Peter Cushing Net Worth, Height, Cause of Death, Age, Wife, Career and More

Peter Cushing remains one of the most recognisable figures in 20th-century British cinema. Known for his precision, discipline, and elegant acting style, he shaped the global horror genre while also earning mainstream fame through Star Wars. His career lasted over six decades, spanning film, theatre, and television. Even in 2025, interest in his net worth, life story, Hammer Horror legacy, and the emotional turning points of his youth remains extremely high.

Below is the complete, fact-driven biography that covers his personal life, success story, wealth, controversies, and legacy.

Quick Facts

Field	Details
Full Name	Peter Wilton Cushing
Age (at death)	81
Date of Birth	26 May 1913
Place of Birth	Kenley, Surrey, England
Parents	George Edward Cushing (father), Nellie Marie Cushing (mother)
Net Worth (2025 estimation)	$10 million (Celebrity Net Worth historical estimate)
Height	6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Spouse/Partner	Helen Beck (m. 1943–1971)
Ethnicity	White British
Nationality	British
Source of Wealth	Acting, stage work, television, film royalties
Education	Purley County Grammar School; later trained through stage apprenticeships
Famous For	Hammer Horror films, Star Wars (Grand Moff Tarkin), Nineteen Eighty-Four, Sherlock Holmes
Years Active	1935–1994

Early Life of Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing’s early years were marked by emotional sensitivity, artistic curiosity, and the struggle to find personal identity in a family with practical expectations. Born in 1913 in Kenley, Surrey, he grew up during the turbulence of World War I. His mother reportedly shielded him under the kitchen table during air-raid threats, a moment he later described as formative in his understanding of fear, vulnerability, and imagination—feelings that would one day define his horror performances.

Cushing survived double pneumonia twice in childhood. These long recovery periods pushed him inward, encouraging hobbies such as drawing, model-making, and staging small puppet shows for family and friends. By age 11, he was already experimenting with storytelling and performance.

Peter Cushing attended Shoreham Grammar School but left after one term due to intense homesickness. He later transferred to Purley County Grammar School, where he excelled in art, cricket, and rugby. Despite his father’s stable profession as a quantity surveyor, Peter found himself increasingly drawn to theatre.

A pivotal turning point came when he saw a stage production of Peter Pan. He described this moment as the instant he knew what he wanted from life. Although his father discouraged acting, believing it to be financially unstable, the theatrical influence on his extended family made the dream seem possible.

After finishing school, Cushing briefly worked as a surveyor’s assistant—a job he disliked deeply. His unhappiness convinced him that he needed to pursue acting seriously.

After writing 21 letters to apply for a Guildhall scholarship, he landed his first stage role in 1935 as a courier in Cornelius. This marked the beginning of his path toward international acclaim.

Peter Cushing Career Journey

Peter Cushing’s career evolved through persistence and adaptability. His early years were shaped by theatre, Hollywood experimentation, and wartime service, but his later work defined the future of British horror and mainstream science fiction.

Hollywood Beginnings

In 1939, with help from his father who paid for a one-way ticket, Cushing travelled to Hollywood. He began as a stand-in and bit player in The Man in the Iron Mask (1939). He later appeared in A Chump at Oxford (1940) with Laurel and Hardy, an experience he recalled fondly due to their kindness during filming.

He briefly became engaged to Doreen Lawrence during this period, though the relationship ended quickly.

Wartime Return to Britain

With World War II underway, Cushing returned to the UK and joined the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). Touring productions helped sustain troop morale, and during one such tour of Private Lives, he met actress Helen Beck, who became his wife in 1943.

The war years disrupted his career, but they also strengthened his craft. After the war, he struggled financially and even designed silk headscarves to support himself and Helen.

His big break came in 1948 when he played Osric in Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. This positioned him as a serious screen actor in postwar Britain.

Television and Hammer Horror Fame

The 1950s transformed Peter Cushing into a household name in the UK.

Television Success

He became one of the first British television stars, acclaimed for:

• Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (1952)
• Winston Smith in Nineteen Eighty-Four (1954)

The latter earned him multiple Best Actor awards and established him as a performer capable of intense emotional depth.

Hammer Horror Era

Cushing’s partnership with Hammer Film Productions cemented his global fame.

Key achievements:

• Starred as Baron Frankenstein in The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
• Played Van Helsing in Dracula (1958) alongside Christopher Lee
• Reprised Frankenstein across five sequels
• Appeared in The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) as Sherlock Holmes

Together, Cushing and Christopher Lee became the most iconic horror duo of their generation. Fans and critics often compare their impact to the earlier legacy of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

Cushing’s precise acting style and commitment to realism transformed even fantastical horror stories into convincing drama.

Global Recognition

Peter Cushing’s fame expanded worldwide in the 1970s.

His most globally recognised role remains:

Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars (1977)

Cushing was cast by George Lucas as the cold, strategic commander of the Death Star. Despite limited screen time, the character became essential to the film.

Surprisingly, Cushing earned more pay than several leads, due to both his seniority and contractual negotiations from decades of experience.

This performance introduced him to new generations and expanded his fanbase beyond horror enthusiasts.

In 2016, Lucasfilm controversially used CGI to recreate Cushing’s likeness in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The digital portrayal reignited debates about posthumous use of an actor’s image.

What is Peter Cushing’s Net Worth?

According to CelebrityNetWorth’s historical estimate, Peter Cushing held approximately $10 million at the time of his death in 1994.

Net Worth Breakdown

• Film earnings: Hammer films, Star Wars, television productions
• Royalties: Re-releases, screenings, international distribution
• Autobiographies: Past Forgetting and Peter Cushing: An Autobiography
• Collectibles: Horror memorabilia rights, limited licensing

Since he died in 1994, modern net worth figures refer to the value of his estate rather than ongoing earnings. No credible 2024–2025 financial reports suggest higher or updated valuations.

Personal Life & Relationships of Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing married Helen Beck on 10 April 1943. Their relationship was widely viewed as deeply affectionate and supportive.

Helen’s death in 1971 devastated him. Cushing later revealed that he felt “half of myself had gone.” For years he struggled with depression and grief. He kept her memory alive through rituals, writings, and a rose named after her through the programme Jim’ll Fix It.

He never remarried and openly admitted that Helen remained the emotional centre of his life.

Cushing had no children.

In private, he was gentle, polite, and known for his humour. Despite his horror persona, he was reportedly afraid of the dark and often preferred to keep lights on in unfamiliar places.

He enjoyed:

• Collecting model soldiers
• Watching Looney Tunes
• Sketching and watercolour painting
• Quiet countryside walks

His lifelong friendship with Christopher Lee is among British cinema’s most famous creative partnerships.

Peter Cushing Controversies

Peter Cushing maintained a clean public reputation throughout his life. There are no notable scandals, criminal accusations, or major conflicts tied to his name.

However, two topics sometimes appear in discussions:

1. CGI Recreation in 2016

He did not consent to digital likeness use, but:

• It was authorised by his estate
• Critics alleged it raised ethical concerns
• Others argued it honoured his legacy

This controversy concerns posthumous rights, not personal misconduct.

2. Horror Violence Debates

During the 1960s–70s, some critics accused Hammer Films of promoting excessive violence. Cushing was not personally targeted but was mentioned as a central performer in the debates.

No wrongdoing was attributed to him.

Later Years & Death

In 1982, Peter Cushing was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He declined aggressive treatment and opted for comfort-focused care.

He continued acting in selected roles, although with reduced frequency.

Cushing died on 11 August 1994 in Canterbury, Kent, at age 81.

His funeral was private, reflecting his modest personality. Many colleagues referenced his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to acting.

Legacy & Enduring Influence

Peter Cushing remains a cornerstone of British film history.

Key elements of his legacy:

• Over 100 films across six decades
• Reinvention of Frankenstein and Van Helsing for modern audiences
• Foundational figure of the Hammer Horror movement
• International recognition through Star Wars
• Digital revival in Rogue One
• Continued celebration through fan conventions, retrospectives, and film festivals

In 2019, he received the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, cementing his status as a historic cultural figure.

English Heritage later installed a blue plaque at his Croydon home.

New generations discover his work each year, confirming his place among the most influential British actors of the 20th century.

Conclusion

Peter Cushing’s biography reflects a life of artistic dedication, emotional resilience, and unparalleled influence in horror and science fiction. From his sensitive childhood and early struggles to his global recognition through Hammer Films and Star Wars, he crafted a career defined by discipline and quiet brilliance.

His estimated $10 million net worth reflects his success but not his true impact. His performances, personal warmth, and contribution to British cinema remain celebrated, studied, and admired worldwide.

FAQs

What was Peter Cushing’s net worth?
Around $10 million at the time of his death.

What was Peter Cushing best known for?
Hammer Horror films and Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars.

Was Peter Cushing married?
Yes, to Helen Beck from 1943 until her death in 1971.

How tall was Peter Cushing?
Approximately 6 feet (183 cm).

When did Peter Cushing die?
11 August 1994.