What Was Peter Tork's Net Worth? Four Interesting Facts About the Late Musician
Peter Tork’s Net worth at the time of his death reflects his fame and success as a musician and comic actor. Here is how much he was worth.
Peter Halsten Thorkelston, generally known as Peter Tork, was an American singer and songwriter. The singer, born in Washington, D.C, became a talented banjo and guitar player at an early age.
His passion for music led him to join the folk scene of Greenwich Village in New York. He played with some members of a group later named “Lovin’ Spoonful” and dated a lady named Cass Elliot.
By the mid-60s, he was getting broke and losing recognition. So he left for Los Angeles, where he auditioned as a guitarist for “the Monkees.” Tork subsequently became known as the group’s clown.
By the early 70s, Tork’s career started gaining traction. Tork, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Michael Nesmith quickly became the heartthrobs of the era. However, after the show lost recognition, the group starred in several movies and released some albums.
In 1971 they disbanded, but Tork’s time with “the Monkees” was not a waste. He learned to play more musical instruments and improved his songwriting skills.
Tork’s days in “the Monkees” were great for him as a songwriter and musician. He wrote a couple of vocals for the group’s album, which includes “Auntie Grizelda” and “Shades of Gray.” One of his hit songs, “For Pete’s Sake,” was even used in the “second season credits.”
After the group dissolved, Tork worked as a teacher and an addiction counselor. By 1985 MTV began airing past episodes of “The Monkees,” and several of their songs started charting again. The move sparked a “Monkees” reunion tour and a new “Pool It” album in 1987.
With great success, Tork, Dolenz, and Davy Jones continued releasing music under “the Monkees” moniker. In addition, they took part in several concert tours in the U.K and U.S while also dropping many albums.
Peter Tork’s Net Worth
Tork spent most of his life as a successful musician releasing several charting albums with “The Monkees.” He was also the only member of the group who played an instrument on their first two albums. Their show on MTV and acting gigs also contributed greatly to their earnings.
The group also made huge earnings from several of their concert tours. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Peter Tork had a net worth of $4 million at his death.
The Late Musician Was Survived By Three Children
Tork is a father to three children who he fathered with three different women. His first child Haille Thorkelson was born In 1973 during his marriage to Reine Stewart. Haille currently works as an assistant professor of practice at Relay Graduate School of Education.
The singer’s second child, Ivan Joseph Iannoil, was born during his marriage to Barbara Iannoil in 1975. He is an artist and lecturer at the San Francisco Art Institute and California College of Arts. Ivan also has kids of his own.
Tork’s last child, Erica Marie, is a 21-year-old born during his relationship with Tammy Sestak. Besides that, not a lot of information about her is available.
Tork Was Diagnosed With Cancer in 2009
On March 3, 2009, Tork announced that he had Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare form of head and neck cancer. Although the cancer is normally found in the salivary glands, it impacted Tork’s lower tongue portion. While expanding on the diagnosis on his website, Tork stated:
“It’s a bad news/good news situation. It’s so rare a combination (on the tongue) that there isn’t a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination.”
The singer further explained that doctors knew the type of cancer affecting him, and the prognosis was good. The diagnosis meant Tork joined a list of singers who have also been diagnosed with cancer.
On March 6, 2009, Tork underwent surgery, which went very well. Afterward, the singer released a statement on his website to thank fans for their support. Tork maintained his good spirits and declared he hoped to honor a performance date.
He Died in 2019 at the Age of 77
On February 21, 2019, news of Tork’s death rocked the entertainment industry. The news first surfaced on the artist’s Facebook page before his sister Anna Thorkelston confirmed it. The iconic entertainer died at Mansfield, Connecticut, at age 77; the nature of his death was not stated.
After the news broke, many of his friends and fans penned a heartfelt tribute to the legendary musician. Tork’s Friends, Family, and Colleagues released a statement stating:
“It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world. We want to thank each one of you for your love, dedication, and support of our ‘boss.’”
The statement also lauded the musician’s fans and how much Tork adored them while he was alive. Most of “The Monkees” members also posted a tribute to their friend and bandmate.
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