Vincent Price’s name resonates with haunting echoes in the halls of horror cinema. Recognized for his distinctive voice and his portrayals of sophisticated villains, Price’s early years and youth set the stage for what would become a legendary career in the performing arts.
Early Life and Education
Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, into a family that was well-off thanks to the success of the National Candy Company, where his father was the president. The wealth of his family provided him with opportunities that were scarce during that era, especially access to a robust education and exposure to the cultural arts.
Price attended the St. Louis Country Day School, where he was first bitten by the acting bug, participating in school plays and discovering his love for performance. His towering frame and distinctive voice became his trademarks, even from these formative years.
After his initial schooling, Price went on to Yale University, where he studied art history and fine arts. His deep appreciation for art was almost prophetic, as he later became known for his extensive collection and his contributions to the arts. Yale was also where he honed his acting skills, performing in various productions and confirming his desire to pursue a career in acting.
A Young Actor’s Ascent
Following his graduation from Yale, Vincent Price furthered his education in Europe, attending the Courtauld Institute in London. However, it was his engagement with the theater scene in London that catalyzed his shift towards a full-time acting career. Price started with minor roles, but his talent was evident, and he soon found more substantial work in the theater.
Returning to the United States in the early 1930s, Price embarked on a stage career, which saw him performing on Broadway. His Broadway debut came in 1935 with a role in “Victoria Regina,” portraying Prince Albert, and he was well-received for his work. It was Price’s charm, erudition, and the eerie yet appealing quality of his performances that made him stand out.
Transition to Hollywood
Price’s stage success inevitably led him to Hollywood. His first film was “Service de Luxe” in 1938, which allowed him to showcase his versatility beyond the stage. As a young actor in Hollywood, Vincent Price’s roles varied, portraying characters that were often genteel or comic. It was only later that he would become synonymous with the horror genre.
During this period, Price also expanded his artistic repertoire. His love for fine art persisted, and he became an advocate for making art accessible to the public. His early years in Hollywood were not just about film; they were also about cultivating a broader cultural legacy.
