Vincent Price

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) was an American actor renowned for his work in the horror film genre, notably portraying villains. He appeared on stage, television, radio, and in over 100 films. His first film role was in the 1938 comedy Service de Luxe, subsequently becoming a character actor in notable films like The Song of Bernadette (1943), Laura (1944), The Keys of the Kingdom (1944), and The Ten Commandments (1956). He marked his prowess in the horror genre with movies like House of Wax (1953), The Fly (1958), and House on Haunted Hill (1959). Price also collaborated with Roger Corman in a series of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations.

Furthermore, Price voiced Professor Ratigan in Disney's animated film The Great Mouse Detective (1986) and appeared in the drama The Whales of August (1987). Price's final film was Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands (1990). Besides acting, Price was also an art collector, arts consultant, art historian, and gourmet cook. He lectured and wrote books on art, and the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College is named in his honor. Price was also a supporter of gay rights and joined PFLAG as an honorary board member.