Vincent Price

Vincent Price in House on Haunted Hill (cropped)

American actor (1911–1993)

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and performances in horror films. He appeared in many classic horror films, including House of Wax, The Fly, and The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Price's career spanned other genres, including film noir, drama, comedy, and thrillers.

Early life

Vincent Price was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Vincent Leonard Price Sr. and Marguerite Cobb Wilcox. He was of English and Welsh descent. Price attended Yale University, where he studied art history and English literature. He later attended the University of London, where he furthered his studies in fine arts.

Career

Price began his acting career on the stage, making his Broadway debut in 1935. He transitioned to film in the late 1930s, with his first major role in Service de Luxe (1938). He gained fame for his roles in horror films during the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a staple of the genre.

Horror films

Price's distinctive voice and dramatic flair made him a natural fit for horror films. He starred in several notable films, including House of Wax (1953), The Fly (1958), and House on Haunted Hill (1959). He also worked with director Roger Corman on a series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, including The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) and The Masque of the Red Death (1964).

Other work

In addition to his work in horror films, Price appeared in a variety of other genres. He played roles in film noir classics such as Laura (1944) and Leave Her to Heaven (1945). He also appeared in comedy films like Champagne for Caesar (1950) and dramas like The Song of Bernadette (1943).

Price was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous projects, including the Michael Jackson music video Thriller and the animated film The Great Mouse Detective (1986).

Personal life

Price was married three times and had two children, including Victoria Price. He was an avid art collector and chef, authoring several cookbooks. Price was also known for his advocacy of the arts and his support of various charitable causes.

Death

Vincent Price died of lung cancer on October 25, 1993, in Los Angeles, California. He was 82 years old.

Legacy

Price is remembered as one of the most iconic actors in the horror film genre. His distinctive voice and memorable performances have left a lasting impact on the genre and on popular culture.

Selected filmography

• Service de Luxe (1938)
• Laura (1944)
• House of Wax (1953)
• The Fly (1958)
• House on Haunted Hill (1959)
• The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
• The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
• The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
• The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

See also

• List of horror film actors

External links

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