Peter Jackson Biography: Awards, Movies, Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents

Peter Robert Jackson, known professionally as Peter Jackson, is a New Zealand filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and actor renowned for directing the critically acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), which earned him three Academy Awards, including Best Director for The Return of the King.

Celebrated for his visionary storytelling and groundbreaking use of visual effects, Jackson also gained recognition for films like The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014), King Kong (2005), and the documentary They Shall Not Grow Old (2018), solidifying his status as one of the world’s most influential directors.

Profile

• Full Name: Peter Robert Jackson
• Stage Name: Peter Jackson
• Born: October 31, 1961
• Age: 63 years old
• Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor
• Height: 1.69m
• Parents: William Jackson, Joan Jackson
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Fran Walsh (M. 1987)
• Children: Billy Jackson, Katie Jackson
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 billion

Early Life and Education

Peter Robert Jackson was born on October 31, 1961, in Wellington, New Zealand, to William Jackson, a wages clerk, and Joan Jackson, a factory worker. An only child, he grew up in Pukerua Bay, developing a passion for filmmaking at age seven after receiving an 8mm camera.

Largely self-taught, Jackson left Rongotai College at 16 to work as a photoengraver, using his earnings to fund amateur films. His ethnicity is English, reflecting his parents’ British heritage, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Peter Jackson began his career making short films, inspired by classics like King Kong (1933). His first feature, Bad Taste (1987), a low-budget horror-comedy, gained a cult following after screenings at Cannes, earning him a deal with the New Zealand Film Commission. He followed with Meet the Feebles (1989) and Braindead (1992), showcasing his knack for gore and humor.

His breakthrough came with Heavenly Creatures (1994), a drama that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay, co-written with his partner, Fran Walsh, marking his shift to mainstream storytelling. Jackson’s global fame arrived with The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels.

Filmed in New Zealand with his company Weta Digital, the trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide, with The Return of the King winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. He continued with King Kong (2005), a $562 million-grossing remake, and The Lovely Bones (2009). Directing The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014), he pushed visual effects boundaries, though it received mixed reviews.

His innovative documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old (2018), utilized restored World War I footage, earning a BAFTA nomination. Jackson remains a towering figure in cinema, focusing on producing and directing passion projects. His work on The Beatles: Get Back (2021), a three-part docuseries, won five Emmys, showcasing his storytelling versatility.

He continues to lead Weta Digital (now WetaFX), shaping visual effects for films like Avatar: The Way of Water (2022). His contributions to New Zealand’s film industry, including tourism via Middle-earth, and his knighthood in 2010 for services to film, underscore his enduring influence.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @sir_peterjackson

Personal Life

Peter Jackson has been married to Fran Walsh, a screenwriter and producer, since 1987. They have two children, Billy and Katie Jackson, both of whom appeared in his films. Based in Wellington, Jackson leads a private life, focusing on family and creative pursuits.

Filmography

• Bad Taste (1987)
• Meet the Feebles (1989)
• Braindead (1992)
• Heavenly Creatures (1994)
• The Frighteners (1996)
• The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
• The Two Towers (2002)
• The Return of the King (2003)
• King Kong (2005)
• The Lovely Bones (2009)
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
• They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

Net Worth

Peter Jackson has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion. His wealth stems from directing and producing major films, such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, which have generated billions in box office revenue and royalties. Further income derives from his ownership stake in WetaFX, sold partially to Unity Software for $1.6 billion in 2021, as well as his work on documentaries and endorsements.