Vincent Price American film actor Date of Birth: 27.05.1911 Country: USA

1. Biography of Vincent Price
2. Education and Early Career
3. Rise to Fame
4. Success in Hollywood
5. Return to the Theater and Horror Films
6. The Master of Horror
7. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Vincent Price

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri. He came from an affluent family, with his father, Vincent Price, being the head of a confectionery company, and his mother, Margaret, being the director of her own school. Unlike his older siblings, Vincent developed an early interest in music and theatrical performances, with early horror films leaving a lasting impression on him.

Education and Early Career

In 1929, Vincent enrolled at Yale University, where he studied the history of world artistic culture. During his time at Yale, he began his foray into the film industry, participating in student short films based on assigned topics. In 1933, amidst the Great Depression, Vincent found work as a teacher in a school in New York City. Within a year, he was lecturing at the London Institute after leaving his teaching career to pursue his dream of acting.

Rise to Fame

Vincent Price made his way to Broadway, where his tall stature and captivating appearance caught the attention of directors. He landed his first role in the musical "Chicago" and went on to perform in various classical repertoire plays, with his most famous role being in the 1935 play "Victoria Regina." Two years later, Vincent befriended 22-year-old actor and director Orson Welles and joined the Mercury Theatre. It was during his time at the Mercury Theatre that Vincent met Edith Barrett, an actress who would later become his wife.

Success in Hollywood

Vincent Price caught the attention of Hollywood and signed a contract with Universal Pictures in 1938. He gained recognition for his performance in the film "Service de Luxe," alongside Constance Bennett. Critics hailed his acting in the film, naming him the discovery of the year. This success launched his career, and he began appearing in numerous films, including "Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex," "Tower of London," "The Invisible Man Returns," "Green Hell," and "House of Seven Gables."

Return to the Theater and Horror Films

In 1940, Price left Universal Pictures and signed a seven-year contract with 20th Century Fox. He played memorable roles in films such as "Brigham Young" and "Hudson's Bay" in 1940. Vincent's personal life also flourished during this time, with the birth of his son, Vincent Barrett Price, in August 1940. He returned to Broadway in 1941 and landed the lead role in the thriller "Angel Street." However, his career took a different turn when he played a fascist leader on stage, coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The Master of Horror

Vincent Price's career shifted towards the horror genre in the 1950s when he starred in films like "House of Wax" and "The Fly." His chilling performances and ability to captivate audiences solidified his reputation as a master of horror. He continued to star in horror films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, collaborating with director Roger Corman on adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's works, including "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Pit and the Pendulum."

Later Years and Legacy

Vincent Price's career spanned several decades, and he continued to work in film, television, and theater in the latter part of his life. He appeared in films like "Edward Scissorhands" and "House of the Long Shadows" and lent his voice to various animated projects. Price also authored books on art, culinary arts, and his autobiography. He faced personal tragedy with the loss of his second wife, Coral Browne, in 1991, and his own health began to deteriorate. Vincent Price passed away on October 25, 1993, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic actors in the horror genre.