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Vince Edwards
1928-1996
Updated 3/27/2007 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born Vincent Edward Zoino in Brooklyn, New York, in July 1928, actor Vince Edwards was initially pegged as an athlete rather than a thespian. A terrific swimmer, Edwards won a scholarship to Ohio State in the 1940s, but a serious illness sidetracked his ambition. He then returned to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Edwards' natural acting ability and impressive physique got him noticed quickly by Broadway producers, and soon Hollywood talent scouts signed him for films. His first was the low-budget 1951 United Artists comedy Mr. Universe, with Edwards portraying Tommy Tomkins, an honest wrestler who runs afoul of gangsters. His next starring role came in Monogram's 1952 release Hiawatha as the title character. By the mid 1950s, Edwards swapped his 'pretty boy' image for that of a shady character in such film noir thrillers as The Night Holds Terror (1955; with Jack Kelly), The Killing (1956; with Sterling Hayden and Coleen Gray), and Hit and Run (1957; with Cleo Moore). In 1961, Edwards again shed his image, leaving behind the bad-boy roles in favor of heroes, by taking the title role in ABC's Ben Casey. He also proved himself to be a good singer, releasing several albums and making nightclub appearances.
Early 1960s beefcake photo of Vince Edwards
Vince Edwards was briefly married to actress Kathy Kersh in the mid 1960s; Kersh later married actor Burt Ward, 'Robin' on the ABC TV series Batman. Edwards remarried later in the 1960s.
the films of vince edwards
Mr. Universe (1951)
From Vince Edwards' first starring role in Mr. Universe
Hiawatha (1952)
Vince Edwards had his second starring role in the Monogram adventure flick Hiawatha. The right photo includes Yvette Dugay
The Night Holds Terror (1955)
From Columbia's film noir thriller The Night Holds Terror. LEFT: With John Cassavetes. RIGHT: With Hildy Parks
Hit and Run (1957)
From Hugo Haas' low-budget film noir thriller Hit and Run with Cleo Moore and Hugo Haas. In this film, Haas attempts to win his wife (Cleo Moore) back from her boyfriend (Edwards) while they plot to kill Haas for his money
Murder by Contract (1959)
From the Columbia release Murder by Contract, a late film noir entry. Also pictured are Phillip Pine and Herschel Bernardi
Ben Casey (1961-1966 ABC TV Series)
Edwards is best remembered for the title role on the series Ben Casey
The Victors (1963)
From the war drama The Victors. The right photo includes Rosanna Schiaffino
Hammerhead (1968)
Scenes from the Columbia thriller Hammerhead
The Desperados (1969)
From the Columbia western The Desperados
The Seduction (1982)
From the Morgan Fairchild thriller The Seduction
later years
By the 1970s, Edwards mostly abandoned films for television, starring in the series Matt Lincoln (1970-1971), making numerous made-for-television films, and even lending his vocal talents in the animated series The Centurions. In addition to acting, Edwards also directed a number of television shows (such as Police Story, Battlestar Galactica, and The Fall Guy) and a few made-for-television films. Sadly, Vince Edwards died of cancer in early 1996 at the age of 67. He was survived by three daughters.
Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Collection, Vol. 1 [DVD] DVD
In "My Friend Irma" (1949), their screen debut, would-be stage stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis befriend scatterbrained blonde Marie Wilson. "My Friend Irma Goes West" (1950) finds the trio hopping a train to California and getting mixed up in a zany kidnapping plot. Martin is a football star charged with toughening up meek and mild Lewis, in "That's My Boy" (1951). The boys are Navy men wreaking havoc on a submarine, in "Sailor Beware" (1952). It's "Geronimo!" for Dean and Jerry when they play entertainers touring Army bases who wind up as recruits for the paratroop squad, in "Jumping Jacks" (1952). Dean is an accordion-playing vaudevillian who goes solo without help from second banana Jerry, in "The Stooge" (1952). There's hi-jinx on the golf links, with Jerry as "The Caddy" (1953) who's trying to help duffer Dean win at Pebble Beach. Donna Reed co-stars and Dino sings "That's Amore." And, the guys are "Scared Stiff" (1953) in a haunted castle that's the setting for some spooky goings-on, not the least of which is Jerry's impersonation of Carmen Miranda! 13 1/4 hrs. total on four discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English.
The Killing [VHS](1956) VHS
Classic caper drama that established director Stanley Kubrick has Sterling Hayden assembling a motley crew to knock off a racetrack. Kubrick's tight, claustrophobic camera work (done in part to hide the film's shoestring budget) and fine supporting turns by Elisha Cook Jr., Ted de Corsia, Marie Windsor and Timothy Carey make this a film noir favorite. 83 min. NOTE: This Title Is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
The Scavengers [DVD](1959) DVD
While trafficking stolen goods in Hong Kong, reluctant smuggler Vince Edwards encounters his missing wife and, as he tries to put his past behind him, gets swept up in her dangerous world of drugs and intrigue. Can Edwards rescue his self-destructive love from her numerous demons? Gritty drama also stars Carol Ohmart, Tamar Benamy. AKA: "City of Sin." 79 min. Soundtrack: English.
The Devil's Brigade [DVD](1968) DVD
William Holden is a tough, level-headed lieutenant colonel assigned to form a crack unit of fighting men out of a band of misfit American soldiers and a well-trained Canadian unit before they are to face the Nazis on the European battlefield. Action-packed war epic based on fact co-stars Carroll O'Connor, Vince Edwards, Cliff Robertson. 130 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby mono, Spanish mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailer.
Firehouse [VHS](1972) VHS
Richard Roundtree, Vince Edwards, Andrew Duggan and Richard Jaeckel star in this gritty look at the dangerous life of the firemen of Engine Co. 23. Roundtree is the new guy in the house, a probational recruit who struggles to prove himself. Pilot to the hit TV series. 80 min.
The Seduction (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1982) DVD
A glamorous TV newswoman is stalked by a psychotic neighbor obsessed with being with her...and killing anyone who comes between them. Intense and erotic suspenser stars Morgan Fairchild, Andrew Stevens, Michael Sarrazin, and Colleen Camp. 104 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailer.
Knight Rider: Season One [DVD](1982) DVD
All 21 episodes from the debut season--including the two-part pilot "Knight of the Phoenix," "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular," "Trust Doesn't Rust," "Knight Moves," and "Short Notice"--are collected in a four-disc set. 19 3/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; bonus film "Knight Rider 2000"; photo gallery; more.
Deal Of The Century [DVD](1983) DVD
Chevy Chase gets mixed up in the illegal arms race in this comedy filled with wackiness and zany sight gags, as well as some timely spoofing of nuclear proliferation. Sigourney Weaver, Gregory Hines co-star; directed by William Friedkin. 99 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Sno-Line [VHS](1984) VHS
Violent, action-filled tale of the drug world, set in a small Texas town where two rival cocaine rings fight an escalating war for power and wealth. Vince Edwards and Paul Smith star. 89 min.
Return To Horror High [DVD](1987) DVD
Five years ago the halls of Crippin High ran red with blood. Now a film is being made in the abandoned school, but someone with a vicious memory is starting a remedial course in murder. Straight "AAAAHHH" gorefest stars Vince Edwards, Alex Rocco, Lori Lethin and a young George Clooney. 94 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailer.
The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission (1987)/The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission [DVD](1988) DVD
In "The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission," Telly Savalas and Ernest Borgnine of the original "Dirty Dozen" lead the way for an action-packed assault, in which a group of scruffy Allied ex-cons try to smash a French monastery where the Nazis are manufacturing nerve gas. Randall "Tex" Cobb, Vince Edwards and Bo Svenson also star. And, Savalas sends the former cons on a dangerous mission aboard the Orient Express to stop Nazi officials from laying the foundation for a Fourth Reich, but there's a traitor among the 12. Erik Estrada, Heather Thomas, Jeff Conaway and Borgnine co-star in "The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission." 188 min. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French.
Space Daze (2005)/Strangest Dreams: Invasion Of The Space Preachers [DVD](1991) DVD
In "Space Daze," a tabloid journalist who discovers the world is about to be invaded by aliens tries to let the world know of the proposed takeover and spike his ratings in the process. Byron Thomas and Corey Feldman star in this sci-fi spoof. And in "Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers," radio evangelist Reverend Lash turns out to be an interplanetary con artist. Spaced-out satire from West Virginia independent filmmaker Danny Boyd stars Jim Wolfe, Guy Nelson. 182 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailers.
Motorama [DVD](1993) DVD
Unusual comedy, destined for cult status, about a 10-year-old boy who leaves home, steals a car and takes off on a wild road adventure filled with all sorts of wacky characters. The incredible cast includes Garrett Morris, Mary Woronov, Jack Nance, Drew Barrymore, Robert Picardo, Sandy Baron and the great Dick Miller. 89 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital Surround; Subtitles: English, Chinese, French, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai; theatrical trailer.
Jailbreakers [DVD](1994) DVD
William Friedkin's entry in the "Rebel Highway" series based on '50s AIP B-movies follows a pretty high school cheerleader who gets intimate with a leather-clad biker. After a wild night on the town, the biker swipes some jewelry and winds up in prison. But bars aren't enough to keep him away from his honey, so he stages a daring escape. Shannen Doherty, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Adrien Brody, Vince Edwards and Charles Napier star. 76 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital Surround.
Jailbreakers [VHS](1994) VHS
William Friedkin's entry in the "Rebel Highway" series based on '50s AIP B-movies follows a pretty high school cheerleader who gets intimate with a leather-clad biker. After a wild night on the town, the biker swipes some jewelry and winds up in prison. But bars aren't enough to keep him away from his honey, so he stages a daring escape. Shannen Doherty, Antonio Sabato, Jr., Adrien Brody, Vince Edwards and Charles Napier star. 76 min.
The Fear [DVD](1994) DVD
A weekend retreat in the woods for a group of psychology students turns into a lethal lesson in the meaning of "fear," as each is subjected to demonic visions of their innermost phobias, thanks to a sinister spirit lurking in the woodwork named Morty. Terror tale stars Eddie Bowz, Ann Turkel, Erick Weiss, with appearances by Vince Edwards and horrormeister Wes Craven. 98 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English PCM stereo; interactive menus; scene access.
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filmography
This listing is mostly complete but only includes Edwards' acting credits:
FILM
The Fear (1995) with Ann Turkel and Wes Craven
Jailbreakers (1994) with Shannen Doherty and Antonio Sabato Jr.
Original Intent (1992) with Martin Sheen, Candy Clark, and Don Galloway
To Die for 2: Son of Darkness (1991) with Steve Bond
Motorama (1991) with Garrett Morris and Michael J. Pollard
Dillinger (1991) with Mark Harmon
The Gumshoe Kid (1990) with Tracy Scoggins
Invasion of the Space Preachers (1990)
The Saint: The Wrong Number (1989)
Andy and the Airwave Rangers (1988) with Bo Svenson
Cellar Dweller (1988) with Yvonne De Carlo and Debrah Farentino
The Return of Ben Casey (1988)
The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission (1987) with Bo Svenson, Ernest Borgnine, Telly Savalas, and Vincent Van Patten
Return to Horror High (1987) with George Clooney and Maureen McCormick
The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1986) with Stacy Keach and Don Stroud
The Fix (1984) with Byron Cherry
Sno-Line (1984) with June Wilkinson
Space Raiders (1983) with William Boyett and Dick Miller
Deal of the Century (1983) with Chevy Chase and Sigourney Weaver
Knight Rider: Knight of the Phoenix (1982) with David Hasselhoff, Richard Basehart, and Edward Mulhare
The Seduction (1982) with Michael Sarrazin and Morgan Fairchild
Evening in Byzantium (1978) with Glenn Ford, Eddie Albert, Gloria DeHaven, and George Lazenby
The Courage and the Passion (1978) with Desi Arnaz Jr. and Robert Hooks
Cover Girls (1977) with Don Galloway, Jayne Kennedy, and George Lazenby
Death Stalk (1975) with Anjanette Comer, Carol Lynley, Vic Morrow, and Neville Brand
Firehouse(1973) with Richard Roundtree and Paul Le Mat
The Mad Bomber (1972) with Chuck Connors and Neville Brand
Do Not Fold, Spindle, or Mutilate (1971) with Helen Hayes and Myrna Loy
Dial Hot Line (1970) with Chelsea Brown and Kim Hunter
Sole Survivor (1970) with Richard Basehart, William Shatner, and Patrick Wayne
The Desperados (1969) with Jack Palance, George Maharis, Sylvia Syms, and Neville Brand
Hammerhead (1968) with Diana Dors, Judy Geeson, Beverly Adams, and Veronica Carlson
The Devil's Brigade (1968) with William Holden, Cliff Robertson, Claude Akins, Dana Andrews, and Jeremy Slate
The Victors (1963) with Albert Finney, Rosanna Schiaffino, Elke Sommer, Michael Callan, and Peter Fonda
The Outsider (1961) with Tony Curtis, Bruce Bennett, and James Franciscus
Too Late Blues (1961) with Bobby Darin, Stella Stevens, and John Cassavetes
The Scavengers (1959) with Carol Ohmart and Vic Diaz
City of Fear (1959) with John Archer and Lyle Talbot
Murder by Contract (1958) with Herschel Bernardi and Phillip Pine
Island Woman (1958) with Marie Windsor
Hit and Run (1957) with Cleo Moore and Hugo Haas
Ride Out for Revenge (1957) with Rory Calhoun, Lloyd Bridges, and Gloria Grahame
The Hired Gun (1957) with with Rory Calhoun, Anne Francis, and Chuck Connors
The Killing (1956) with Sterling Hayden, Marie Windsor, Coleen Gray, and Elisha Cook Jr.
Serenade (1956) with Joan Fontaine, Mario Lanza, and Vincent Price
I Am a Camera (1955) with Laurence Harvey, Shelley Winters, and Julie Harris
The Night Holds Terror (1955) with John Cassavetes, Hildy Parks, and Jack Kelly
Cell 2455 Death Row (1955) with William Campbell and Kathryn Grant
Rogue Cop (1954) with Robert Taylor, Anne Francis, George Raft, Janet Leigh, and Steve Forrest
Hiawatha (1952) with Yvette Duguay, Keith Larsen, and Morris Ankrum
Mr. Universe (1951) with Jack Carson, Janis Paige, Bert Lahr, and Robert Alda
Sailor Beware (1951) with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Corinne Calvet, and Leif Erickson
TELEVISION SERIES
The Centurions, 1985-1986 animated TV series. Edwards voiced the character of Jake Rockwell
The Rhinemann Exchange, 1977 NBC miniseries. Edwards portrayed General Swanson
Matt Lincoln, 1970-1971 TV series. Edwards portrayed Dr. Matt Lincoln
Ben Casey, 1961-1966 ABC TV series. Edwards portrayed Dr. Ben Casey
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This page premiered June 16, 2003.
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