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Peter Wilton Cushing Biography (1913-1994)

Born May 26, 1913, in Kenley, England; died of cancer, August 11, 1994, in Canterbury, England. Actor and author. Cushing was best known for his roles ina series of horror films produced by the prolific Hammer studio, including The Curse of Frankenstein, The Horror of Dracula, The Evil of Frankenstein, Dr.Terror's House of Horrors, and Tales from the Crypt. After studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Cushing made his stage debut in 1935 andlater joined Sir Laurence Olivier's Old Vic repertory company. In 1948 he played the role of Osric in Olivier's acclaimed film version of Hamlet and subsequently appeared in a number of other films and on television before beginning his affiliation with Hammer in 1957. Thereafter Cushing became--with Christopher Lee and Vincent Price-- one of Hammer's central players, creating convincingly sinister characters and earning praise for his polished acting style.Cushing also wrote two books about his life, Peter Cushing: An Autobiographyand Past Forgetting: A Memoir of the Hammer Years.

Nationality

English

Gender

Male

Occupation

actor, author

Birth Details

May 26, 1913

Kenley, England

Death Details

August 11, 1994

Canterbury, England

Further Reference

BOOKS

• Who's Who in the World, 12th edition, Marquis, 1993.

PERIODICALS

• Chicago Tribune, August 12, 1994, sec. 3, p. 12.
• Los Angeles Times, August 12, 1994, p. A26.
• New York Times, August 12, 1994, p. A21.
• Times (London), August 12, 1994, p. 17.
• Washington Post, August 12, 1994, p. B6.