Peter Cushing Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Peter Cushing is a celebrated English actor recognized for his defining roles in horror cinema and his enduring influence on genre film.

Introduction

Born on May 26, 1913, the legendary actor Peter Cushing earned his place in cinematic history through his meticulous craft and unforgettable screen presence. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million at the time of his death, according to CelebrityNetWorth, his financial legacy reflects a long and prolific career. In his personal life, Cushing was married to Violet Hélène “Helen” Beck (commonly Helen Cushing) and remained devoted to her memory throughout his life. 

In this profile we explore Peter Cushing’s journey—his age/birthdate, birthday, net worth, relationships and much more—while weaving narrative and analysis in a style suited for an in-depth feature.

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

“From Quiet Beginnings to Horror Icon”

Peter Cushing’s rise is the story of a man born in Kenley, Surrey, on May 26, 1913, who transformed from a shy young performer into one of the most recognizable faces of British horror. 

Raised in a family touched by the arts—his paternal grandfather and aunt were stage actors—Cushing’s childhood exposure to performance and drawing planted early seeds for a creative life.  After a brief stint in surveying work, he pursued acting, training at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.  His early stage and repertory years taught discipline and breadth, before the dramatic turn to horror films via Hammer Studios in the 1950s.

Defining moments in Peter Cushing’s journey include:

• His first professional stage role in 1935, setting the tone for a decades-long career. 

• Breakthrough in the 1957 Hammer film The Curse of Frankenstein, which established his horror-leading man status. 

• His portrayal of Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars (1977), a role that expanded his fame to global audiences.

Through these and other milestones, Cushing built a career that combined stage training, cinematic horror, genre versatility, and lasting influence.

The Core Pillars of Peter Cushing’s Wealth Include:

While detailed breakdowns are scarce, the estimated net worth of ~$10 million reflects a lifetime of steady work and legacy-value accrued posthumously. 

Peter Cushing Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Cushing was above all devoted to his wife, Helen Cushing, whom he married on April 10, 1943. Their bond was central to his life. After Helen’s death from emphysema in 1971, Cushing was profoundly affected, describing the loss as the end of a chapter. 

Key insights into Peter Cushing’s relationships and personal life:

• He fell in love with Helen while both were theatre actors during wartime service. 

• Helen withdrew from her acting ambitions to support Cushing’s career, and their relationship carried a deeply romantic, almost spiritual quality. 

• After her death, Cushing’s grief was profound; he admitted a period of withdrawal and emotional challenge. 

• Though deeply private, his devotion to Helen and their partnership remains one of the most enduring aspects of his personal narrative.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Peter Cushing led a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A remarkable collection of over 5,000 miniature soldiers which he hand-painted and used in wargaming based on H. G. Wells’s Little Wars. 

• A lifelong vegetarianism and patronage of the Vegetarian Society beginning in 1987.

• A love of drawing, painting watercolours, ornithology and wildlife, reflecting a gentler side to the actor known for monsters. 

• Personal homes preserved for reflection, and enduring rights to his image and memorabilia as part of his legacy.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Evaluating Peter Cushing’s net worth involves piecing together career earnings, legacy value, and licensing. Below is a simplified breakdown:

These figures align with the widely quoted total net worth of approximately $10 million at time of death. 

Growth in his net worth was steady rather than spectacular — built on decades of work, prudent reputation, and posthumous appreciation of his brand. Legacy earnings have added value long after his passing, underscoring the power of lasting cultural impact.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Peter Cushing’s public image blends refined gentlemanliness with genre gravitas. Known for his polite demeanour off-screen, he was as serious about his craft as the monsters he confronted on screen. His influence spans several dimensions:

• He helped define the horror lead in the post-war era, bringing refinement and sincerity to roles that might otherwise have been campy.

• His friendship and frequent collaborations with fellow actor Christopher Lee strengthened his reputation and broadened his audience reach. 

• Through his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars, he bridged horror and science-fiction genres and remains beloved by fan communities.

• His personal passions — from model soldiers to vegetarian advocacy — added to his public persona as a man of wide interests and quiet integrity.

In the decades since his passing, Cushing’s legacy has been sustained through stamp commemorations, retrospectives, and the enduring presence of his image in horror culture. 

Conclusion

Peter Cushing’s journey is a powerful narrative of passion, perseverance and precision. Born on May 26, 1913, he rose from repertory theatre to horror-icon status, anchored by a deeply personal relationship and sustained by decades of work. His estimated net worth of around $10 million stands as a marker of his lasting success. His birthday (May 26) reminds us each year of the man behind the characters — the actor whose personal life, interests and values were as rich as his on-screen persona. In an era of transient fame, Cushing’s legacy endures — not just as a figure in horror or science-fiction, but as a creative professional who built a life of purpose, craft and quiet confidence.