Did you know?Anthony Perkins, forever remembered as Norman Bates in Psycho, lived a life of contrast between public image and private love—and his role as a father was one of his most cherished.
Despite early struggles with identity in a judgmental Hollywood system, Perkins later found deep joy in his marriage to photographer Berry Berenson. Together, they had two sons, including actor Oz Perkins, who has carried on his father’s creative legacy through directing and screenwriting.
Though often cast as emotionally distant or disturbed characters, those close to Perkins say he was gentle, thoughtful, and deeply loving with his family. He was known to sing lullabies on his guitar and leave handwritten notes for his children when traveling.
Tragically, Anthony passed away in 1992 from AIDS-related pneumonia, and less than a decade later, Berry died in the 9/11 attacks. Their sons have spoken movingly about their parents, with Oz once saying:
“My dad was complicated and brilliant. But at home, he was the man who told the best bedtime stories and made you feel like you were the center of the universe.”
