Dennis Price facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Price
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Price as Jeeves
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| Born |
Dennistoun Franklyn John Rose Price
23 June 1915 Ruscombe, England
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| Died | 6 October 1973 (aged 58) Guernsey, Channel Islands
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1938–1973 |
| Spouse(s) |
Joan Schofield
(m. 1939; div. 1950) |
| Children | 2 |
Dennis Price (born Dennistoun Franklyn John Rose Price, 23 June 1915 – 6 October 1973) was a talented English actor. He is best known for his roles in classic films and TV shows. He played Louis Mazzini in the famous Ealing Studios film Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949). He also brought to life the clever valet Jeeves in TV shows based on P. G. Wodehouse's funny stories in the 1960s.
Contents
About Dennis Price
Early Life and Education
Dennis Price was born in Ruscombe, England. He came from a family with some interesting connections. He went to Copthorne Prep School and Radley College. Later, he studied at Worcester College, Oxford. He then learned acting at the Embassy Theatre School of Acting, preparing for his career on stage and screen.
Starting on Stage
Price began his acting journey on stage in June 1937 at the Croydon Repertory Theatre. Soon after, he made his London debut in a play called Richard II in September 1937.
During Second World War, he served in the Royal Artillery from 1940 to 1942. After leaving the military, he returned to acting. He performed with famous actors like Noël Coward in plays such as This Happy Breed and Present Laughter. He also played Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit, which was one of his favorite roles.
Film Career Highlights
Dennis Price's first movie role was in A Canterbury Tale (1944). He soon caught the eye of Gainsborough Pictures, a major film studio. They signed him to a contract.
He often played supporting roles, sometimes as a villain. For example, he was a villain in Caravan (1946), which was a big success. He continued playing similar roles in films like The Magic Bow (1946), Dear Murderer (1947), and Holiday Camp (1947). By 1948, he was so popular that British movie theaters voted him one of the top ten most popular British actors.
Becoming a Star
Price then started getting leading roles. His most famous role was in Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949). In this film, he played Louis Mazzini, a charming character who tries to get rid of his relatives to inherit a title. Alec Guinness played all eight of those relatives! This movie was a big hit with both audiences and critics.
He also appeared in other films like The Dancing Years (1950) and I'll Never Forget You (1951). He even had the main role in the comedy Song of Paris (1952).
Later Film and TV Roles
As the 1950s continued, Price often played supporting roles in many films. These included Private's Progress (1956), The Naked Truth (1957), and I'm All Right Jack (1959). He also appeared in a comedy by Hammer Films called Don't Panic Chaps! (1959).
On the radio, Dennis Price was the first actor to play "No. 1" in the comedy series The Navy Lark in 1959. He later appeared in films like Tunes of Glory (1960) and the horror comedy What a Carve Up! (1961).
One of his most memorable TV roles was as Jeeves in the BBC series The World of Wooster (1965–67). He starred alongside Ian Carmichael as Bertie Wooster. The author of the stories, P. G. Wodehouse, praised Price's performance, saying he captured the "essential touch of Jeeves mystery."
Later Years and Legacy
In his later career, Dennis Price appeared in several horror movies. These included The Haunted House of Horror (1969), Twins of Evil (1971), and Theatre of Blood (1973). One of his last film appearances was in a star-filled version of Alice in Wonderland (1972). He also had regular roles in TV series like Jason King (1971) and The Adventurer (1972).
Dennis Price passed away in Guernsey in 1973 at the age of 58. He was cremated, and his ashes were buried on the island of Sark.
Many people remember Dennis Price for his unique acting style. He often played characters who seemed very proper and refined but sometimes had a sneaky or greedy side. He was known for making his characters look important, even if they weren't.
Images for kids
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Price as Jeeves
