Vincent Price
Actor
About Vincent Price
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was a distinguished American actor who became one of cinema's most iconic horror stars, though his career spanned multiple genres and decades. Born into a wealthy St. Louis family, Price initially pursued art history at Yale and studied fine arts in London before turning to acting. His film career began in 1938 with Service de Luxe, but he gained prominence in the 1940s with roles in films like Laura (1944) and The House of Wax (1953). Price's transition to horror cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s, particularly through his collaborations with Roger Corman and American International Pictures, cemented his legacy as the 'Master of Menace.' Beyond film, he was a renowned art collector, gourmet cook, author, and voice artist, famously narrating Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.' His distinctive baritone voice and theatrical delivery made him instantly recognizable, while his sophisticated demeanor and aristocratic bearing elevated horror performances beyond mere shock value. Price continued working until his death in 1993, leaving an indelible mark on both horror cinema and popular culture.
The Craft
On Screen
Price was known for his distinctive theatrical style characterized by a rich, resonant baritone voice, precise diction, and aristocratic bearing. His performances combined sophistication with menace, often playing cultured villains with a taste for the macabre. He employed subtle facial expressions and controlled gestures to create tension, never resorting to over-the-top theatrics despite the genre. His approach elevated horror characters from mere monsters to complex, intelligent antagonists with psychological depth. Price's background in art history and theater informed his methodical, almost academic approach to character development.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in Laura (1944)
- First major horror success with House of Wax (1953)
- Iconic collaboration with Roger Corman on Edgar Allan Poe adaptations (1960-1964)
- Starred in The Fly (1958) and its sequel
- Narrated Michael Jackson's Thriller (1983)
- Published several cookbooks and hosted cooking shows
- Established Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Golden Globe Special Achievement Award (1971)
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (1973) for Theatre of Blood
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1960)
Nominated
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor for Laura (1944)
- Saturn Award nomination for Best Actor for The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the Horror Hall of Fame (1991)
- Vincent Price Art Museum named in his honor at East Los Angeles College
- Honorary Doctorate from University of Missouri-Kansas City (1974)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1987)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Vincent Price transcended horror cinema to become a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond film. His distinctive voice and persona made him one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, influencing generations of horror performers and becoming a Halloween staple. Price's sophisticated approach to horror elevated the genre, proving that terror could be intelligent and artistic rather than merely sensational. His work in voice acting, particularly in Disney animations and Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' introduced him to new audiences. Price's art collection and philanthropic work demonstrated his commitment to culture beyond entertainment, while his cooking shows and books revealed his multifaceted personality. He became a bridge between classic Hollywood and modern pop culture, referenced in everything from The Simpsons to Edward Scissorhands.
Lasting Legacy
Vincent Price's legacy endures as the epitome of gothic horror sophistication, a template for the cultured villain that continues to influence horror cinema. His filmography represents some of the finest examples of gothic horror, particularly the Edgar Allan Poe adaptations that remain genre classics. Price demonstrated that horror actors could have longevity and artistic merit, paving the way for actors like Christopher Lee and Robert Englund. The Vincent Price Art Museum continues his passion for art education, while his recordings and voice work ensure his distinctive presence remains part of popular culture. His approach to horror—emphasizing psychological terror over gore—remains influential in contemporary horror filmmaking. Price's ability to embrace his horror icon status while maintaining artistic integrity created a blueprint for genre actors seeking mainstream respect.
Who They Inspired
Price influenced countless actors in the horror genre, from Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing to modern performers like Tim Burton's regular collaborators Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. His theatrical style and vocal delivery became standards for horror narration and villain performances. Directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro have cited Price as a major influence on their visual and thematic approaches to horror. His work demonstrated that horror could be both commercially successful and artistically valid, encouraging studios to invest in higher-quality genre productions. Price's success in multiple media—film, television, voice work, and literature—showed the potential for horror performers to have diverse, long-lasting careers.
Off Screen
Price was married three times and had two children. He was an avid art collector, amassing over 2,000 works which he donated to various museums. A gourmet cook, he authored several cookbooks and hosted cooking shows. He was also a passionate advocate for the arts and education, establishing scholarships and art programs. Price was known for his wit, intelligence, and generosity, often mentoring young actors and supporting charitable causes. He maintained his sophisticated persona both on and off screen, living in a house filled with art and antiques.
Education
Yale University (Bachelor of Arts in Art History, 1933), University of London (studied fine arts at Courtauld Institute), University of Wisconsin (briefly attended)
Family
- Edith Barrett (1938-1948)
- Mary Grant Price (1949-1973)
- Coral Browne (1974-1991, until her death)
Did You Know?
- He was a gourmet cook who published several cookbooks including 'A Treasury of Great Recipes'
- Price donated over 2,000 works of art to various museums throughout his life
- He was a passionate advocate for gun control and appeared in PSAs about the issue
- His voice was used for the villain in the original 'Michael Jackson's Thriller' music video
- He appeared on The Simpsons as himself in the episode 'Lisa's Rival'
- Price was a licensed pilot who flew his own planes
- He was a distant cousin of the Price family of the St. Louis-based brewing company
- His daughter Victoria wrote a biography titled 'Vincent Price: A Daughter's Biography'
- He recorded several horror-themed albums including music and spoken word performances
- Price was a founding member of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's board of trustees
In Their Own Words
I don't play monsters. I play men besieged by fate and their own passions.
I sometimes feel that I'm impersonating the dark unconscious of the whole human race.
A man who limits his interests limits his life.
I'm an actor. It's not my job to be a monster. It's my job to play a monster.
The horror film is the only genre that allows you to get away with murder.
I've always been a character actor, though I'm not quite sure what that means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vincent Price?
Vincent Price was an American actor best known for his distinctive voice and iconic roles in horror films from the 1950s through the 1970s. He became known as the 'Master of Menace' for his performances in films like House on Haunted Hill, House of Wax, and The Fly. Beyond horror, Price was also an art collector, gourmet cook, author, and voice actor who narrated Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'.
What films is Vincent Price best known for?
Price is most famous for his horror films including House on Haunted Hill (1959), House of Wax (1953), The Fly (1958), The Last Man on Earth (1964), and his Edgar Allan Poe adaptations with Roger Corman like The Fall of the House of Usher (1960) and The Masque of the Red Death (1964). Later career highlights include The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) and Theatre of Blood (1973).
When was Vincent Price born and when did he die?
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died on October 25, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 82 from lung cancer. His career spanned over five decades from 1938 until his death.
What awards did Vincent Price win?
Price received a Golden Globe Special Achievement Award in 1971, a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for Theatre of Blood (1973), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. He was also inducted into the Horror Hall of Fame in 1991 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 1987.
What was Vincent Price's acting style?
Price was known for his theatrical, sophisticated acting style characterized by his distinctive baritone voice, precise diction, and aristocratic bearing. He brought intelligence and refinement to horror roles, often playing cultured villains with psychological depth. His approach emphasized psychological terror over gore, using subtle expressions and controlled gestures rather than over-the-top performances.
Did Vincent Price have any talents outside of acting?
Yes, Price was multitalented - he was an accomplished art collector who donated thousands of works to museums, a gourmet cook who wrote several cookbooks and hosted cooking shows, a licensed pilot, and a voice artist who worked on Disney films and commercials. He was also passionate about education and established the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College.
How did Vincent Price influence horror cinema?
Price elevated horror cinema by bringing sophistication and intelligence to the genre, proving that horror could be both commercially successful and artistically valid. His approach influenced generations of horror actors and demonstrated that horror performers could have long, respected careers. His work with Roger Corman on Edgar Allan Poe adaptations created a template for literary horror adaptations that continues to influence filmmakers today.
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Films
3 films
