Vincent Price was working on his Master’s degree in Art History at the University of London when he was obliged to dare to audition for a play. The late legend’s daughter, Victoria Price, recently told Fox News about how his career began with that choice, leading him to voice the spoken word in Michael Jackson’s hit song Thriller.
He auditioned for Chicago, which was banned in the U.S., after which he did more plays for Broadway and movies like Song of Bernadette, Laura, and Dragonwyck. This made him popular for playing the gothic villain with a commanding presence.
Vincent Price’s daughter says he always wanted to act
Victoria noted that her father looked up to actors like Spencer Tracy, Edward G. Robinson, and Jimmy Cagney. He had always dreamed of acting; however, his hopes were dashed after several rejections, leading him to pursue an art history degree in London.
When Vincent’s dream took off, he remained unsatisfied because he kept getting cast in roles he hated due to his 6 foot 4 height, and handsome appearance. He wanted to be a character actor instead, specifically the villain because “nice guys have no fun.”
Vincent Price on Michael Jackson’s ‘80s hit
He was 71 when he did the spooky voice in “Thriller,” and he believes the evergreen song made him immortal. The role also proved his enduring relevance as a new generation of fans got to experience him. Victoria admitted that her father was a master of one, and lacked expression in roles outside of horror.
After a career lasting more than five decades, Vincent died of lung cancer in 1993. He suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Parkinson’s disease in the years leading up to his death, and the severe symptoms made him retire in 1989. Vincent did not get buried, as his ashes were scattered on Malibu’s Nicholas Canyon Beach.