Vincent Price’s legacy as a horror film icon is well established, but a recent account from a Disney animator sheds light on his character beyond the screen. Terry Naughton, who worked on the 1986 animated film The Great Mouse Detective, shared his memories of the actor during a recent episode of the podcast Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia.
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During the podcast, Naughton recounted his first encounter with Price, who lent his distinctive voice to the film’s villain, Professor Padraic Ratigan. Upon entering the Disney offices, Naughton initially mistook Price’s voice for an impersonation due to its authenticity. “I remember coming in… and hearing this voice,” he said. “I thought, ‘Wow. Somebody is doing a great impersonation of Radigan,’ because we always did stuff like that at work.”
Intrigued by the familiar tone, Naughton turned to find director Glen Keane conversing with a tall figure. “Glen waved me over and said, ‘Terry, I’d like you to meet Vincent Price,'” he recalled. In that moment, Naughton, a lifelong fan of Price’s work, found himself in the presence of the man whose performances had so deeply influenced the horror genre.
Describing Price’s appearance, Naughton remarked, “He looked just like Vincent Price… right off the screen.” The actor’s very presence seemed to embody the larger-than-life persona that had captivated audiences for decades. However, it was Price’s outfit—a vibrant herringbone jacket paired with a lime green shirt and a pink ascot—that particularly stood out for Naughton.
Reflecting on their brief interaction, Naughton praised Price’s kindness and graciousness. “He was super nice to me, very gracious, very, very nice,” he said, emphasising the warmth and approachability of the renowned actor. For Naughton, this encounter was a memorable highlight, despite its brevity, and he left the meeting floating back to his studio to continue working on the film.
Vincent Price’s career spanned over six decades, starting from the 1930s until his passing in 1993 at the age of 82. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to the horror genre, starring in iconic films such as House of Wax (1953), The Fly (1958), and House on Haunted Hill (1959). His narration of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video further solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Notably, Price’s versatility extended beyond the horror realm. He took on diverse roles in films like The Three Musketeers (1948) and The Ten Commandments (1956), showcasing his range as an actor. His work in The Great Mouse Detective remains a beloved part of his portfolio, highlighting his ability to transition between live-action and animated roles successfully.
In addition to acting, Price was a celebrated art expert and author of a number of cookbooks, emphasising his multifaceted talents and interests. His contributions to the arts left a significant mark on both cinema and culture, and his influence continues to be acknowledged, even in contemporary conversations about film.
As stories emerge from those who worked with him, it becomes increasingly clear that Vincent Price was not just a master of horror on the screen, but also a gracious and charming individual off it. Naughton’s recollections of his encounter with Price serve as a reminder of the man behind the legendary roles and his lasting impact on those who had the privilege to work with him.