When Was Vincent Price Born? Verified Date, Birthplace, and Biographical Context

Key Birth Facts at a Glance

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born on May 27, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The following table summarizes the most frequently verified attributes requested by researchers and readers.

These details represent the core, widely corroborated facts about his birth and origins, forming the starting point for any deeper exploration of his life and career.

Biographical Overview and Early Life Context

Born into a well-to-do St. Louis family, Price enjoyed access to cultural institutions that shaped his intellectual growth. His father worked in the company that became the Monsanto Company; his mother was an active volunteer who encouraged his interest in the arts. The stability and support of his upbringing allowed him to pursue advanced education and develop the refined voice and diction that later defined his distinguished narration and acting work. Recognizing this early environment helps explain how a Midwestern upbringing translated into a celebrated Hollywood and stage career.

Confirming the Birth Date With Authoritative Sources

Multiple reputable sources consistently record May 27, 1911, as Vincent Price's birth date. Key references include authoritative biographies, library archives, and official genealogical records. The reliability of these sources is high, given cross-referencing among institutions and family documentation. This convergence on a single date diminishes ambiguity and supports confident citation in both popular and scholarly contexts.

Early Influences That Shaped a Legend

• Family emphasis on education and the arts, with frequent visits to museums and theaters
• Academic excellence at preparatory school and later study at Yale University
• Early engagement with poetry and public speaking that refined his vocal presence
• Formative experiences during the Great Depression, which informed his social awareness

Together, these influences built the foundation for a versatile performer who could move convincingly between horror, romance, and drama on screen and stage.

From Stage to Screen: Career Trajectory Highlights

Price's career evolved from teaching and regional theater to starring in major Hollywood productions. His breakthrough in horror classics established his typecasting in elevated suspense, yet he actively sought diverse roles in comedies, romances, and spoken-word recordings. Understanding his birth era and cultural context clarifies how he navigated changing audience expectations and industry trends, sustaining a multi-decade presence that remains influential.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Decades after his first film appearances, Price's measured delivery and distinctive timbre continue to inform perceptions of Gothic atmosphere and articulate narration. Preservation of his work in archives, educational curricula, and popular retrospectives reflects an enduring legacy. By anchoring discussion in verified facts about his birth and early life, researchers and enthusiasts can better appreciate the conditions that shaped one of cinema's most memorable voices.

Comparison With Contemporaries in Gothic Cinema

Vincent Price's measured, articulate delivery set him apart among horror hosts and character actors of his era. The table below contrasts key attributes with two peers frequently mentioned alongside him, underscoring how background and training influenced on-screen presence.

These distinctions highlight how formative experiences, including date and place of birth, contributed to each performer's career identity and audience reception.