Jean Peters: Who She Is & Where She Is in 2026

Jean Peters: quick facts

Quick facts about Jean Peters:

Born: October 15, 1926 (East Canton, Ohio, USA)

Died: October 13, 2000 (Carlsbad, California, USA)

Real name: Elizabeth Jean Peters

Active years: 1947–1957 (acting)

Known for: Film actress at 20th Century Fox, marriage to Howard Hughes

Status now: Deceased (2000)

Who is Jean Peters?

Jean Peters, born Elizabeth Jean Peters on October 15, 1926, was an American film actress who rose to prominence as a contract star for 20th Century Fox during the late 1940s and early 1950s. According to public records and film history sources, she was known for her naturalistic acting style and green-eyed beauty. Her career included films such as 'Captain from Castile' (1947) opposite Tyrone Power, 'Viva Zapata!' (1952) with Marlon Brando, and 'Three Coins in the Fountain' (1954). She retired from acting in 1957 after marrying billionaire Howard Hughes, becoming his second wife. Peters died on October 13, 2000, two days before her 74th birthday. Her legacy endures as a notable figure from Hollywood's Golden Age, remembered for her brief but impactful screen career.

Jean Peters's age, real name and background

Jean Peters's real name was Elizabeth Jean Peters, according to public biographical sources. She was born on October 15, 1926, in East Canton, Ohio, and died on October 13, 2000, at age 73. Her father was a laundry truck driver, and she grew up in a modest household. She attended the University of Michigan and Ohio State University before being discovered by a talent scout and signed by 20th Century Fox in 1946. At age 19, she met Howard Hughes, then 40, at a party in Newport Beach over the July Fourth holiday weekend in 1946, as reported in historical accounts. She had two marriages: first to business executive Ben Meadows (1954–1955), and then to Hughes (1957–1976, though they separated earlier). Her background reflects a transition from a small-town upbringing to Hollywood stardom.

Where is Jean Peters now in 2026?

As of 2026, Jean Peters is deceased, having passed away on October 13, 2000, in Carlsbad, California, due to complications from leukemia. She was 73 years old, just two days shy of her 74th birthday. After her death, her body was cremated and her ashes were scattered at sea, per public obituary records. Her legacy continues to be discussed in film history circles, particularly regarding her work with 20th Century Fox and her marriage to Howard Hughes. Her films remain available on streaming platforms and DVD, and she is sometimes referenced in biographies about Hughes. There is no public indication of any posthumous projects or estate activities beyond the preservation of her filmography.

Jean Peters's net worth and career

Jean Peters's net worth at the time of her death is not publicly confirmed, according to available records. Her career as a 20th Century Fox contract player from 1947 to 1955 likely provided a standard studio salary, though exact figures are not disclosed. She appeared in approximately 20 films, including notable titles such as 'Captain from Castile' (1947), 'Viva Zapata!' (1952), 'Niagara' (1953) with Marilyn Monroe, and 'Three Coins in the Fountain' (1954). After marrying Howard Hughes in 1957, she retired from acting and lived a private life. Hughes's wealth was estimated in the billions, but the extent of Peters's personal assets or inheritance is not publicly known. Media reports have speculated about her financial status, but no reliable figures exist.

Sources & notes

This profile of Jean Peters is compiled from publicly available information, including Wikipedia, public media interviews, IMDb, historical biographies, public web search results. Figures such as net worth are widely reported estimates and are not officially confirmed. AI Angels is not affiliated with Jean Peters.

Last reviewed and updated: 2026-06-25. Compiled and fact-checked by the AI Angels editorial team from publicly available sources.