Who Is Peter Lorre? Age, Biography and Wiki
Peter Lorre, born on June 26, 1904, in Rózsahegy, Hungary, was a talented actor famed for his unique voice and expressive performances in both film and theater. Notable for his roles in classic films such as M (1931) and Casablanca (1942), Lorre carved a niche for himself in the world of cinema. His career spanned over three decades and left an indelible mark on Hollywood and global cinema until his passing in 1964. In 2025, he continues to be remembered as a pioneer of character acting.
| Occupation | Directors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1904 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Rózsahegy, Hungary, Austria-Hungary |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Austria |
| Date of death | 23 March, 1964 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, US |
Popularity
Peter Lorre's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Peter Lorre stood at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighed around 140 lbs (63 kg) during his acting career. His compact stature, combined with his expressive features, contributed to the distinct persona he portrayed on-screen. His body measurements were typically described as slender, allowing him to excel in roles that required a level of intensity and intrigue.
Returning from England after appearing in a second Hitchcock picture (Secret Agent, 1936), he was offered and accepted a 3-year contract with 20th Century Fox. Starring in a series of Mr. Moto movies, Lorre played John P. Marquand's character, a Japanese detective and spy. Initially positive about the films, he soon grew frustrated.
"The role is childish," he said, and eventually tended to dismiss the films entirely. He twisted his shoulder during a stunt in Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation (1939), the penultimate entry of the series.
In 1939, he attended a lunch at the request of some visiting Japanese officials; Lorre wore a badge that read "Boycott Japanese goods." Late in 1938, Universal Pictures wanted to borrow Lorre from Fox for the top-billed titular role ultimately performed by Basil Rathbone in Son of Frankenstein (1939) starring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster
and Bela Lugosi as Ygor.
Lorre declined the role because he thought his menacing parts were now behind him, although he was ill at this time. He had tested successfully in 1937 for the role of Quasimodo in an aborted MGM version of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, according to a Fox publicist one of two roles Lorre most wanted to play (the other was Napoleon).
Frustrated by broken promises from Fox, Lorre managed to end his contract.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Peter Lorre married actress Anne Marie Brenning in 1934, but the couple divorced in 1945. He later tied the knot with actress Kaaren Verne, with whom he remained until his death. Throughout his life, Lorre was known to have had several relationships, both serious and casual, although he is primarily remembered for his marriages and close friendships within the acting community.
His parents, German-speaking Jews, had recently moved there following his father's appointment as chief bookkeeper at a local textile mill. Alajos also served as a lieutenant in the Austrian Army Reserve, and was often away on military maneuvers.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his demise in 1964, Peter Lorre’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a considerable sum reflecting his success in Hollywood. In today's terms, that would equate to approximately $17 million due to inflation and the evolution of the film industry. Although difficult to estimate his salary per film, Lorre was known to command a respectable rate for his leading roles, which have since become iconic in cinematic history.
Career, Business and Investments
Peter Lorre's illustrious career began in Europe before he transitioned to Hollywood in the early 1930s. His versatility allowed him to take on diverse genres, from horror films to comedy. Aside from acting, Lorre tried his hand at directing and even ventured into producing. While his investments are not extensively documented, his wealth was primarily generated through his successful film career and radio appearances.
He began his stage career in Vienna, in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, before moving to Germany, where he worked first on the stage, then in film, in Berlin during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Lorre, who was Jewish, left Germany after Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power.
Lorre caused an international sensation in the Weimar Republic–era film M (1931) where he portrayed a serial killer who preys on little girls. His second English-language film was Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934), made in the United Kingdom.
Social Network
Although Peter Lorre is no longer around to connect with fans through social media, his legacy lives on across various platforms. Fans continue to celebrate his career through tribute pages on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, sharing classic clips and fan art that pay homage to his work. Online forums and fan clubs also discuss his films and influence in modern cinema.
Education
Lorre's formal education was cut short as he pursued a career in acting early on. He trained at the Hungarian Academy of Drama and Film, laying the foundation for his future successes. Despite not having a traditional college degree, Lorre's natural talent and dedication to his craft led him to become one of Hollywood's most memorable figures.
In summary, Peter Lorre's contributions to film and theater remain influential, and his persona is still celebrated by fans and newcomers alike in 2025. Though he may have passed over half a century ago, his impact on cinema continues to resonate, making him a timeless figure in entertainment history.
The actor became much better known after director Fritz Lang cast him as child-killer Hans Beckert in M (1931), a film reputedly inspired by the Peter Kürten case. Lang said that he had Lorre in mind for the part and did not give him a screen test because he was already convinced Lorre was perfect for the part.
He also stated that the actor gave his best performance in M and that it was among the most distinguished in film history. Sharon Packer observed that Lorre played the "loner, [and] schizotypal murderer" with "raspy voice, bulging eyes, and emotive acting (a holdover from the silent screen) [which] always make him memorable."
