Peter Benchley Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Peter Benchley, born in 1940, began his career as a journalist, working for the Washington Post and later the Newsday. His passion for storytelling and deep dive into research were evident early on, traits that would later define his literary success.

Benchley’s big break came in 1974 with the publication of his first novel, “Jaws”. Inspired by a true story of a shark attack, Benchley spent extensive time researching sharks and their behavior, which lent authenticity to his thrilling narrative. The novel became an instant bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide and catapulting Benchley to fame.

Peter Benchley’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Peter Benchley’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure takes into account his earnings from his best-selling novel “Jaws” and its subsequent film adaptation, as well as his other literary works and screenplays.

Career

Peter Benchley was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his 1974 novel “Jaws,” which became a massive commercial success and was adapted into a blockbuster film by Steven Spielberg. Throughout his career, Benchley wrote several other novels and screenplays, including “The Deep” and “Beast,” further cementing his status as a prominent figure in popular literature and cinema.

Other Ventures

In addition to his literary and screenwriting work, Peter Benchley was also involved in various other ventures. He was a contributing editor at Esquire magazine, where he wrote a monthly column, “Benchley on Sharks,” which focused on shark-related topics. Furthermore, he was a passionate advocate for shark conservation and used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of preserving shark populations.

Assets

Peter Benchley’s assets include his extensive real estate holdings, primarily consisting of several properties in the United States, including homes in Martha’s Vineyard and the Hamptons. Additionally, he owned a significant collection of books, artwork, and other personal belongings that contributed to his net worth. His literary works, particularly “Jaws,” remain one of his most valuable assets, generating royalties even after his passing.

Annual Income

Peter Benchley’s annual income was primarily derived from his literary and screenwriting work. At the peak of his career, he earned a significant amount from the success of “Jaws” and its film adaptation. However, his annual income varied throughout his career, and precise figures are not publicly available. After his passing, his estate continues to generate income from the ongoing sales of his books and the royalties from the “Jaws” film.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Peter Benchley

Frequently Asked Questions: Peter Benchley Net Worth

1. What was Peter Benchley’s net worth?

Peter Benchley’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death.

2. How did Peter Benchley make his money?

Peter Benchley made his fortune primarily as a novelist and screenwriter. He was best known for writing the 1974 novel “Jaws,” which was adapted into a highly successful film directed by Steven Spielberg.

3. What other books did Peter Benchley write?

In addition to “Jaws,” Peter Benchley wrote several other novels, including “The Deep” (1976), “The Island” (1979), “Beach House” (1984), “White Shark” (1994), and “Shark Trouble” (1999).

4. Did Peter Benchley work on any other films besides Jaws?

Yes, Peter Benchley co-wrote the screenplay for the 1977 film “The Deep,” which was based on his novel of the same name. He also wrote the story for the 1990 film “The Hurricane,” which was directed by Jan de Bont.

5. Where was Peter Benchley born?

Peter Benchley was born in New York City, New York, on May 8, 1940.

6. When did Peter Benchley die?

Peter Benchley died on March 12, 2006, in Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of 65.

7. What was the cause of Peter Benchley’s death?

Peter Benchley died of lung cancer.

8. Did Peter Benchley have any children?

Yes, Peter Benchley had three children: a daughter named Emma and two sons named Peter and Travis.

9. What was Peter Benchley’s educational background?

Peter Benchley graduated from Harvard University in 1961 with a degree in English. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1964.

10. What awards did Peter Benchley receive for his work?

Peter Benchley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the film “Jaws.” He also received the Thomas D. Clarke Medal from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.