Vincent Price, born Vincent Leonard Price Jr. on May 27, 1911, was an American actor,
art historian, collector, and gourmet cook.
Towards the end of his career, he gained fame for his unique and eerie voice, which was
low-pitched and creaky.
He also had a seriocomic approach in a collection of horror movies.
Price's career spanned over six decades, with his first film role in the 1938 comedy "Service
de Luxe."
He made a name for himself in the horror genre, appearing in movies such as "House of Wax"
(1953), "The Fly" (1958), "House on Haunted Hill" (1959), "Return of the Fly" (1959),
and several more.
In addition to his successful acting career, Price was an art enthusiast and advisor who
held a degree in art history.
He lectured and wrote books on art.
However, on October 25, 1993, Price passed away at the age of 82.
His death marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the world of horror films that remains
unfilled to this day.
Join us as we discuss his tragic death and celebrate the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Career Vincent Price was born into a family of inventors
and entrepreneurs.
His grandfather invented the first cream of tartar-based baking powder, which he sold
under the name Dr. Price's Baking Powder.
His father owned the National Candy Company.
Despite his family's business background, Price was drawn to the arts and academia.
Price attended Yale University, where he later taught for a year before realizing that he
knew very little about the world.
This realization led him to pursue his passion for acting.
His first foray into the world of theater was in a stage production in Chicago.
This experience solidified his love for acting and set him on the path to becoming a world-renowned
actor.
Price's first steps into the horror genre were in the film "Tower of London" with fellow
horror actor Boris Karloff, where he played the Duke of Clarence.
This role marked the beginning of his illustrious career in horror cinema.
Price's most well-known film during the early years of his career was "House of Wax," which
was the second 3D film released by a major Hollywood studio.
Price was also known for his versatility as an actor.
He didn't limit himself to horror movies; he also appeared in commercials, radio shows,
and even had a stint in the 1960s Batman series where he played a character named Egghead.
His unique voice and distinctive acting style made him a sought-after talent in the industry.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Price never lost his love for academia and the arts.
He was a major art collector, and parts of his collection can be found in the Vincent
Price Art Museum in East Los Angeles.
Price's Versatility Vincent Price was not just a horror film icon;
he was a man of many talents and interests.
His versatility extended beyond the silver screen, encompassing art, academia, and even
the culinary arts.
Price graduated from Yale University with a degree in English and a minor in Art History.
He even taught at Yale for a year before entering the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University
of London.
Although he initially intended to pursue a master's degree in Fine Arts, his passion
for theater led him to change his career path and become an actor.
In addition to his acting career, Price was a respected art collector and consultant.
In 1957, he and his then-wife Mary Grant donated 90 pieces of art to East Los Angeles College
(ELAC) to provide students with "first-hand experiences with art."
The college named its art gallery, now the Vincent Price Art Museum, in their honor.
Price's love for art was matched by his passion for food.
Born into a family of food businessmen, Price became a gourmet cook.
He authored several cookbooks and even hosted his own cooking television show, "Cooking
Price-Wise."
The variety of skills and passions he possessed are reflected in his impressive cooking repertoire.
Price's versatility also extended to his personal life.
His daughter, Victoria Price, revealed in an interview that her father had deep, loving
relationships with men and was supportive when she came out to him.
This openness and acceptance further illustrate Price's multifaceted personality.
Even in his later years, Price continued to showcase his versatility.
He was a close friend and frequent collaborator of filmmaker Tim Burton, who idolized Price.
During the filming of "Edward Scissorhands," Burton and Price began working on a documentary
about Price's life, tentatively titled "Conversations with Vincent."
Price's influence and talent continue to be recognized even though the project was never
finished.
Personal Life Price was not only a renowned actor but also
a man of diverse interests and a strong advocate for various social issues.
His personal life was as rich and varied as his professional one, marked by his love for
art, his culinary skills, and his progressive views on social issues.
Price's love for art was not just limited to collecting.
He teamed up with Sears in the 1960s to find and sell great works of art by renowned artists.
This venture turned out to be very profitable for the company, selling more than 50,000
original artworks over nearly a decade.
In his personal relationships, Price was married three times.
His third and final wife was actress Coral Browne, whom he met during the filming of
his film "Theatre of Blood."
Browne wasn't a fan of horror movies but took the role because of its strong cast.
Price was also known for his culinary skills.
He authored several cookbooks, most of which were written with his wife.
Price was an outspoken Democrat and liberal.
He was an outspoken supporter of the LGBT movement.
When his daughter came out to him as a lesbian, he was nothing but accepting.
He spoke out against an anti-gay campaign run by Anita Bryant and became an honorary
member of PFLAG.
Price also publicly discussed the AIDS crisis, and his daughter once noted that she is almost
"certain" that her father had "physically intimate relationships with men."
Health Decline Vincent Price, the iconic American actor known
for his distinctive voice and performances in horror films, began experiencing health
issues later in his life.
He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Parkinson's disease,
two conditions that significantly impacted his life and career.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a form of obstructive lung disease that
results in long-term difficulty breathing and decreased airflow.
This condition is progressive, which means that it typically becomes more severe over
time.
Price's diagnosis meant that his ability to perform, particularly in physically demanding
roles, was increasingly compromised.
Price was alsoParkinson's disease, which is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily
affects neurons producing dopamine in a particular part of the brain.
The symptoms of this condition often develop gradually over several years and may include
tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and postural instability.
This condition further complicated Price's health status and his ability to continue
working in the film industry.
Despite these health challenges, Price continued to work in film, albeit in less physically
demanding roles.
His symptoms were particularly severe during the filming of Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands"
in 1990, where he played the role of the Inventor.
This required adjustments to his filming schedule and ultimately contributed to his decision
to retire from the PBS television series "Mystery!"
in 1989.
Price's health continued to decline, and he eventually succumbed to lung cancer at the
age of 82 on October 25, 1993, at his home in Los Angeles, California.
His remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered off Point Dume in Malibu, California.
Vincent Price's health decline was indeed tragic, particularly considering his vibrant
career and significant contributions to the film industry.
The legendary actor's chronic illnesses and eventual death from lung cancer highlight
his human side.
It serves as a reminder that even the most famous stars are susceptible to the effects
of disease and the passage of time.
Legacy Vincent Price's legacy in the horror genre
is nothing short of legendary.
His career, which spanned from 1938 to 1995, saw him captivate audiences with his debonair
manner and smooth sophistication, even while portraying the most evil of characters.
Price's unique style and approach to his roles set a new standard for horror movie villains
and left an indelible mark on the genre.
Price's performances in films like "House of Wax," "House on Haunted Hill," "The Pit
and the Pendulum," "The Masque of the Red Death," "Witchfinder General," and "The Abominable
Dr. Phibes" are considered some of his best.
In these films, Price's characters were often complex, multifaceted villains, each with
their own unique motivations and methods.
His portrayals were often marked by a potent mix of melodrama and spectacular violence,
giving him a grand stage on which to enact his fiendish plans.
Price's influence on the horror genre can still be seen today.
His performances have inspired countless actors and filmmakers, including Tim Burton, who
was a close friend and frequent collaborator of Price's.
Burton's film "Edward Scissorhands," in which Price played the role of the Inventor, is
considered a classic of the genre.
Price's posthumous recognition includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction
into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
His contributions to the horror genre have also been recognized by various awards and
honors, including the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Horror Writers
Association.
Outro Vincent Price's life showcased his exceptional
abilities, adaptability, and perseverance..
From his early days in St. Louis, Missouri, to his rise to fame in Hollywood, Price left
an indelible mark on the film industry, particularly within the horror genre.
His distinctive voice and seriocomic attitude brought a unique flavor to his roles, making
him a beloved figure among audiences and peers alike.
Price's death due to lung cancer was indeed tragic, marking the end of an era in the world
of horror films.
However, his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, his contributions to the art
world, and his advocacy for social issues.
Vincent Price was more than just a horror film icon; he was a man of many talents and
passions, a versatile actor, and a dedicated advocate for the causes he believed in.
There you have it.
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