Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing Profile Photo

Characters played by Peter Cushing

Grand Moff Tarkin — Star Wars (1977)

Imperial governor and commander of the Death Star.

Professor Van Helsing — Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972)

The lead protagonist and vampire hunter. Descendant of the Van Helsing line, he actively tracks and confronts Dracula in both the late 19th century and the 1970s. Known for combining occult expertise with modern investigative methods to combat the vampire.

Sherlock Holmes — The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

Sherlock Holmes is the consulting detective who investigates the danger surrounding Baskerville Hall. He questions Barrymore, traces the stolen tarantula, uncovers the significance of Sir Hugo Baskerville's portrait, confronts the conspiracy, and kills the disguised hound while protecting Sir Henry Baskerville and Doctor Watson.

Bookstore Proprietor — Top Secret! (1984)

The Bookstore Proprietor is associated with the Swedish bookstore whose loft provides Nick and Hillary a place to spend the night after her rescue. The location becomes a private refuge where Nick plays for Hillary and their romantic relationship develops.

Air Commodore Colonel William Raymond — Biggles (1986)

Biggles' former WWI commanding officer who reappears in 1986 as a senior RAF officer. He serves as the strategic mentor, explaining the time-travel mechanics and coordinating the mission against the enemy.

Dr. J. Van Helsing — The Brides of Dracula (1960)

Descendant of the original Van Helsing continuing the vampire hunt

Doctor Van Helsing — Dracula (1958)

Renowned occult expert and vampire hunter dedicated to stopping Dracula

Baron Victor Frankenstein — The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

Nobleman and mad scientist obsessed with conquering death through forbidden experiments.

SS Commander — Shock Waves (1977)

Former Nazi commander who organized the aquatic Death Corps zombie super-soldiers. After Germany's defeat, he sank their vessel and exiled himself to the island. He attempts to command the returning zombies but loses control and is eventually drowned by them.

Dr. Christopher Maitland — The Skull (1965)

A modern-day London collector and writer on the occult, Maitland accepts the skull from Anthony Marco after learning it was stolen from Sir Matthew Phillips. He takes possession when he finds Marco dead, then becomes its victim, suffering hallucinations and madness before the skull drives him to his death.

Arthur Edward Grimsdyke — Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Elderly dustman and occult dabler who is driven to suicide by James Elliot's cruel smear campaign. Returns from the grave on Valentine's Day to exact bloody revenge on his tormentor.

General von Spielsdorf — The Vampire Lovers (1970)

A nobleman who hosts Marcilla at his estate. He quickly recognizes the unnatural decline of his daughter and takes decisive action by consulting historical experts to combat the supernatural threat.

Career Overview

Peter Cushing has 136 screen credits in a career dating back to 1939. Their work spans 13 cinematic universes — most prominently Dracula (Hammer) Collection with 6 titles. Signature works include Star Wars, Dracula A.D. 1972, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
136
Birth Date
1913-05-26
Birth Place
Kenley, Surrey, England, UK

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 13 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q309589), public domain (CC0).