Peter Greene Net Worth 2025: The Financial Legacy of the Iconic 'Pulp Fiction' Star

Who Was Peter Greene?

When film fans think of the most chilling, electric villains of 90s cinema, Peter Greene is the face that immediately comes to mind. From his terrifying turn as Zed in Pulp Fiction to the slick, menacing Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, Greene carved out a niche as Hollywood’s "King of Villains."

However, searching for Peter Greene's net worth often leads to a major point of confusion. Many outlets mistakenly conflate him with the late British musician Peter Green, the founder of Fleetwood Mac.

While both left an indelible mark on their respective crafts, the American actor Peter Greene was a uniquely New York talent whose wealth was built on a foundation of cult-classic residuals and high-intensity character work.

Tragically, the entertainment world lost Peter Greene on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60. As fans look back on his career, many are curious about the financial legacy left behind by this "million-dollar day player."

Peter Greene Net Worth 2025: Breaking Down the Numbers

At the time of his passing in late 2025, Peter Greene's net worth was estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.

While some older databases previously listed his wealth as low as $100,000, recent industry recalculations following his consistent work in the 2020s—including his appearance in The Continental: From the World of John Wick—reflect a more stable financial standing.

Sources of Wealth:

• Film & TV Salaries: Greene was a sought-after character actor who commanded significant fees for his presence in both blockbusters and high-end television.
• The Residuals Effect: As a key player in "evergreen" films like Pulp Fiction, The Mask, and The Usual Suspects, Greene benefited from ongoing royalty payments as these classics continued to stream and broadcast globally.
• Independent Cinema: Known as an "actor's actor," he frequently worked in the New York indie scene, which provided a steady stream of projects even when he wasn't in the Hollywood spotlight.

Career Highs: How the "King of Villains" Built His Wealth

Peter Greene didn't just play characters; he owned scenes. His financial journey began in the early 90s with gritty performances in Laws of Gravity and the psychological thriller Clean, Shaven. These roles proved he could carry a film, but it was 1994 that changed everything.

The 1994 Breakout

In a single year, Greene appeared in two of the decade's biggest cultural touchstones:

1. The Mask: Playing the primary antagonist Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey, Greene proved he could hold his own in a massive commercial success that grossed over $350 million worldwide.
2. Pulp Fiction: His role as Zed, though brief, became one of the most talked-about parts of Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece. This performance elevated his "market value" and ensured his place in cinematic history.

Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Greene secured high-profile paydays in films like Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, The Usual Suspects (where he played Redfoot), and the Martin Lawrence hit Blue Streak.

Writer Christopher McQuarrie famously dubbed him a "million-dollar day player," referring to his ability to walk onto a set and instantly elevate the entire production.

Personal Struggles and Their Financial Impact

While Peter Greene’s talent was undeniable, his financial path was not a straight line to Hollywood’s "A-list." In the mid-1990s, at the height of his fame, Greene was remarkably open about his struggles with substance abuse.

These personal battles led to a period where he stepped back from massive blockbuster roles, preferring the grit and flexibility of the New York independent film scene.His decision to remain in New York rather than relocating to Los Angeles had a direct impact on the Peter Greene net worth trajectory.

While he bypassed the multi-million dollar "leading man" contracts of the 2000s, he gained a reputation for artistic integrity. This choice allowed him to build a "slow-burn" financial legacy through character work and television guest spots on shows like The Black Donnellys, Life on Mars, and Chicago P.D.

Peter Greene (Actor) vs. Peter Green (Musician): The Confusion Cleared

One of the primary reasons for varying reports on Greene’s wealth is the frequent confusion with Peter Green, the British founder of Fleetwood Mac.

To provide clarity for both Google and our readers, here is how their legacies compare:

While the musician Peter Green held a higher net worth due to his extensive songwriting catalog, the actor Peter Greene maintained a respectable fortune through his status as one of the most bankable character actors in the industry.

Final Projects and Posthumous Work

Even in his final year, Greene remained active. Shortly before his passing in December 2025, he had completed work on several high-profile projects that will continue to contribute to his estate.

• Clika (2026): A music-themed crime drama where Greene plays Lieutenant Jones. This project is set for a posthumous release and has already generated significant buzz among fans.
• The Mascots: At the time of his death, Greene was scheduled to begin filming this independent thriller alongside Mickey Rourke in January 2026.
• Voice & Narration: Greene was also passionate about a documentary titled From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID, which he was narrating.

These final roles underscore a career that never stopped evolving, ensuring that his influence—and his residuals—will continue for years to come.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Bottom Line

While Peter Greene’s net worth of $1.5 million reflects a successful and steady career, his true value to the film industry cannot be measured in dollars. He was a performer who transformed minor roles into cultural landmarks. In an industry often obsessed with "A-list" status, Greene remained a "character actor's actor," choosing roles that challenged him and terrified us.

His passing in December 2025 marks the end of an era for the gritty, New York-style intensity he brought to the screen. For fans, he will always be the man who could steal a movie with a single look—a rare talent that ensured his work, and his legacy, will remain "evergreen."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Peter Greene's net worth at the time of his death?

At the time of his passing on December 12, 2025, Peter Greene's net worth was estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.

This wealth was accumulated through a 30-year career in film and television, supplemented by residuals from cult classics like Pulp Fiction.

Did Peter Greene die in 2025?

Yes. Peter Greene passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60. He was found in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City.

His manager confirmed that while he was nervous about an upcoming surgery, he had been in good spirits and was actively working on new projects.

Is Peter Greene related to Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac?

No. Despite the similar names, Peter Greene was an American actor known for The Mask, while Peter Green was a British blues guitarist and founder of Fleetwood Mac.

The two are often confused in net worth reports, but they had entirely different careers and financial legacies.

What were Peter Greene's most famous roles?

Peter Greene is best known for playing the villain Dorian Tyrell in The Mask (1994) and the sadistic security guard Zed in Pulp Fiction (1994).

He also had memorable roles in The Usual Suspects, Blue Streak, and the TV series The Black Donnellys.

Was Peter Greene still acting before he died?

Yes, Greene was active until his final days. He appeared in the 2025 film Beggarman and had completed work on the movie Clika, which is set for a posthumous release in 2026.

He was also scheduled to begin filming a new thriller titled Mascots with Mickey Rourke in early 2026.