Peter Greene never followed the traditional Hollywood path. He chose intensity over safety, discomfort over polish, and complex characters over leading-man appeal. At the time of his death, Peter Greene’s estimated net worth stood at around $1.5 million. While no official figure was ever confirmed, that estimate reflects a career defined more by substance than spectacle.
Greene worked steadily for decades, often in supporting roles that left lasting impressions long after the credits rolled. He wasn’t chasing fame. He was chasing truth on screen.
Breakout Roles That Defined the 1990s
Greene’s most iconic performances arrived early and hit hard. In 1994, he played Zed in Pulp Fiction, a role that remains one of the film’s most disturbing elements. That same year, he starred as Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, proving he could hold his own opposite Jim Carrey’s wild energy.
His performance in Clean, Shaven as a man living with schizophrenia is still widely regarded as one of the most unsettling portrayals of mental illness in American cinema. Films like The Usual Suspects, Judgment Night, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, Blue Streak, and Training Day further cemented his reputation as a go-to actor for danger, volatility, and moral darkness.
Earnings Without the Spotlight
Despite appearing in major box office successes, Greene never reached blockbuster-level paydays. His films collectively earned hundreds of millions worldwide, but his personal earnings reflected consistent work rather than franchise wealth. Over time, he accumulated more than 90 acting credits across film, television, and music videos.
His later work included roles in The Gentleman Bandit and television appearances on The Black Donnellys, Justified, Chicago P.D., For Life, and The Continental. Even in smaller roles, his presence carried weight earned through experience.
Personal Struggles and Industry Pressure
Greene’s career ran parallel to serious personal battles. He struggled with heroin and cocaine addiction throughout the 1990s and faced drug-related arrests, including one in 2007. In past interviews, he openly discussed running away from home as a teenager, living on the streets of New York City, and falling into addiction.
After a suicide attempt in 1996, Greene sought treatment and later spoke honestly about how addiction affected both his health and his career. Despite these struggles, directors continued to trust him with demanding roles, a testament to his raw talent and professionalism.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Peter Greene’s work still unsettles, still challenges, and still demands attention. His career raises difficult questions about how Hollywood treats actors who give everything to their craft.
He may not have become a household name, but his performances ensured he would never be forgotten.
