Vincent Price, the renowned actor known for his villainous roles in movies, made a captivating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson recently. Price, who is a fan favorite for his portrayal of villains, also has a range of interests off-screen, including art. In fact, Price has authored a book titled “The Treasury of American Art” which showcases his fascination with American art.
During his interview with Carson, Price discussed his upcoming film “Theater of Blood” and his experience working with some of the most notable actors in England. In the film, Price plays the role of an old Shakespearean actor seeking revenge on critics who did not honor him with a prestigious award. Price shared that the plot was so intriguing that many English actors were eager to be a part of the film.
Carson also highlighted Price’s association with the horror genre and asked if people tend to associate him with his on-screen roles. Price responded by sharing an amusing incident at an airport. A woman approached him, mistaking Price for the late Boris Karloff, another iconic horror actor. When Price clarified his identity, the woman walked away without recognizing him, leaving him humiliated. Price also recalled his experience working with Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff on the film “Tales of Terror” and fondly remembered Lorre’s sense of humor.
Aside from acting, Price is a connoisseur of art, particularly American art. He expressed his fascination and appreciation for American art, noting that many people underestimate its significance compared to European art. Price even mentioned an invitation to showcase American Indian art in Poland due to the cultural interest in the American West.
Carson and Price also touched on the misconceptions and intimidation surrounding art, with Price suggesting that people should focus on enjoying paintings rather than their price tags. He also mentioned the unique idea of renting paintings from museums, allowing people to experience masterpieces temporarily in their homes.
The interview ended with Carson acknowledging Price’s lack of talent in painting. Price admitted to trying his hand at painting but quickly realized that he didn’t possess the necessary talent. Instead, he decided to appreciate art as a spectator and highlighted the importance of the audience in any creative endeavor.
Vincent Price‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson showcased his charismatic personality, his passion for art, and his ability to captivate an audience both on and off-screen. With his upcoming film and his dedication to celebrating American art, Price continues to establish himself as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
