What was Peter Greene’s net worth?

Renowned American character actor Peter Greene passed away with a net worth of $100,000. Greene was celebrated for his portrayals of volatile criminals, villains, and complex outsiders in some of the most iconic films of the 1990s. With his piercing blue eyes and intense physical presence, Greene had a unique ability to convey both menace and vulnerability, making even small roles memorable.

Greene is perhaps best remembered for his chilling performances as Zed, the sadistic security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” and as Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless crime boss in “The Mask” opposite Jim Carrey, both released in 1994. While mainstream audiences might recall him for these villainous characters, his body of work reveals a wider range. He earned critical acclaim in independent films like “Clean, Shaven” and “Laws of Gravity,” where his portrayals of troubled men were praised for their emotional depth. Throughout a career of over three decades and about 95 screen credits, Greene worked with some of the most esteemed directors and actors, leaving a legacy defined by his intense dedication and distinctive screen presence.

Early Life

Born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene faced a tumultuous early life. At 15, he ran away from home, living on the streets of New York City where he became involved in drugs and dealing, experiences that later informed his raw and authentic performances. Greene began acting in his twenties, gradually immersing himself in New York’s independent film and theater scenes. His early years were marked by instability and hardship, which would come to inform both his personal challenges and his ability to portray deeply flawed characters on screen.

Breakthrough and Early Career

Greene’s initial acting roles were in gritty, low-budget films that prioritized realism. His breakout role came in 1992 with “Laws of Gravity,” a stark crime drama set in New York, where he starred alongside Edie Falco. This film established Greene as a serious actor capable of handling emotionally intense material.

In 1993, Greene delivered a performance in “Clean, Shaven” that many critics regard as his most powerful. He played a man with schizophrenia suspected of murder, bringing a harrowing intensity to the role and capturing the character’s inner turmoil and quest for connection. A New York Times review at the time described his performance as both compellingly anguished and volatile, noting his commanding presence even in quieter moments. This role solidified his reputation as an actor unafraid to explore difficult psychological landscapes.

Mainstream Fame: “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask”

Greene’s career gained wider recognition in 1994 with two significant studio films. In “Pulp Fiction,” he played Zed, a security guard whose brutal actions led to one of the film’s most shocking scenes. Although the role was brief, Greene’s performance left a lasting impact, contributing to the film’s enduring shock value and cultural significance.

That same year, he appeared in “The Mask” as Dorian Tyrell, the primary antagonist opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. As a ruthless gangster seeking supernatural power, Greene brought physical menace and cold charisma to a film otherwise dominated by broad comedy. His performance balanced the cartoonish tone of the movie with genuine threat, helping ground the story and making Dorian one of the more memorable villains of 1990s mainstream cinema.

(Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)

Character Actor and Notable Roles

Following his breakout year, Greene became a sought-after character actor, frequently cast as criminals, law enforcers, and morally compromised figures. In “The Usual Suspects,” he played Redfoot, the fence who sets the central crime plot into motion. In “Training Day,” he portrayed Jeff, a detective who becomes entangled in Alonzo Harris’s corrupt web, delivering one of the film’s most chilling moments in a brief but pivotal scene opposite Denzel Washington.

Greene also appeared in films such as “Blue Streak,” “Lowball,” and numerous television projects, building a résumé defined by consistency and intensity rather than celebrity. Directors and collaborators often noted his perfectionism and his insistence on getting performances exactly right, even when working under tight schedules or limited resources.

Personal Struggles

Greene was open about his battles with addiction and mental health. In the mid-1990s, he sought treatment after a suicide attempt and worked to overcome long-standing substance abuse issues. These struggles affected both his personal life and professional opportunities, contributing to a reputation for being difficult at times, a label his longtime manager attributed to Greene’s high standards and emotional investment in his work. Those close to him emphasized that behind his fearsome screen persona was a gentle, generous individual with a deep sensitivity.

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Greene continued acting, primarily in independent films, while remaining connected to the New York creative community. He was preparing to begin production on an independent thriller titled “Mascots,” in which he was set to appear alongside Mickey Rourke.

Peter Greene was found dead in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12, 2025. He was 60 years old. No foul play was suspected, and a cause of death was to be determined by the medical examiner. He is survived by his sister and brother. Greene’s legacy endures through a body of work that demonstrated how a committed character actor could leave an indelible mark on some of the most enduring films of modern American cinema.