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Vincent Price Profile & Biography

Vincent Price

Born: May 27, 1911
Died: October 25, 1993
Vincent Price, an iconic actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in horror films, was born in 1911 and died in 1993 after a celebrated career.

Who is Vincent Price?

Vincent Leonard Price Jr., the American actor, historian, writer, and voice artist, has left an indelible mark on both the film industry and art history with his unique contributions. Born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, Vincent grew up in a family that valued culture and the arts, which significantly influenced his path to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American cinema.

Price’s father, Vincent Leonard Price Sr., was a prominent lawyer who encouraged his sonโ€™s education at Yale University. Here, Vincent nurtured his interest in art history and began to develop the refined diction that would become emblematic of his on-screen persona. After college, he embarked on a career in New York City theater before transitioning into film, where his distinctive voice and expressive acting style quickly caught the attention of Hollywood.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Price starred in numerous films but gained widespread recognition for his roles in horror classics such as The Fly, The House on Haunted Hill, and Revenge of the Creature. His versatility extended beyond genre-specific roles; he also appeared in serious dramas like Port of New York and comedies including Suite in Gold and Platinum.

Price’s personal life was as rich as his professional career. He married three times: Edith Barrett, Coral Browne, and Mary Grant Price. His second marriage to actress Coral Browne was particularly notable for its longevity and the mutual support they provided each other throughout their lives. Vincent and his wife Mary were parents to two childrenโ€”Victoria Price, who followed in her fatherโ€™s footsteps as a writer and actor, and Vincent Barrett Price.

During his later years, Price expanded his influence beyond acting into art history and museum curation. He served on the board of trustees at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and was known for his insightful commentary during MoMA’s television program Art Digest. This work further cemented his reputation as a cultural figure who bridged the worlds of entertainment and high culture.

Vincent Price died on October 25, 1993, in Los Angeles from lung cancer. His legacy continues to inspire artists and film enthusiasts around the world, with retrospectives and tributes highlighting his enduring influence on horror cinema and beyond.

Common Questions

What were Vincent Price's most famous films?
Vincent Price starred in several iconic horror films including 'The Fly,' 'House of Wax,' 'The Pit and the Pendulum,' and 'Revenge of the Creature.'
Did Vincent Price have any notable achievements outside acting?
Yes, he was a respected voice actor and contributed significantly to art history. He served on the board of trustees at MoMA and appeared as a commentator in their television program.
How many times did Vincent Price get married?
Vincent Price was married three times. His longest marriage was with Coral Browne, who he met while performing in New York City theater.
Where did Vincent Price go to school?
Vincent Price attended Yale University where he studied art history and developed his distinctive diction that characterized much of his acting career.
What was the cause of Vincent Price's death?
Vincent Price died on October 25, 1993, due to lung cancer in Los Angeles.

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