Rebecca De Mornay Biography: Parents, Children, Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Nationality

Rebecca De Mornay is a celebrated American actress and producer whose captivating performances have left a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Known for her intense portrayal of Peyton Flanders in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), she showcased her ability to navigate complex, dynamic characters across genres, from drama to horror.

Profile

• Full Name: Rebecca Jane Pearch
• Stage Name: Rebecca De Mornay
• Born: August 29, 1959
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Santa Rosa, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Director
• Height: 166 cm
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: George Walter Pearch, Julie Eagar
• Siblings: Peter De Mornay, Jonathan De Mornay
• Spouse: Bruce Wagner (m. 1986–1990)
• Children: Sophia De Mornay-O’Neal, Veronica De Mornay-O’Neal
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $11 million

Early Life & Education

Rebecca Jane Pearch was born on August 29, 1959, in Santa Rosa, California, to George Walter Pearch, a radio and TV personality known as Wally George, and Julie Eagar, an actress.

Her parents divorced when she was young, and she took her stepfather Richard De Mornay’s surname after her mother’s remarriage.

Raised primarily in Europe after her mother and stepfather relocated to Austria, Rebecca spent her childhood in diverse locales, including Germany and France. She attended the progressive Summerhill School in England.

Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she was raised in a Christian household, although she has not publicly emphasized her religious beliefs.

She has half-brothers, Peter and Jonathan De Mornay, from her stepfather’s side; however, details about her other siblings are limited.

Her early exposure to international cultures and her mother’s artistic influence sparked her interest in acting, leading her to pursue the arts from a young age.

Rebecca attended Summerhill School in Leiston, Suffolk, England, known for its unconventional, student-driven approach.

She later studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City, immersing herself in the Method acting technique.

Career

Rebecca De Mornay’s career began with a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s One from the Heart (1982).

Her breakout came in 1983 as Lana in Risky Business, a role that catapulted her to stardom and earned her critical praise alongside Tom Cruise.

She followed with leading roles in The Slugger’s Wife (1985) and as Sara in Runaway Train (1985), the latter earning her a Golden Globe nomination.

In 1988, she starred opposite Frank Langella in And God Created Woman, showcasing her range. Her chilling performance as Peyton Flanders in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) became one of her most iconic roles, cementing her as a thriller staple.

Other notable films include Backdraft (1991) with Kurt Russell, The Three Musketeers (1993), and Wedding Crashers (2005) as Mrs. Kroeger.

On television, she played Wendy Torrance in Stephen King’s The Shining (1997 miniseries), appeared as Dorothy Walker in Jessica Jones (2015), and guest-starred on Lucifer (2016).

As a producer, she worked on “Never Talk to Strangers” (1995) and directed an episode of “The Outer Limits” (1995).

In recent years, she has taken selective roles, including in I Am Wrath (2016) with John Travolta and American Reunion (2012).

Her career reflects her pride in American cinema, with a focus on storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.

Awards & Nominations

• 1986: Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, Golden Globe Awards (Runaway Train)
• 1992: Won Best Villain, MTV Movie Awards (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)
• 1992: Nominated for Best Female Performance, MTV Movie Awards (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)
• 1992: Nominated for Best Actress, Saturn Awards (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)

Social Media

She does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Rebecca De Mornay, 65, is single following her divorce from writer Bruce Wagner in 1990 after a four-year marriage.

She has two daughters, Sophia (born 1997) and Veronica (born 2001), from her relationship with actor and sports commentator Patrick O’Neal, which ended in 2002.

Standing at 166 cm (5 ft 5 in), Rebecca maintains an elegant presence with her blonde hair and striking features.

She keeps her personal life private, rarely discussing romantic relationships since her split with O’Neal.

Rebecca enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her daughters, whom she has raised in Los Angeles.

Her international upbringing has influenced her love for travel, and she has a passion for music, having dated musicians such as Leonard Cohen and Tom Petty in the 1980s.

Filmography

• One from the Heart (1982, film) – Understudy
• Risky Business (1983, film) – Lana
• Testament (1983, film) – Cathy Pitkin
• The Slugger’s Wife (1985, film) – Debby Palmer
• Runaway Train (1985, film) – Sara
• The Trip to Bountiful (1985, film) – Thelma
• Beauty and the Beast (1987, film) – Beauty
• And God Created Woman (1988, film) – Robin Shea
• Feds (1988, film) – Elizabeth “Ellie” De Witt
• Dealers (1989, film) – Anna Schuman
• Backdraft (1991, film) – Helen McCaffrey
• The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992, film) – Peyton Flanders
• Guilty as Sin (1993, film) – Jennifer Haines
• The Three Musketeers (1993, film) – Milady de Winter
• Never Talk to Strangers (1995, film) – Dr. Sarah Taylor (also producer)
• The Winner (1996, film) – Louise
• The Shining (1997, TV miniseries) – Wendy Torrance
• Wicked Ways (1999, film) – Ruth Draper
• A Table for One (1999, film) – Ruth Draper
• The Right Temptation (2000, film) – Derian McCall
• Identity (2003, film) – Caroline Suzanne
• Raise Your Voice (2004, film) – Aunt Nina.
• Lords of Dogtown (2005, film) – Philaine
• Wedding Crashers (2005, film) – Mrs. Kroeger
• American Venus (2007, film) – Celia Lane
• Music Within (2007, film) – Richard’s Mom
• Flipped (2010, film) – Patsy Loski.
• Mother’s Day (2010, film) – Natalie “Mother” Koffin
• A Fonder Heart (2011, film) – Dr. Bach
• Apartment 1303 3D (2012, film) – Maddie Slate
• American Reunion (2012, film) – Rachel Finch
• I Am Wrath (2016, film) – Vivian Hill.
• Jessica Jones (2015, TV series) – Dorothy Walker (recurring)
• Lucifer (2016, TV series) – Penelope Decker (guest role)

Net Worth

Rebecca De Mornay’s net worth is estimated at $11 million.

Her wealth stems from her extensive acting career, which has yielded significant earnings from films such as Risky Business and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, as well as her television roles and producing projects.

Real estate investments, including properties in Los Angeles, have also contributed to her financial success. Her enduring career continues to provide income through residuals and selective roles.