Peter Lorre, known for his unforgettable roles in Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon, was one of Hollywood’s most distinctive actors.
His career spanned decades, from early European films to major Hollywood productions under Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox.
His financial journey, however, wasn’t always smooth. From lucrative contracts to financial struggles, his story is a fascinating look at the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Now, let’s take a deep dive into Peter Lorre net worth, earnings, salary, and overall financial legacy.
Peter Lorre Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Peter Lorre |
| Popular Name | Peter Lorre |
| Birth Date | June 26, 1904 |
| Age | 59 (Died:March 23, 1964) |
| Birthplace | Vienna, Austria-Hungary (now Austria) |
| Nationality | Austrian, German, American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Ethnically Ashkenazi Jewish) |
| Education | Academy of Dramatic Art in Vienna |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Annemarie Brenning (m. 1953–1964), Kaaren Verne (m. 1945–1950), Celia Lovsky (m. 1934–1945) |
| Children | One daughter, Catherine Lorre |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Lothar Lorre (Father), Johanna Lorre (Mother) |
| Height | 1.6 meters |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (Film, Radio, TV) |
What is the Net Worth of Peter Lorre in 2025?
As of 2025, Peter Lorre’s net worth remains undisclosed, as financial records from his era are not publicly available.
However, actors of his stature in the Golden Age of Hollywood were known to have earned lucrative contracts from major studios like Warner Bros.
Unlike modern actors, who negotiate their own salaries, actors in the 1940s were often tied to long-term contracts with fixed salaries.
Though his wealth isn’t publicly known, Lorre’s legacy remains strong, with his films continuing to generate revenue through DVD sales, streaming, and syndication.
Compared to other Hollywood legends, Lorre’s financial journey reflects the ups and downs of many classic film stars.
Related Figures in Classic Hollywood & Film Noir:
- Humphrey Bogart
- Sydney Greenstreet
- Boris Karloff
- Vincent Price
- Basil Rathbone
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Warner Bros
- 20th Century Fox
- Casablanca Cast
- James Bond Villains
If you’re curious about how actors from Hollywood’s golden era compare to today’s top earners, check out our list of the richest celebrities.
Peter Lorre Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn from His Acting Career?
Peter Lorre’s primary source of wealth was acting. His career took off with the German film M (1931), where he played a chilling serial killer.
This role led to opportunities in Hollywood, where he signed contracts with Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox.
His most famous roles include:
- The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- Casablanca (1942)
- Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
During his peak, he worked alongside Humphrey Bogart and Sydney Greenstreet, frequently appearing in film noir and detective thrillers.
What Was His Salary During the Peak of His Career?
In the 1940s, actors working under major studios had fixed salaries due to long-term contracts. Unlike today’s flexible salary negotiations, Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox controlled actor payments.
While exact figures for Lorre remain undisclosed, actors of his level typically earned between $1,000 to $5,000 per week in that era.
Compared to Humphrey Bogart, who was among the highest-paid actors of the time, Lorre’s earnings were more modest but still significant.
How Did Hollywood’s Studio System Affect His Finances?
The studio system of the 1940s was vastly different from today. Actors like Peter Lorre were often:
- Locked into multi-year contracts with fixed salaries
- Typecast into specific roles, limiting their career flexibility
- Restricted from working with competing studios
While this guaranteed stable income, it also meant actors had little control over their own careers. Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox dictated Lorre’s roles and earnings.
Did He Have Any Financial Struggles?
Despite being a successful Hollywood actor, Lorre faced financial challenges. By the late 1940s, he filed for bankruptcy.
Unlike today’s actors who have endorsement deals and business ventures, Lorre primarily relied on film salaries.
Factors that contributed to his financial struggles included:
- Lack of residual payments (actors didn’t earn from reruns or syndication)
- Personal expenses and lifestyle choices
- Career decline in the 1950s, leading to fewer high-paying roles
What Happened to His Finances Later in Life?
After leaving Warner Bros, Lorre’s financial stability declined. He took roles in lower-budget films, including:
- The Comedy of Terrors (1963)
- The Raven (1963)
Despite still working, his earnings were far lower than during his prime. By the 1960s, his health deteriorated, and he passed away in 1964.
How Is His Financial Legacy Remembered Today?
Even though Peter Lorre’s net worth is not publicly documented, his impact on cinema is undeniable. His estate remains tied to classic Hollywood history, and his films continue to be celebrated.
His financial legacy includes:
- A Hollywood Walk of Fame star at 6619 Hollywood Blvd
- Continued influence in film noir and classic cinema
- Ongoing DVD and streaming revenue from his most iconic movies
Conclusion
Peter Lorre’s career was a mix of financial highs and lows, reflecting the reality of Golden Age Hollywood actors.
Though his net worth remains undisclosed, his impact on cinema and pop culture is undeniable.
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