Vincent Price (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was a legendary American actor, a true Renaissance man whose elegant voice, menacing charm, and palpable delight in the macabre made him the undisputed master of horror.
Though a respected character actor in dramas and films noir like Laura (1944), Price found his true calling in the horror genre. He became a major star with his chilling performance in the 3D classic House of Wax (1953). He is best known for his brilliant collaborations with producer-director Roger Corman in a series of stylish and atmospheric Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, including House of Usher (1960), The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), and The Masque of the Red Death (1964).
His other iconic horror roles include the original The Fly (1958), the camp classic House on Haunted Hill (1959), and the vengeful The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). His unmistakable voice is also famous for narrating Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking music video Thriller.
Beyond his on-screen persona, Vincent Price was a man of great culture and sophistication. He held a degree in art history, was a renowned art collector and consultant who founded a museum, and was also an accomplished gourmet cook, authoring several popular cookbooks. This unique blend of high culture and high camp cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved and unique personalities in Hollywood history.
