Peter Masterson - Actor Profile

Peter Masterson

Directing
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
17Total Films
7.7 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 1, 1934
Birth Place: Houston, Texas, USA

About Peter Masterson

Carlos Bee Masterson Jr. was an American actor, director, producer, and writer. Masterson often worked with his cousin, writer Horton Foote. Acting from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, including 1975's The Stepford Wives as Walter Eberhart, since then he concentrated mostly on directing and producing. Actress Mary Stuart Masterson is his daughter; she appeared with her father in The Stepford Wives, playing one of his daughters. His other acting credits include roles in Ambush Bay (1966), In the Heat of the Night (1967), Counterpoint (1968), Von Richthofen and Brown (1971), Tomorrow (1972), The Exorcist (1973), Man on a Swing (1974), and Gardens of Stone (1987). Masterson co-wrote (with Larry L. King) the books for the hit musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1978) and its short-lived sequel The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public (1994). In 1980, he produced the ABC television movie, "City in Fear" based on an idea by screenwriter William Goldman—an idea that became the well-reviewed 1979 novel "Panic on Page One" by Linda Stewart, and the television script by Albert Ruben. The cast was led by Robert Vaughn and David Janssen in the final role before his death that year. In 1985, he directed The Trip to Bountiful, for which Geraldine Page won the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also featured his wife, Carlin Glynn who had previously won a Tony Award for her role in 'Whorehouse.' His directing credits additionally include Full Moon in Blue Water (1988), Night Game (1989), Blood Red (1989), Convicts (1991), Arctic Blue (1993), The Only Thrill (1997), Lost Junction (2003), and Whiskey School (2005). Masterson died at the age of 84 on December 18, 2018, after suffering a fall at his home. He had received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease 14 years earlier.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Peter Masterson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 17 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Peter Masterson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 29% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Peter Masterson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Exorcist, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Peter Masterson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Peter Masterson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Peter Masterson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2001 The Stepford Life Himself Average Similar →
1988 Hello Actors Studio Self Hit Similar →
1987 Gardens of Stone Col. Feld Average Similar →
1986 Witchfire - Flop Similar →
1978 A Question of Guilt Lieutenant Tom Wharton Average Similar →
1977 The Storyteller Lee Gardner Flop Similar →
1977 The Quinns Michael Quinn Flop Similar →
1977 Delta County, USA Billy Wingate Flop Similar →
1975 The Stepford Wives Walter Eberhart Hit Similar →
1974 Man on a Swing Willie Younger Average Similar →
1973 The Exorcist Dr. Barringer Super Hit Similar →
1973 Pueblo ENC M.O. Goldman Average Similar →
1972 Tomorrow Lawyer Douglas Hit Similar →
1971 Von Richthofen and Brown Major Oswald Boelke Average Similar →
1967 Counterpoint Sgt. Calloway Average Similar →
1967 In the Heat of the Night Fryer Super Hit Similar →
1966 Ambush Bay Sgt. William Maccone Flop Similar →

Peter Masterson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Peter Masterson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Peter Masterson is "The Exorcist" with a rating of 7.7/10.

How many movies has Peter Masterson acted in?

Peter Masterson has been featured in at least 17 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Peter Masterson?

Other notable films include "In the Heat of the Night", "The Stepford Wives", and "Tomorrow".