable as a secret agent evolved into a long-term commitment to fitness, healthy living, and personal well-being.
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