Net Worth Ranker
What Was Peter Cushing’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on August 11, 1994, Peter Cushing OBE, a celebrated British actor, had a net worth estimated at $10 million. This figure represents the culmination of a long and prolific career in film, television, and theatre. While specific breakdowns of his income from various sources are not publicly available, it is understood that his earnings stemmed primarily from his acting roles, supplemented by his literary works.
Early Career and Film Roles
Peter Cushing’s journey began on May 26, 1913, in Kenley, Surrey, England. After initial rejection from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Cushing’s persistence earned him a scholarship following a chance meeting with theatre manager Bill Fraser. His early career included a stint in Los Angeles, where he worked as a stand-in for Louis Hayward in the 1939 film “The Man in the Iron Mask,” marking an early, albeit uncredited, step into the world of cinema.
Cushing’s career gained momentum in the 1950s with roles in films such as “Moulin Rouge” (1952), “The Black Knight” (1954), and “The End of the Affair” (1955). His breakthrough came with “The Curse of Frankenstein” (1957), where he played Victor Frankenstein, a role that established him as a leading figure in horror cinema. He further solidified his reputation with appearances in “Dracula” (1958) as Doctor Van Helsing and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1959) as Sherlock Holmes. Notably, Cushing reprised the role of Sherlock Holmes in the 1968 BBC1 series “Sherlock Holmes” and the 1984 TV movie “The Masks of Death.” These roles significantly contributed to Peter Cushing’s net worth.
The 1960s saw Cushing’s continued presence in the horror genre, with roles in films such as “The Brides of Dracula” (1960), “The Evil of Frankenstein” (1964), “Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors” (1965), and “Frankenstein Created Woman” (1967). These roles, while not necessarily high-paying individually, contributed to his consistent income stream and growing net worth. Specific salary details for these films are not publicly available, but his prolific output ensured a steady accumulation of wealth.
In 1977, Cushing appeared as Grand Moff Tarkin in “Star Wars,” a role that brought him international recognition and likely a substantial paycheck. While the exact figure is not known, it is reasonable to assume that his involvement in such a blockbuster film significantly boosted his earnings. Peter Cushing’s net worth at the time reflected this success. He continued to act in films throughout the 1980s, including “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Biggles: Adventures in Time” (1986), his final film role. These later roles, while perhaps less prominent than his earlier work, still contributed to his overall financial picture.
Television and Theatre Contributions
Peter Cushing’s career extended beyond film, with significant contributions to television and theatre. From 1951 to 1957, he starred in 13 episodes of BBC Sunday-Night Theatre. He also appeared in numerous television movies, including “Richard of Bordeaux” (1955), “The Great Houdini” (1976), “A Tale of Two Cities” (1980), and “The Masks of Death” (1984). These television appearances provided a consistent source of income throughout his career. While the specific amounts he earned from these roles are not public record, their cumulative effect on his net worth was substantial.
In addition to television, Cushing also had a presence on the stage. In 1941, he appeared in a Broadway production of Charles Rann Kennedy’s “The Seventh Trumpet.” His theatre work, though less frequent than his film and television roles, added to his overall income. Peter Cushing’s net worth was bolstered by this diverse range of acting engagements.
Literary Works and Other Ventures
Peter Cushing supplemented his acting income with literary works. He published two books: “Peter Cushing: An Autobiography” (1986) and “Past Forgetting: Memoirs of the Hammer Years” (1988). While the sales figures and royalties from these books are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to his overall net worth. Peter Cushing’s net worth was also related to book earning.
Beyond acting and writing, it is likely that Cushing engaged in other financial ventures, such as investments or property holdings. However, specific details about these ventures are not publicly available. It is common for actors to diversify their income streams to ensure financial stability, and it is reasonable to assume that Cushing did the same. Peter Cushing’s net worth reflects his overall financial acumen.
Personal Life and Legacy
Peter Cushing’s personal life was marked by his deep devotion to his wife, Violet Helene Beck, whom he married on April 10, 1943. Their marriage lasted until her death in January 1971. Cushing’s grief over her loss was profound, and he often spoke of his longing to be reunited with her. His personal life, while not directly impacting his net worth, influenced his career choices and overall well-being.
Cushing’s health declined in his later years. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 1982. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to work for another 12 years. He passed away on August 11, 1994, at the age of 81. Peter Cushing’s net worth at the time of his death was a testament to his long and successful career.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Cushing received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. In 1956, he won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor. In 1978, he earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “Star Wars.” He also received an International Fantasy Film Award for Best Actor at the 1984 Fantasporto festival. These accolades recognized his contributions to the acting world and likely enhanced his earning potential. Peter Cushing’s net worth was a reflection of his talent and recognition.
In 1989, Cushing was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This honor recognized his significant contributions to the arts and further solidified his legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved actors. Peter Cushing’s net worth and reputation were intertwined with these achievements.
The $10 million net worth that Peter Cushing accumulated during his lifetime stands as a testament to his enduring talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. While specific details of his financial holdings remain private, it is clear that his long and successful career in film, television, and theatre, along with his literary endeavors, contributed to his financial success. Peter Cushing’s net worth reflected his standing as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
