Vincent Price on the Small Screen

By James Melzer on October 29th, 2009

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He’s a legend, an icon, and just an all around creepy dude. Vincent Price (May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993) made his fair share of big screen movies, but did you know that he also appeared on television more than 140 times? Known for his distinctive voice and eyeball raising antics, if there was ever a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre, Vincent Price was that force. Let’s take a look at some of his best known television appearances then, shall we?

The Hilarious House of Frankenstein

Playing himself in this Canadian made television production in the early 1970s, Vincent Price’s role was to do the opening and closing monologues, as well as to recite poems about the show’s various characters. He often appeared wearing a cloak or wizards costume, with some really spooky music playing in the background. Scary! For such a small company out of Hamilton, Ontario, to nab a start like Vincent Price was a major coup at the time, and it lent an air of credibility to the children’s production. For hanging out with the Wolfman, the Professor, the Oracle and don’t forget that gorilla, Vincent Price will always be remembered for this off-beat, quirky role.

Batman

Appearing as the completely bald, yellow and white wearing mastermind, Egghead, Vincent Price was called by co-star Yvonne Craig (Batgirl), her “favorite villain in the series.” He was one of only two characters in the show to ever deduce Batman’s true identity and spent most of his time chucking assorted egg weapons at people, including laughing gas eggs and tear gas eggs. On set, Vincent Price was a practical joker. In one instance he began throwing eggs at series stars Adam West and Burt Ward. When asked to stop, Price replied, “With a full artillery? Not a chance.” For giving the caped crusader a run for his money, Vincent Price will never be forgotten as this lovable criminal.

The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo

Yeah it was voice over work, but who cares? Vincent Price played mentor to Shaggy and the gang as Vincent Van Ghoul, a renowned magician, in this seventh incarnation of the Hannah-Barbera Saturday morning cartoon. After Shaggy and Scooby release 13 ghosts from a chest in which they were locked, Van Ghoul says that they must trap them again. For giving the Scooby gang tips and tricks, and for getting them out of more jams than I can even remember, Vincent Price and his voice is a favorite from the beloved cartoon classic.

Hollywood Squares

– First appearing as a guest in the 1960’s, Vincent Price became a series regular in the 1970’s on one of the most popular game shows in history. He was even a guest panelist on the shows first finale in 1980. He made fun of Rose Marie’s age, answered questions with his trademark malicious voice, and joked around with the shows host, Peter Marhsall. Circle gets a square, and Vincent Price gets a nod for doing it up right on Hollywood Squares.

Vincent Price was not only a well known television and movie personality, he was also an artist. To this day, the Vincent Price Art Gallery in California continues to hold world-class exhibitions and contains more than 2000 pieces of Price’s work, valued at more than five million dollars! Unfortunately, Vincent Price passed away from lung cancer on October 25, 1993. His ashes were scatted over Point Dume (how appropriate) in Malibu, California. While perhaps best known for the movies, Price was truly an icon of television. If not just for his voice appearance in the Michael Jackson video, Thriller, than for all the other roles he played and the characters he made us love to hate. Hats off to you Vincent Price. May you find much rest this Halloween season and if you’re out there reading this, you will never be forgotten.