Vincent Price, a name synonymous with the macabre and the mysterious, left an indelible mark on the world of horror cinema. His career, spanning over six decades, showcased not only his talent as an actor but also his versatility as an artist, gourmet cook, and advocate for social issues. However, amidst his legendary status, Price’s final days were marked by a tragic decline in health, culminating in his untimely demise.
Early Life and Career
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, into a family of inventors and entrepreneurs. His grandfather, Dr. Rufus Ezekiel Price, invented the first cream of tartar-based baking powder, while his father, Vincent Leonard Price Sr., owned the National Candy Company. Despite his family’s business background, young Vincent was drawn to the arts and academia. He attended Yale University, where he studied English and Art History. It was during his time at Yale that Price discovered his passion for acting, leading him to pursue a career on the stage.
After a brief stint teaching at Yale, Price ventured into the world of theater, making his stage debut in a production in Chicago. His early forays into acting laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would see him become one of the most recognizable faces in horror cinema. Price’s breakthrough in the genre came with his role as the Duke of Clarence in “Tower of London” (1939), alongside fellow horror icon Boris Karloff. This marked the beginning of his association with the darker side of cinema, a journey that would define his legacy.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Price solidified his reputation as a master of horror with iconic roles in films such as “House of Wax” (1953), “The Fly” (1958), and “House on Haunted Hill” (1959). His distinctive voice and seriocomic approach set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him a devoted fan base and cementing his status as a horror icon.
Vincent Price’s Versatility
Beyond his contributions to the silver screen, Vincent Price was a man of many talents and interests. His love for art was evident throughout his life, leading him to pursue a degree in Art History from Yale University. He later continued his studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London, where he immersed himself in the world of fine arts.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Price was also an avid art collector and consultant. Alongside his then-wife Mary Grant, Price donated 90 pieces of art to East Los Angeles College (ELAC), laying the foundation for what would later become the Vincent Price Art Museum. His passion for art extended beyond the gallery walls, as he collaborated with retailers like Sears to make art more accessible to the public.
Price’s love for food was another passion that he wholeheartedly embraced. Born into a family with a background in the food industry, Price became a gourmet cook in his own right. He authored several cookbooks and even hosted his own cooking television show, “Cooking Price-Wise,” where he shared his culinary expertise with viewers.
Personal Life and Marriages
In his personal life, Vincent Price was known for his warmth, generosity, and progressive views. He was married three times, with his third and final wife being actress Coral Browne, whom he met during the filming of “Theatre of Blood” (1973). Price’s relationships were characterized by mutual respect and admiration, with his wives often collaborating with him on various projects, including cookbooks and charitable endeavors.
His initial union occurred in 1938 with former actress Edith Barrett, resulting in the birth of his son, Vincent Barrett Price. However, their marriage concluded in 1948. Following this, Price wed Mary Grant in 1949, with whom he had a daughter, Victoria Price, born on April 27, 1962. The couple named her after Price’s triumph in the play “Victoria Regina.” Despite their enduring bond, their marriage ended in 1973. Price’s final marriage was to Australian actress Coral Browne in 1974, who had previously appeared as one of his victims in “Theatre of Blood” (1973). Their partnership endured until Browne’s passing in 1991, marking the conclusion of Price’s marital journey.
Price’s progressive views extended beyond his personal relationships to his advocacy for social issues. He was an outspoken supporter of the LGBT movement and a vocal critic of discrimination and bigotry. When his daughter, Victoria Price, came out to him as a lesbian, Price embraced her with love and acceptance, becoming an honorary member of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
Vincent Price demonstrated unwavering support for his daughter when she came out as a lesbian, becoming an honorary board member of PFLAG and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. He vehemently opposed Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign in the 1970s and was among the first celebrities to film a public service announcement addressing public concerns about HIV/AIDS. In a poignant moment, Victoria Price revealed in a 2015 interview that her father shared with her his own intimate relationships with men when she came out to him, highlighting Price’s empathy and understanding towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
Health Decline and Death
Despite his multifaceted career and active personal life, Vincent Price’s later years were marked by health challenges. In the early 1980s, Price was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that made breathing increasingly difficult. He also struggled with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affected his mobility and coordination.
These health issues took a toll on Price’s ability to work, particularly in physically demanding roles. During the filming of Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” (1990), Price’s symptoms were particularly severe, requiring adjustments to the filming schedule. His declining health ultimately led to his decision to retire from the PBS television series “Mystery!” in 1989.
Vincent Price endured the challenges of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s disease, which intensified during the filming of “Edward Scissorhands,” necessitating a shortened schedule. These ailments prompted his retirement from “Mystery!” in 1989. Sadly, at the age of 82, Price succumbed to lung cancer on October 25, 1993, at his Los Angeles residence. Following his cremation, his ashes were scattered off Nicholas Canyon Beach, near Point Dume in Malibu, marking the end of a remarkable life and career.
Legacy and Remembrance
Vincent Price’s legacy in the horror genre is nothing short of legendary. His distinctive voice, sophisticated demeanor, and magnetic presence set a new standard for horror movie villains, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers. Price’s influence can be seen in the works of contemporary filmmakers like Tim Burton, who considered him a mentor and collaborator.
Beyond his contributions to cinema, Price’s legacy lives on through his advocacy for the arts and social justice. The Vincent Price Art Museum continues to inspire and educate audiences, while his support for the LGBT movement serves as a testament to his progressive values. Despite his untimely death from lung cancer, Vincent Price’s spirit endures through his extensive body of work and the impact he had on the world around him.
In conclusion, Vincent Price’s life was a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and compassion. From his humble beginnings to his rise to fame, Price remained true to himself and his beliefs, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. While his tragic end serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, his enduring influence continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Vincent Price may have left this world, but his spirit lives on through the characters he brought to life and the causes he championed. He will forever be remembered as a true icon of horror cinema and a beacon of light in an often dark world.
