Vincent Price's film debut in the 1938 comedy Service de Luxe initiated a career spanning over 100 motion pictures. Though he gained recognition as a versatile character actor in the 1940s, he eventually became most identified with the horror genre, appearing in numerous thrillers that solidified his presence in twentieth-century American cinema.
Early Education and Theater
Born in St. Louis in 1911, Vincent Price attended the St. Louis Country Day School and Milford Academy. He graduated from Yale University in 1933 with a degree in English and a minor in art history. Pursuing further academic interests, he attended the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. His theatrical career began in 1935 at the Gate Theatre, where he performed in Chicago and Victoria Regina. He later reprised his role in Victoria Regina on Broadway for two seasons through June 1937.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to Cinema
Price transitioned to film as a character actor, appearing in Brigham Young in 1940 and The Song of Bernadette in 1943. His filmography grew throughout the mid-1940s with roles in Laura, The Keys of the Kingdom, and Leave Her to Heaven. By the 1950s, he secured starring roles, notably in The Baron of Arizona and the comedy Champagne for Caesar. He simultaneously maintained a presence in radio, portraying Simon Templar in The Saint from 1947 to 1951.
Horror and Voice Work
The 1953 production House of Wax marked a shift toward the horror genre, followed by roles in The Fly, House on Haunted Hill, and The Tingler. He collaborated with Roger Corman on several Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, including House of Usher and The Masque of the Red Death. Later in his career, he provided voice work for The Great Mouse Detective in 1986 and narrated Michael Jackson's song Thriller. His final film appearance was in Edward Scissorhands in 1990.
Artistic Pursuits
Beyond his work as an actor, Price was an art consultant and collector with a formal background in art history. He lectured on the subject and authored several books. His contribution to the art world was recognized through the naming of the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College. Additionally, he was a published cookbook author and a gourmet cook.
Fast facts
- Born: 1911, St. Louis
- Died: 1993, Los Angeles
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Yale University, Courtauld Institute of Art
- Film Debut: Service de Luxe (1938)
- Awards: Sitges Film Festival Best Actor (1971, 1983)
- Notable TV role: Egghead in Batman
- Final Film: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Questions readers ask
What was Vincent Price's final film role?
His final film role was in the 1990 production Edward Scissorhands.
Did Vincent Price have a formal education in art?
Yes, he studied art history at Yale University and attended the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Achievements
- Worked as art collector, art historian and voice actor
