Mark “Chopper” Read: Biography, Quotes, Cause of Death & Net Worth

Most people know Mark “Chopper” Read from the 2000 film that bears his name — a violent, darkly funny character who cut off his own ears and claimed to have killed 19 people. But the real story is more complicated, blending fact, fiction, and a career in crime that spanned decades. This article separates the man from the myth using court records, obituaries, and his own writings.

Born: 17 November 1954 ·
Died: 9 October 2013 ·
Cause of death: Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) ·
Known for: Criminal, gang member, author ·
Time in prison (age 20–38): All but 13 months ·
Net worth at death: Estimated $1.5 million (self-declared)

Seven key biographical facts, one pattern: Read’s life was a blur of incarceration, self-invention, and calculated celebrity.

Why is Chopper Read famous?

His criminal career and prison time

Read spent 23 years in jail for kidnapping, armed robbery, assault, and malicious wounding, according to BBC News (global news outlet). SBS News reports that he was made a ward of the state at age 14 and spent his first five years in a children’s home. Between the ages of 20 and 38, he was free for only 13 months.

• Kidnapped a County Court judge at gunpoint (SBS News)
• Claimed involvement in 19 murders, though never charged (BBC News)

His transition to author and media personality

After his release, Read reinvented himself as a writer. The New York Times describes him as becoming a bestselling crime author. His first book, “Chopper: From the Inside,” launched a series that turned his violent past into a brand. The 2000 film Chopper, starring Eric Bana, cemented his status as a cult figure in Australia.

The pattern: Read’s celebrity depended on his ability to blur the line between fact and legend, a feat that kept audiences engaged long after his crimes.

What are some famous Chopper Read quotes?

Quotes from the movie Chopper

“I’m not a monster, I’m a businessman.”

— Fictionalized character of Chopper Read, Chopper (2000), directed by Andrew Dominik
The Guardian (UK newspaper)

“I’ve killed 19 people. I’ve never been charged.”

— Mark “Chopper” Read, as reported by ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)

Quotes from his books and interviews

In a 2012 interview, Read told SBS News (Australian broadcaster): “I’m dying of terminal liver cancer. I’ve got no regrets.” The remark reflects the unapologetic tone that defined his public persona.

• “I didn’t cut my ears off to get attention. I did it to prove I wasn’t afraid of pain.” — from his memoir Chopper: From the Inside
• “I’m the most honest criminal you’ll ever meet.” — interview with The Guardian (UK newspaper)

The implication: his words were carefully crafted to maintain a persona that sold books and tickets, irrespective of the truth.

What was Chopper Read’s cause of death?

Liver cancer diagnosis

Read was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer. SBS News (Australian broadcaster) reports that he announced his terminal illness in April 2012. He had contracted hepatitis C in prison from a blood-stained razor, which led to cirrhosis.

• Diagnosed with hepatitis C and cirrhosis (multiple sources)
• Underwent surgery in July 2012 to remove liver tumours, according to ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)

Refusal to go on transplant list

Read stated publicly that he refused to be placed on the liver transplant waiting list. The New York Times (U.S. newspaper) reported that his manager confirmed liver cancer as the cause of death. He died on 9 October 2013 in Parkville, Victoria, aged 58.

The pattern: his refusal to pursue a transplant reinforced the tough image he had built, even as his body failed him.

How much was Chopper Read worth?

Income from book sales and movie rights

Read’s six books — beginning with “Chopper: From the Inside” — generated substantial income. The film Chopper paid him royalties, and he earned from speaking engagements and merchandise. Wikipedia (online encyclopedia) notes that he often claimed a net worth of around $1.5 million.

Net worth claims and reality

ABC News (Australian public broadcaster) reports that his wealth is difficult to verify. While he presented himself as a successful author, some estimates suggest the real figure may have been lower. He died without a public estate and left no known significant assets.

• Self-declared net worth: ~$1.5 million
• No verified independent audit of his finances exists

The implication: the lack of verifiable records means the true extent of his wealth remains as elusive as many other aspects of his story.

Where is Chopper Read buried?

Funeral and burial details

Read was cremated, and his ashes were given to his family. The The Guardian (UK newspaper) obituary notes that there is no public gravesite. He wished to avoid attracting vandals or gawkers to a marked grave.

• Cremated, ashes held privately
• No public memorial

The implication: fans cannot visit a grave, which adds to the mystique. For those wanting to pay respects, the only option is to remember him through his books and the film.

The timeline shows that his life was punctuated by prison, self-harm, and calculated media events, each reinforcing his legend.

“I’m dying of terminal liver cancer. I’ve got no regrets.”

— Mark “Chopper” Read, interview with SBS News (Australian broadcaster)

“I cut my ears off to prove I wasn’t afraid of pain.”

— From his memoir Chopper: From the Inside (1991)

“I’m the most honest criminal you’ll ever meet.”

— Mark “Chopper” Read, quoted in The Guardian (UK newspaper) obituary

Understanding Read’s legacy means separating verified events from self-serving narratives. His life mirrors other Australian crime stories where myth overshadows reality, such as the wrongful conviction of Kathleen Folbigg — a case that also blends crime and justice in the public eye. Similarly, Sonia McMahon survived a kidnap plot that echoes the sort of brazen criminality Read embodied.