Peter Lorre (June 26, 1904 - March 23, 1964) was born László Löwenstein in Austria-Hungary, now called Slovakia to Jewish parents. His mother died when he was four, and his father married Peter's mother's best friend; he did not get along with his stepmother. The family moved to Vienna, Austria in 1913. It was there that Lorre got his first taste of the stage. He took refuge in Paris and in London when Hitler came to power in 1933, eventually finding his way to Hollywood in 1935. He was married three times and had one child. Due to chronic gallbladder problems, he was prescribed morphine, and he was an addict for much of his life. He died of a stroke.
Recommended Resources
A detailed biography of Hungarian film actor Peter Lorrie, as well as quick statistics about him and what he is best known for. Also ties him in with other people with whom he had a relationship, including Humphrey Bogart, Vincent Price, and Alfred Hitchcock.
http://www.biography.com/people/peter-lorre-9386583
Peter Lorre: Hollywood’s Sinister Star
This tribute to the life and career of Peter Lorre divides itself into sections dedicated to his films, his television appearances, and a detailed biography. It also has a list of books about the actor.
http://www.eviltwin.velvetsofa.com/Lorre/peter.html
The Lost One: A Life of Peter Lorre
The official website of the book by the same name lays out what Lorre's life, and hence the book, were and are about as well as reviews of the book and an interview with the author. It goes into detail about his craft, his addiction to morphine, and his life in general.
http://www.peterlorrebook.com/
The Peter Lorre Companion Online
Provides all manner of information about actor Peter Lorre, including his biography, quotes, a few articles, including one that seeks to find "better" and nicer words to use to describe the actor than those usually chosen.
http://www.peterlorrecompanion.com/
