Biography & Net Worth Of Peter Cook

Forum 17 hours ago

Biography & Net Worth Of Peter Cook

Peter Edward Cook, famously known as Peter Cook, was an English comedian, actor, satirist, playwright, and screenwriter, widely regarded as a leading figure in the British satire boom of the 1960s.

He gained prominence through his work in the groundbreaking revue Beyond the Fringe and his long-standing comedic partnership with Dudley Moore, which produced influential works across stage, television, and film.

Early Life And Education

Peter Edward Cook was born on November 17, 1937, in Torquay, Devon, England, to Alexander Edward Cook, a colonial civil servant, and Ethel Catherine Margaret Cook. He had two sisters and spent part of his early childhood in Nigeria due to his father’s work.

Cook was educated at Radley College, a prestigious boarding school, before attending Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he studied French and German. At Cambridge, he became involved with the Footlights Club, honing his comedic talents. He was of Caucasian ethnicity and did not publicly affiliate with any religion.

Career

Peter Cook’s professional career took off in the early 1960s when he co-created and performed in Beyond the Fringe, a satirical revue that debuted at the Edinburgh Festival in 1960. The show’s success led to performances in London’s West End and on Broadway, marking a significant shift in British comedy.

Cook’s sharp wit and incisive satire resonated with audiences, establishing him as a leading figure in the satire boom of the era.

Cook formed a prolific partnership with fellow comedian Dudley Moore after Beyond the Fringe.

Together, they created and starred in the television series Not Only… which showcased their unique brand of humor. The duo also collaborated on films such as Bedazzled (1967), in which Cook played the Devil opposite Moore’s Faustian character.

Absurdist sketches and satirical takes on contemporary society characterized their work. In the 1970s and 1980s, Cook continued influencing the comedy scene through various projects, including creating the satirical magazine Private Eye.

He also appeared on television and participated in comedic recordings, such as the controversial Derek and Clive albums with Moore. Despite personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, Cook remained a respected figure in comedy until he died in 1995.

Personal Life

Peter Cook was married three times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Wendy Snowden in 1963, and together they had two daughters, Daisy Cook and Lucy Cook, before divorcing in 1971. In 1973, he wed actress Judy Huxtable, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1989.

That same year, he married Chiew Lin Chong, who remained his wife until his passing. Cook’s personal life was notably impacted by his battle with alcoholism, which took a toll on both his health and relationships.

Filmography

Beyond the Fringe (1960–1964)

Not Only… But Also (1965–1970)

Bedazzled (1967)

The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (1970)

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1978)

Derek and Clive Get the Horn (1979)

The Secret Policeman’s Ball (1979)

The Princess Bride (1987)

Net Worth

When he died in 1995, Peter Cook’s net Worth was estimated at approximately £1 million. His income was primarily derived from his television, film, stage performances, and writing work.