Biography of Peter Jackson
Peter Jackson (Peter Robert Jackson) is the most significant film director, producer, and screenwriter. Peter is so famous in the filmmaking industry because he was very passionate about his work from a young age; his passion makes him one of the most prominent filmmakers in New Zealand’s history.
Early Life – Education and Birth Place
Peter was born on 31 October 1961 in Wellington, but after some time, he left that place and spent his early life in Pukarua Bay, Porirua.
In his childhood, he had a keen interest in making a film; the writer of the movie he liked the most, which inspired him a lot and gave him the motivation to come into this field, is Ray Harryhausen (American, British animator, and special effect creator), at the same time he is finding his inspiration from different television series such as Thunderbirds and Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
His family members knew that he was interested in making movies, so his family friend gave him a Super 8 cine-camera; this proved very beneficial for him in the future because Jackson used this camera to make many films in his childhood with his family friend.
For an extended period, his favorite movie was King Kong, and when he was 9 years old, he tried to remake it by using the camera that was given to him by his friend.
In addition, he also captured a few shorts during World War 2. He named “The Dwarf Patrol” to these shorts, which are easily visible on Dad Taste.
After completing his primary education, he went to Kapiti College to pursue his education. In college, he is interested in something other than education or playing games.
Although he had no experience and didn’t attend filmmaking classes, he learned many things by himself through practicing and from his mistakes.
At a young age, he discovered J.R.R. Tolkien’s work after watching The Lord of the Rings in 1978. At 16, he started working as a full-time photo engraver for a Wellington newspaper and continued working for seven years there.
His father did not belong to a wealthy family, so he started spending money on film equipment to expand his work. When he collected enough money, it almost took him two years. He purchased a 16 mm camera and shot his first film with that camera named Bad Taste.
Struggle and Career
Jackson’s first movie was the comedy film “Bad Taste,” which featured aliens eating humans as food. In his past work, he makes another comedy movie, “Meet the Feebles.” “Heavenly Creatures” was the top hit movie that became the main reason for his popularity; this film was based on a real-life murder case. After that, he co-directed another comedy movie”, Forgotten Silver“.
After releasing “The Frighteners,” Peter became famous in Hollywood. This film proved to be a turning point in his career because, after the blockbuster success of this movie, he made a Weta Workshop (a special effects company), even though this film faced criticism. There was another movie “The Lord of the Rings,” this movie was a success on a large scale and won many Oscars.
In 2005, Jackson directed the “King Kong” remake, achieving both commercial and critical success. He also worked on many smaller projects, like “Crossing the Line,” and turned the novel “The Lovely Bones” into a movie in 2009.
Before working on “The Hobbit” film series, Jackson worked with Steven Spielberg and made “The Adventures of Tintin” movie. Likewise, he also directed a documentary, “They Shall Not Grow,” based on World War 1.
In 2018, Peter made a movie called “Mortal Engines“; some people liked it, and some didn’t. After some time, he made another documentary called “The Beatles: Get Back.” This documentary explains the behind-the-scene process of The Beatles’ final studio album. This documentary came out in three parts on Disney+ in 2021, and people liked it very much.
Relationship – Love Life, Marriage or Girlfriend
Peter married Fran Walsh in 1987. At this time, Jackson’s age was 26. His wife was also a New Zealand screenwriter. Walsh has been involved in Jackson’s films since 1989, performing her job as a co-writer and producer on various projects with Jackson. He has two children from his wife: one daughter, Katie Jackson, and one son, Dilly Jackson. They are living their life happily.
Figure – Physical Measurements
People know him for his work, but he is also good-looking. Peter’s height was good enough, about 5 feet 7 inches (169 centimeters) approximately. His eyes look blue-green, and his hair color is salt and pepper. The table below provides some additional information about Jackson.
| Breast | Unknown |
| Weight | 176 pounds / 80 kilograms |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hips size | Unknown |
| Biceps | Unknown |
| Dress size | Unknown |
| Shoe size | 8 (United States) |
Peter Jackson’s Family Background
Jackson’s parents did not belong to a wealthy family; his mother, Joan Ruck, was a worker in a factory, and his father, William Jackson, a wage clerk – were incomers from England. Their parents support him, but he cannot get what Peter needs to expand his work. He struggled to achieve his goals, and he collected a little money given to him by his parents. Also, he earned money as a photo engraver by working in this company.
Age of Peter Jackson
Jackson belongs to such persons who gained immense fame because of his excellent work and extraordinary struggle during his lifetime. Jackson’s age is 62 years as of 2024.
Net Worth
Many think Jackson’s primary sources are directing, producing, and screenwriting. It is true but not wholly accurate; their significant chunk of earrings comes from his own companies: WingNut Films, Weta Limited, and Three Foot Six. His total net worth from all sources is about 1.5 billion USD as of 2024.
Wiki Info
Here is some Wiki info on Peter Jackson given below:
| Real Name | Peter Robert Jackson |
| Nickname | Peter Jackson |
| Date of Birth | 31 October 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Wellington |
| Current Residence | Pukarua Bay, Porirua |
| Age | 62 years |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Kapiti College |
| Parents | Father – William Jackson Mother – Joan Ruck |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (169 centimeters) |
| Eyes Color | Blue-Green |
| Hair Color | Salt and pepper |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife Name | Fran Walsh |
| Children | Daughter – Katie Jackson Son – Billy Jackson |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Profession | Actor Film Director Producer Screenwriter |
| Hobby | Acting Traveling |
Social Media Accounts
Below are some social media account details of Peter with followers:
Are Peter Jackson’s parents alive?
Unfortunately, they aren't alive till now; they died during the production of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Does Peter Jackson own any production company?
Jackson wasn't just a director, producer, and screenwriter, but at the same time, Jackson owned many big companies like WingNut Films, Weta Limited, and Three Foot Six.
Does Peter Jackson was the wealthiest film director in the world?
Peter was not the wealthiest film director; the most affluent film director was George Lucas, who had a net worth of 10 billion dollars.
How much was Peter Jackson paid for King Kong?
King Kong was a great Action/Horror movie released in 2005; the amination and cinematic use in this movie are mind-blowing. After the release of this movie, King Kong won many awards, and Jackson, the most prominent actor in this movie, got paid around 20 million dollars.
Did Peter Jackson direct The Hobbit?
Of course, Peter was the director of "The Hobbit," an action/adventure movie. There are three series of this movie; the first was in 2012. The most loved character in this movie is a little Billo who goes on a big adventure with some dwarves and a wizard. The main purpose of their adventure is to get back their treasure from a scary dragon.
