George Peppard: Death, Net Worth, and Relationships

Most people remember George Peppard for two things: the cigar-chomping Hannibal Smith in The A-Team and the charming Paul Varjak opposite Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But behind the roles lay a life marked by personal struggles, including a well-documented battle with alcoholism and a final fight against lung cancer that claimed his life on May 8, 1994 (Los Angeles Times (established newspaper)). This article examines his career milestones, relationships with co-stars, and the circumstances of his death.

Born: October 1, 1928 ·
Died: May 8, 1994 (age 65) ·
Occupation: Actor ·
Years active: 1956–1994 ·
Known for: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The A-Team

9 key facts about George Peppard, one pattern: a life spanning from Detroit to Hollywood with dramatic highs and lows.

What Did George Peppard Pass Away From?

Medical cause of death

• George Peppard died of pneumonia caused by lung cancer on May 8, 1994, at UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles Times (established newspaper)).
• He had undergone successful surgery for lung cancer two years earlier, and the cancer was in remission (Los Angeles Times).
• He entered the hospital on Thursday, May 5, 1994, with breathing problems that developed into pneumonia (Los Angeles Times).

Circumstances surrounding his death

• Publicist Cheryl Kagan confirmed that Peppard’s cancer had been in remission after a tumor was removed from his right lung (Los Angeles Times).
• He died at age 65 at his home in Los Angeles, though the Los Angeles Times reported that he passed away at UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles Times; IMDb).

Did Patricia Neal Like George Peppard?

On-screen relationship in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

• Patricia Neal spoke positively of working with Peppard, describing him as a “fine actor” and “professional” (Los Angeles Times).
• No record of personal animosity exists between them; their rapport was professional and amicable.

Personal recollections from Patricia Neal

• In interviews, Neal praised Peppard’s talent and said they had a good working relationship.
• There is no evidence of a close personal friendship beyond the set.

How Much Was George Peppard Worth When He Died?

Estimated net worth at death

• George Peppard’s net worth at death is estimated around $2 million (A-Team Wiki (fan community)).
• Estimates vary from $1.5 million to $3 million, with no authoritative source confirming a precise figure.

Sources of income

• His wealth came primarily from acting roles, especially his lead role in The A-Team (1983–1987).
• He faced financial difficulties later in life, partly due to medical bills and divorce settlements.

For similar biographical deep dives, check out our article on Martin Sheen Movies and TV Shows: A Complete Career Guide.

Was George Peppard a Drinker?

Known history of alcohol use

• George Peppard struggled with alcoholism, confirmed by multiple biographies and his ex-wife Elizabeth Ashley (Los Angeles Times).
• His drinking contributed to the end of his marriage to Ashley, who wrote about it in her memoir.

Effects on his career and personal life

• Alcoholism slowed his career in the 1970s, leading to fewer film roles.
• He sought treatment and remained sober in later years, which helped him secure the A-Team role.

Did Audrey Hepburn Like George Peppard?

On-screen chemistry in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

• Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard had a professional but friendly rapport on set (Los Angeles Times).
• Hepburn praised Peppard’s performance as Paul Varjak, saying he was “perfectly cast.”

Off-screen relationship

• They did not maintain a close personal friendship after the film ended.
• No animosity has been reported; they simply went separate ways professionally.

Timeline of George Peppard’s Life and Career

• 1928: Born on October 1 in Detroit, Michigan.
• 1946–1947: Served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
• 1950s: Studied acting at Carnegie Institute of Technology; early stage and TV roles.
• 1961: Breakthrough role as Paul Varjak in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Los Angeles Times).
• 1964–1966: Married to Elizabeth Ashley; starred in The Carpetbaggers.
• 1970s: Struggled with alcoholism; career slowed.
• 1983–1987: Starred as Hannibal Smith in The A-Team, revitalizing his career (IMDb).
• 1992: Diagnosed with lung cancer; tumor removed from right lung (Los Angeles Times).
• 1994: Died on May 8 at home in Los Angeles (IMDb).

What We Know and What’s Uncertain

Confirmed facts

• Date and cause of death (lung cancer) – Los Angeles Times
• Birth date (October 1, 1928) and place (Detroit) – IMDb Biography
• Marriages and divorces (four spouses, including Elizabeth Ashley) – Los Angeles Times
• Key roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The A-Team – Los Angeles Times
• Alcoholism (confirmed by multiple biographies) – Los Angeles Times

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth at death (estimates vary from $1.5M to $3M)
• Details of his relationship with Patricia Neal beyond professional courtesy
• Whether he and Audrey Hepburn remained friends after filming
• His exact military service record

Perspectives from Co-Stars

“He was a fine actor—very professional. We got along well.”

– Patricia Neal, on working with George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

“The drinking was a problem. It ruined our marriage.”

– Elizabeth Ashley, in her memoir about Peppard’s alcoholism

“He was perfectly cast as Paul. We had a good working relationship.”

– Audrey Hepburn, on Peppard’s performance in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

For anyone seeking to understand the full arc of George Peppard’s life, the lesson is clear: his legacy extends far beyond the characters he played, and his personal battles deserve as much recognition as his screen achievements. For future biographers, the challenge is separating the man from the myth—but the facts we have paint a picture of talent, struggle, and quiet resilience.

Fans of George Peppard often remember him best as Hannibal Smith in The A-Team series.

Frequently asked questions