Anthony Perkins was one of Hollywood’s most fascinating figures—an actor, director, and singer whose career was forever defined by his haunting portrayal of Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary thriller Psycho. His nuanced performances, complex personal life, and tragic passing left behind a story that continues to captivate film enthusiasts.
At the time of his death in 1992, Anthony Perkins’ net worth was estimated at $2.5 million, equivalent to around $6 million today after adjusting for inflation. Though his career included many iconic films, his earnings were far less than today’s Hollywood stars, reflecting a time when even major actors earned modestly by modern standards.
Early Life
Anthony Perkins was born on April 4, 1932, in Manhattan, New York City, to stage and film actor Osgood Perkins and Janet Esselstyn. His father’s acting career kept him away from home often, and after Osgood’s sudden death in 1937, young Anthony grew closer to his mother.
Raised partly by a French nanny, Perkins became fluent in French as a child. He later attended Brooks School and Browne & Nichols School, before enrolling at Rollins College in Florida and later Columbia University in New York. His early exposure to theatre sparked a lifelong passion for acting, which would soon launch him into stardom.
Rise to Fame and Hollywood Breakthrough
Perkins made his film debut in 1953 with The Actress, starring alongside Jean Simmons and Spencer Tracy. His big break came with Friendly Persuasion (1956), earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best New Actor and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He then signed a semi-exclusive seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures, starring in films such as:
- Fear Strikes Out (1957)
- The Lonely Man (1957)
- The Tin Star (1957)
- Green Mansions (1959) with Audrey Hepburn
- On the Beach (1959)*
In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock cast Perkins as Norman Bates in Psycho—a role that would define his career. His chilling yet sympathetic performance became one of the most iconic in cinematic history. The film’s massive success turned Perkins into a global name, but also typecast him in dark, psychological roles for years to come.
Career Beyond ‘Psycho’
While Psycho made Perkins a household name, he worked tirelessly to prove his range. During the 1960s, he moved to France, where he starred in European films such as Goodbye Again (1961), which won him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
His later credits included:
- Pretty Poison (1968)
- Catch-22 (1970)
- Play It as It Lays (1972)
- Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
- Mahogany (1975)
In the 1980s, he reprised his most famous role in Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), and Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990). Perkins also stepped behind the camera to direct Psycho III, proving his creative talents extended beyond acting.
His final films included Edge of Sanity (1989), A Demon in My View (1991), and In the Deep Woods (1992), released posthumously.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—one for film and one for television.
Anthony Perkins’ Net Worth and Financial Overview
At the time of his death in 1992, Anthony Perkins’ net worth was $2.5 million, roughly $6 million in 2025 dollars.
His wealth came from:
- Salary from major Hollywood productions, including Psycho and its sequels
- Royalties and residuals from film syndication and home video releases
- Directorial earnings and theatre performances
- Real estate holdings in California
Though his fame was immense, Hollywood contracts of the era offered modest pay compared to modern blockbusters. His Psycho salary reportedly amounted to around $40,000—a decent sum at the time, but far less than Hitchcock’s box office profits from the film.
Still, his disciplined career choices and consistent work across decades allowed Perkins to maintain financial stability and artistic freedom.
Personal Life and Relationships
Anthony Perkins’ personal life was as intriguing as his film career. He married Berinthia “Berry” Berenson in 1973, and the couple had two sons—Oz Perkins, now a film director and actor, and Elvis Perkins, a musician.
Before his marriage, Perkins was known to have had relationships with several men, including choreographer Grover Dale, reflecting the complexities of being a gay man in mid-20th-century Hollywood. Reports suggest that Perkins underwent conversion therapy before deciding to start a family, though he and Berry maintained a loving marriage until his death.
The family’s story took another heartbreaking turn when Berinthia Berenson died tragically during the September 11, 2001 attacks, aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Illness and Death
During the filming of Psycho IV: The Beginning, Perkins was battling facial palsy, which later led to speculation about his health. In 1990, tabloid reports revealed he was HIV-positive, though Perkins kept his illness private. He sought treatment under assumed names to protect his family’s privacy.
On September 12, 1992, Anthony Perkins died at age 60 from AIDS-related pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles. Despite his illness, he remained active and optimistic until his final months.
Anthony Perkins’ Legacy
Anthony Perkins remains one of Hollywood’s most influential actors—a master of psychological nuance who gave humanity to some of cinema’s most complex characters. His portrayal of Norman Bates redefined horror acting and set the standard for generations of thrillers to come.
Beyond Psycho, his work across theatre, European cinema, and American film demonstrated remarkable versatility. He brought emotional depth, vulnerability, and intelligence to every role, earning the respect of peers like Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen Sondheim.
Perkins’ sons, Oz and Elvis, have continued his creative legacy—keeping the Perkins name alive in film and music.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Perkins’ net worth of $2.5 million at the time of his death may represent his financial achievements, but his true wealth lies in his lasting impact on cinema. From Psycho to Catch-22, his performances remain timeless examples of emotional range and artistic courage.
More than three decades after his passing, Anthony Perkins continues to influence actors, directors, and storytellers who see in him the rare combination of talent, vulnerability, and authenticity. His art endures, ensuring that Norman Bates—and the man behind him—will never be forgotten.
