Peter Greene Net Worth: How Much is the "Pulp Fiction" Star Worth in 2025?

When it comes to Hollywood’s most iconic villains, few names carry as much weight as Peter Greene. Best known for his chilling performances in 90s cult classics, Greene has carved out a unique niche as a versatile character actor.

However, as 2025 unfolds, fans are increasingly curious about the financial side of his long-standing career.With a career spanning over three decades, Peter Greene net worth is currently estimated at approximately $15 million.

While he may not always be the leading man on the poster, his contribution to some of the highest-grossing and most culturally significant films of the last 30 years has secured him a substantial fortune.

Breaking Down Peter Greene’s $15 Million Net Worth

Understanding how Greene reached the $15 million mark requires looking beyond just a single paycheck. His wealth is a combination of strategic roles, industry longevity, and diverse professional ventures.

1. Iconic Film Salaries and Residuals

The backbone of Greene's wealth comes from his filmography. Playing the primary antagonist, Dorian Tyrell, in "The Mask" and the unforgettable Zed in "Pulp Fiction" provided not only significant upfront salaries but also a steady stream of residuals.

Because these films remain staples of television broadcasts and streaming services, they continue to contribute to his overall earnings years after their release.

2. Voice Acting and Partnerships

Beyond the silver screen, Greene has successfully branched out into other lucrative areas. His distinctive, gritty voice has made him a sought-after talent for voice acting roles in various projects.

Additionally, he has engaged in various partnerships and collaborations that have bolstered his financial standing, proving that a smart actor knows how to monetize their brand outside of traditional acting.

3. Steady Work in Supporting Roles

Greene’s reputation for portraying "complex characters" has kept him in high demand. By consistently appearing in supporting roles across both mainstream hits and independent cinema, he has maintained a steady income stream that many leading men who flame out quickly would envy.

Peter Greene vs. Peter Green: Clearing the Confusion

In the world of search engines, it is easy to get "Greene" mixed up with "Green." It is important to distinguish the American actor from the legendary British musician.

While the late musician Peter Green left a massive legacy in the world of blues and rock (worth roughly $10 million through his song catalog), the actor Peter Greene continues to see his financial profile grow through his ongoing presence in the film industry.

Career Milestones: The Journey to Riches

Peter Greene’s path to a $15 million net worth was paved in the 1990s, a decade where he became the "go-to" actor for directors looking for a specific brand of dangerous intensity.

His career is a masterclass in how a character actor can build significant wealth without needing to be a traditional A-list leading man.

The 90s Explosion: From Indie Darling to Global Villain

Greene’s financial breakthrough began with the 1992 indie hit Laws of Gravity, but it was 1994 that changed his life forever.

Within a single year, he appeared in two films that would become massive commercial successes:

• "Pulp Fiction" (1994): Playing the sadistic Zed. While a supporting role, the film's $213 million global box office and legendary status ensured Greene would be a household face for life.
• "The Mask" (1994): As Dorian Tyrell, the primary antagonist to Jim Carrey, Greene stepped into a massive studio production. The Mask grossed over $351 million worldwide, likely resulting in one of the most significant single-film paydays of his career.

The "Million-Dollar Day Player"

Greene earned a reputation in the industry as a "million-dollar day player." This term, often used by directors like Christopher McQuarrie, refers to an actor who can show up for a few days of filming and deliver a performance so impactful it elevates the entire project.

We saw this in:

• "The Usual Suspects" (1995): His role as Redfoot the Fence helped ground the mystery of Keyser Söze.
• "Blue Streak" (1999): Playing the menacing Deacon alongside Martin Lawrence.
• "Training Day" (2001): A brief but chilling turn as a corrupt narcotics officer.

Each of these appearances came with premium "character actor" fees, contributing to a steady accumulation of wealth over three decades.

Television Gains and Modern Roles

While film provided the foundation, television provided the "pension." Greene has appeared in recurring roles in hit series like The Black Donnellys, Life on Mars, and Chicago P.D.

Most recently, his appearance in the John Wick spin-off, The Continental, showed that his "menace" remains a valuable commodity in the streaming era.

The Diversity of Income: Voice Acting and Creative Ventures

A significant portion of Peter Greene’s net worth is also bolstered by his work behind the microphone.

• Voice-Over Work: His gravelly, distinctive voice has been utilized in various narrations and commercial projects.
• Independent Production: Greene has occasionally stepped behind the scenes as a producer, notably on the documentary From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID, diversifying his income from just "acting for hire" to intellectual property and production fees.

Assets and Financial Legacy

While Peter Greene’s net worth is often discussed in terms of raw numbers—approximately $15 million—his true financial legacy is tied to the enduring popularity of his work.

Unlike many actors who rely solely on new projects, Greene built a portfolio of "cult classics" that ensure long-term stability.

Real Estate and Personal Life

Greene maintained a relatively private life, residing primarily in New York City. His choice to live in the Lower East Side rather than a sprawling Hollywood estate reflected his grounded, artist-first approach to the industry.

By avoiding the common financial pitfalls of high-maintenance celebrity lifestyles, he was able to preserve much of the wealth earned during his 90s peak.

Future Earnings and Posthumous Projects

Even in late 2025, Greene’s earnings continue to grow. He left behind several projects that are set to provide value to his estate:

• "Beggarman" (2025): A recent release that added to his final career earnings.
• "Clika" (Scheduled for 2026): A posthumous project currently in post-production.
• Ongoing Royalties: His roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask remain high-value assets, as these films are frequently licensed to new streaming platforms globally.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Dollar Sign

The story of Peter Greene’s net worth is more than just a tally of bank accounts; it is a testament to the power of the "character actor." By becoming indispensable to directors and unforgettable to audiences, he secured a $15 million fortune through talent, grit, and a unique screen presence.

While we sadly lost this legendary performer in December 2025 at the age of 60, his financial and artistic footprint remains. From the streets of New York to the pinnacle of Hollywood cinema, Peter Greene’s journey proves that playing the villain can lead to a very successful life.