What Was Peter Cushing’s Net Worth When He Died?
Peter Cushing Net Worth reflects his long film career in Hammer horror and Star Wars. See verified details about his earnings and estate value.
Author:James RowleyOct 26, 20251.3K Shares95.7K Views
Peter Wilton Cushing was born on May 26, 1913 in Kenley, Surrey, England, the younger of two sons of George Edward Cushing, a quantity surveyor, and Nellie Maria King. He and his older brother David grew up first in Dulwich, a south London suburb, and later the family moved back to Surrey.
From a young age he was drawn to acting, inspired by a favourite aunt who was on stage, and he also enjoyed drawing and school theatrical work. After finishing school he took a job as a surveyor’s assistant for a short time before winning a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London to pursue his interest in acting.
| Category | Verified Details |
| Full Name | Peter Wilton Cushing |
| Born | 26 May 1913, Kenley, Surrey |
| Died | 11 August 1994 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Profession | Actor (film, television, stage) |
| Film Appearances | 90+ feature films |
| Breakthrough Role | The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) |
| Iconic Character | Baron Frankenstein (6 films) |
| Dracula Series | Played Van Helsing (5 films) |
| Sherlock Holmes | Portrayed Holmes in film and TV |
| Hollywood Work | Appeared in films from 1939 onward |
| Star Wars Role | Grand Moff Tarkin (1977) |
| Honour | OBE (1989) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed at death |
Peter Cushing Career
Peter Cushing was an English actor whose distinguished career spanned over six decades. He appeared in more than ninety feature films, as well as numerous television productions, radio plays and stage shows.
Cushing is best known for his work in horror and fantasy cinema, especially through his starring roles in Hammer Film Productions, but he also delivered acclaimed performances in dramas and science fiction.
He was widely admired for his professional presence and for bringing dignity to every character, whether hero or villain. By the end of his career, Cushing had achieved international recognition for portraying Grand Moff Tarkin in the original Star Wars(1977).
Early Acting Career & Stage Foundations
Cushing began in theatre, working as an assistant stage manager with the Worthing Repertory Company and training at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He made his stage debut in 1935 at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing, and performed in repertory and West End productions in the late 1930s.
In 1939 he moved to Hollywood where he made his film debut in The Man in the Iron Maskand appeared in titles such as A Chump at Oxford(1939) and Vigil in the Night(1940).
During World War II Cushing returned to Britain and joined ENSA, entertaining troops on tour; afterwards he played roles at the Q Theatre and joined Laurence Olivier’s Old Vic company on a 1948 tour of Australia and New Zealand.
By the early 1950s Cushing had brought his experience back to British stage and television, setting the stage for his breakout roles on screen.
Rise To Fame In British Film And Television
Cushing first gained wider attention on British television in the 1950s. He starred as Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice(1952) and took the lead role of Winston Smith in the BBC’s groundbreaking 1954 production of Nineteen Eighty-Four.
The Orwell adaptation earned him critical acclaim and reportedly won him consecutive Best Actor awards from British television guilds in the mid-1950s.
Around the same time he appeared in feature films such as The End of the Affair(1955) and continued to work frequently in TV dramas.
His success in Nineteen Eighty-Fourcaught the attention of film directors, leading to his first major film parts in the mid-1950s. In 1956 he was cast in Hammer Film Productions’ The Curse of Frankenstein, a role that would launch his film career in a new direction.
Hammer Horror Era & Iconic Performances
In the late 1950s and 1960s Cushing became a leading star of Hammer’s horror series. He played Baron Victor Frankenstein in The Curse of Frankenstein(1957) and Professor Van Helsing in Horror of Dracula(1958), opposite Christopher Lee’s title monsters.
These films were box-office hits and led Hammer to cast him repeatedly in sequels in all he played Frankenstein six times and Van Helsing five times.
Cushing’s filmography during this era also included other Hammer pictures and British thrillers such as The Abominable Snowman(1957) and Brides of Dracula(1960).
His classic on-screen partnership with Lee was as famous in Britain as Karloff/Lugosi in Hollywood, and his commitment to each role brought a level of professionalism to genre films that critics have praised.
Even on modest budgets, he treated characters seriously, giving his horror heroes and villains a scholarly confidence.
International Recognition & Star Wars Role
Cushing’s fame extended worldwide with his role in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope(1977). Cast as the calculating Imperial governor Grand Moff Tarkin, he reached audiences far beyond the horror genre.
His portrayal remains one of the film’s most famous roles, and decades later his likeness was digitally reproduced in Rogue One(2016) to honor his legacy.
Cushing continued to work regularly into the early 1980s. He appeared in genre films outside horror for example, he played an eccentric inventor in the 1965 science-fiction film Dr Who and the Daleks.
On television he also reprised famous characters, portraying Sherlock Holmes for a final time in films during the 1970s and 1980s.
His final screen role was a supporting part in the adventure film Biggles(1985), rounding out a prolific film career.
Awards, Achievements & Complete Filmography Highlights
Throughout his career Cushing received formal recognition for his work. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE in 1989 for his services to acting.
In the 1950s he won a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor (1956) and a Guild of Television Producers’ Best Actor award (1955).
Cushing also wrote two autobiographies (1986 and 1988) about his years in film. Below are highlights from his extensive filmography:
- The Curse of Frankenstein(1957) Cushing’s debut role for Hammer, starring as Baron Victor Frankenstein. This gothic horror film became a major hit and spawned a series of sequels in which he reprised the role.
- Horror of Dracula(1958) As the courageous Professor Van Helsing, Cushing teamed with Christopher Lee’s Dracula. This film launched another iconic series; Cushing returned as Van Helsing in multiple sequels.
- The Hound of the Baskervilles(1959) Cushing’s first cinematic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in Hammer’s first color Holmes film. He later played Holmes again in TV adaptations and films in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Dr. Who and the Daleks(1965) In this popular science-fiction adventure, Cushing played the kindly eccentric Professor Who in the British film based on the Doctor Whoseries.
- Star Wars: A New Hope(1977) International science-fiction blockbuster. Cushing’s role as Grand Moff Tarkin became one of his most famous.
- The Masks of Death(1984) A British television film. Cushing portrayed an elderly Sherlock Holmes opposite John Mills’s Dr. Watson. It was his final screen appearance as Holmes.
These titles are representative of Cushing’s diverse career, which spans more than 90 films plus extensive television and stage work.
Legacy & Lasting Influence On Cinema
Peter Cushing is widely regarded as a leading figure in 20th-century British cinema. He is remembered as “one of the finest actors of his generation”, admired for his disciplined stage technique and versatility.
His body of work especially in Hammer horror helped shape the genres of horror and science fiction, inspiring later actors and filmmakers.
Fans and scholars continue to celebrate Cushing’s performances at retrospectives and conventions dedicated to classic horror and cult cinema.
His professional style and memorable portrayals have left a lasting mark: even decades after his retirement, characters like Frankenstein, Van Helsing and Grand Moff Tarkin remain cultural icons, embodying the legacy of his accomplished career.
Peter Cushing Net Worth
At the time of death, Peter Cushing’s net worth was not publicly disclosed, and no officially verified figure was confirmed by major financial authorities. His income was derived primarily from his professional acting career in film, television, and theatre, including contractual salaries for motion pictures and broadcast productions as well as standard industry residuals, but specific earnings amounts from these sources were not publicly disclosed.
FAQs
Who Was Peter Cushing?
Peter Cushing was an English actor born on May 26, 1913, in Kenley, Surrey. He had a career spanning more than six decades and appeared in over 90 films, as well as numerous television and stage productions.
What Is Peter Cushing Best Known For?
He is best known for his roles in Hammer horror films, particularly as Baron Frankenstein and Professor Van Helsing. He also gained international recognition for portraying Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope(1977).
When Did Peter Cushing Begin His Acting Career?
Cushing began his professional acting career in theatre in the mid-1930s after training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He made his stage debut in 1935 at the Connaught Theatre in Worthing.
Did Peter Cushing Appear On Television?
Yes, he was active in British television, particularly in the 1950s. Notable roles include Winston Smith in the BBC’s 1954 adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Fourand Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice(1952).
Did Peter Cushing Receive Any Awards Or Honors?
He won a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor in 1956. In 1989, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to acting.
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place.
His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations.
His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.
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