Vincent Price, an iconic figure in Hollywood known as the king of horror, had a career that spanned over five decades, during which he collaborated with numerous legends of the film industry.

However, behind the scenes of his illustrious career lay a surprising feud that would last for two decades, ignited by a single encounter on a movie set.

This article delves into the life of Vincent Price, his rise to fame, and the tumultuous relationship with his co-star that left an indelible mark on his legacy.

Born on May 27, 1911, in St.Louis, Missouri, Vincent Leonard Price Jr.came from a family with deep roots in American history and a successful candy business.

His father, Vincent Price Sr., was the president of the National Candy Company, which became renowned for products like jawbreakers and jelly beans.

Despite their wealth, Vincent’s upbringing was steeped in the values of culture and education, instilled by his mother, Margarite Daisy Wilcox Price, who ensured her children were well-educated and exposed to the arts.

Vincent’s childhood home was a grand Georgian-style house filled with books and art, fostering his love for theater and the performing arts.

His early exposure to the world of performance came from attending lavish parties thrown by his father, where he encountered various entertainers and artists.

This environment nurtured his burgeoning passion for drama, leading him to participate in school plays and eventually pursue acting as a career.

Price’s journey into acting began in earnest when he enrolled at Yale University, where he earned degrees in art history and English.

After graduation, he moved to London to study at the Courtald Institute of Art but quickly found himself drawn back to the stage.

His breakthrough came when he was cast in a Broadway production of *Victoria Regina*, which catapulted him into the spotlight.

Throughout the 1940s, Price transitioned from stage to screen, appearing in various films.

His role in *Laura* (1944) marked a turning point in his career, as he portrayed a charming yet dangerous character, leading to a typecasting as a villain.

This shift solidified his status as a horror icon, a label he would embrace in subsequent films such as *House of Wax* (1953) and *The Fly* (1958).

The seeds of the long-standing feud between Vincent Price and his co-star Robert Quarry were sown during the production of *Dr.Phibes Rises Again* in 1972.

Quarry attempted to charm Price by singing opera, but Price’s brutal response—”Well, I knew you weren’t an actor”—sparked a silent war that would last for 20 years.

Following this confrontation, the two men refused to communicate directly, relying on assistants to pass messages between them.

The animosity between Price and Quarry intensified during the filming of *Madhouse* (1974).

Price felt betrayed when he learned that the studio had planned to replace him with Quarry, despite his long-standing loyalty to the production company.

This perceived betrayal left Price feeling sidelined in his own career, leading to further resentment and isolation on set.

As Price’s career progressed, he found himself increasingly frustrated with the direction of his roles and the treatment he received from studios.

His once-thriving partnership with American International Pictures (AIP), which had produced many successful horror films, began to deteriorate.

The final straw came when Price realized that his contributions were being overshadowed by the studio’s efforts to promote Quarry as the new horror star.

While Price was grappling with professional challenges, his personal life was equally tumultuous.

His marriage to actress Mary Grant began to crumble in the early 1970s, culminating in their divorce in 1973.

Price’s infidelity with actress Coral Browne, whom he met while filming *Theater of Blood*, further complicated his personal affairs.

The fallout from his relationships and the pressures of fame took a toll on his mental health.

Despite these difficulties, Price continued to excel in his craft. He became known not only for his chilling performances but also for his dedication to the roles he played.

For instance, during the filming of *Dr.Phibes Rises Again*, Price immersed himself in research, studying ancient Egyptian practices to bring authenticity to his character.

This commitment to his art mirrored his experiences in life, where he often found himself navigating complex emotions and relationships.

Vincent Price’s influence on the horror genre is undeniable. He starred in over 110 films, many of which have become classics.

His distinctive voice and dramatic presence left a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike.Price’s work in *Thriller*, Michael Jackson’s iconic music video, further solidified his status as a cultural icon.

In his later years, Price embraced various projects, including cooking shows and art exhibitions, showcasing his diverse talents.

He became an advocate for the arts, using his platform to support emerging artists and promote cultural appreciation.

His legacy continues to thrive, with the Vincent Price Art Museum preserving his extensive art collection and honoring his contributions to the arts.

Vincent Price’s life was a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, marked by his extraordinary contributions to the world of horror and film.

The 20-year feud with Robert Quarry serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships, even among those who share the same profession.

Price’s dedication to his craft, his struggles with personal demons, and his lasting influence on the horror genre make him a compelling figure in Hollywood history.

As we reflect on his remarkable journey, it becomes clear that Vincent Price was not just a king of horror but a man of deep contradictions, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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