Peter Billingsley net worth is estimated to be $12 million. The actor, director, and producer best known for his iconic role as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, while he gained fame as a child actor, Billingsley has built a successful career behind the camera, producing and directing numerous films and television projects.
| Peter Billingsley Net Worth | $12 Million |
| Date of Birth | April 16, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Director, And Producer |
Early Life
Peter Billingsley was born on April 16, 1971, in New York City. He is one of five children; his older siblings, Melissa Michaelsen and Neil Billingsley, also had careers in TV and commercials. Peter began appearing in commercials as an infant and eventually starred in hundreds throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. His early education included tutors, public schools, and private institutions like Phoenix Country Day School in Arizona and the Professional Children’s School in New York City.
Acting Career
Billingsley’s first major role came at age two in a Geritol commercial with Betty Buckley. He gained fame for portraying “Messy Marvin” in a popular series of Hershey’s chocolate syrup commercials.
A Christmas Story
In 1983, Peter landed the role that would define his career: Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. While the movie was not an immediate hit, it has become a holiday classic, airing frequently on television each December. Billingsley has admitted that even he can’t avoid watching the film when it plays on TV.
Royalties
Billingsley has revealed that contracts for royalties were uncommon when A Christmas Story was made, so he does not earn substantial money from repeated airings of the movie. Co-star Zack Ward has reported receiving about $1,800 every two years in royalties, giving insight into the modest earnings from the film.
NASA Space Program
In the early 1980s, Billingsley was appointed by Nancy Reagan as a child ambassador to NASA. He was involved with the Teacher in Space Project, which tragically ended with the Challenger disaster in 1986. Billingsley has said he was slated to be the first child in space if the mission had succeeded.
Later Career
Billingsley’s acting slowed in the late 1980s and 1990s, with guest appearances and small roles. He built lasting friendships with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, connections that fueled his success as a producer and director. Key projects include:
- Dinner for Five (2001) – Emmy nomination as producer
- Elf (2003) – small acting role
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) – producer
- The Break-Up (2006) – producer
- Iron Man (2008) – producer and cameo as scientist William Ginter Riva
- Couples Retreat (2009) – directorial debut
- Sullivan & Son (2012–2014) – executive producer, writer, director
- F Is for Family (2015–present) – executive producer
Real Estate
In September 2018, Peter purchased a 6-bedroom, 5,200 sq. ft. mansion in Manhattan Beach, California, for $3.175 million, reflecting his financial success in the entertainment industry.
Peter Billingsley Net Worth
Peter Billingsley net worth is estimated at $12 million, earned through decades of acting, producing, and directing, with his work in both childhood classics and major Hollywood blockbusters contributing to his financial stability.
