Vince Edwards (1928-1996)

biography

Born Vincent Edward Zoino in Brooklyn, New York, in July 9, 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.

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)

Hiawatha (1952)

The Night Holds Terror (1955)

Hit and Run (1957)

Murder by Contract (1959)

Ben Casey (1961-1966 ABC TV Series)

The Victors (1963)

Hammerhead (1968)

The Desperados (1969)

The Seduction (1982)

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 on March 11, 1996, at the age of 67. He was survived by three daughters.

vince edwards films available from movies unlimited

FILM
Cell 2455, Death Row [DVD](1955) DVD
This fascinating look at crime and punishment explores the life story of a rapist who was sentenced to San Quentin's death row and later executed. Through flashbacks, his various crimes and the motives behind them are glimpsed--revealing a harrowing tale of a lost soul in the process. Marian Carr, Kathryn Grant, Vince Edwards star. 77 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
The Killing [DVD](1956) DVD
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. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby mono; Subtitles: English, French; trailer.
The Killing [Blu-ray](1956)
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. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English PCM mono; featurette; interviews; theatrical trailers. Also includes the bonus feature "Killer's Kiss" (1955).
The Killing (Criterion Collection) [DVD](1956) DVD
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. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English PCM mono; featurette; interviews; theatrical trailers. Also includes the bonus feature "Killer's Kiss" (1955). Two-disc set.
Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics I [DVD] DVD
A San Francisco detective traces a series of seemingly random killings to a sharp-eyed loner who uses his rifle to exact deadly revenge on the women who have rejected him, in "The Sniper" (1952). Adolphe Menjou, Arthur Franz, Gerald Mohr star. Four college pals plot to rob a casino in Reno just to prove it can be done, in "5 Against the House" (1955), but their plan to return the money is threatened when one of them intends to keep it for himself. Brian Keith, Guy Madison, Alvy Moore, Kim Novak star. When a mother and her young daughter unknowingly destroy a stash of heroin, a pair of hit men must keep them alive long enough to explain it to their boss, in "The Lineup" (1958). With Eli Wallach, Robert Keith. Finally, "Murder by Contract" (1958) is a gritty, atmospheric drama starring Vince Edwards as a professional hit man hired to kill a woman who is about to turn in evidence against the seedy mobster he works for. Caprice Toriel, Phillip Pine, and Herschel Bernardi co-star. Also includes "The Big Heat" (1953). 7 hrs. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; featurette; interview.
Columbia Pictures Film Noir Classics II [DVD] DVD
Director Fritz Lang's "Human Desire" (1954), based on the Zola novel and Renoir film "La Bete Humaine," stars Glenn Ford as a railroad engineer who has an affair with Gloria Grahame, the wife of co-worker Broderick Crawford, after finding out the couple are responsible for a murder. Detective Fred MacMurray gets mixed up with a suspected bank robber's girlfriend (Kim Novak), leading to deception and double-crosses, in "Pushover" (1954). With Phil Carey, Dorothy Malone, E.G. Marshall. "The Brothers Rico" (1957) finds a former Mafia accountant pulled back into the dangerous world of organized crime when he learns the Mob wants to eliminate his siblings. Richard Conte, James Darren, Paul Picerni star. Falsely accused of robbery and murder, fugitive Aldo Ray seeks help from mysterious beauty Anne Bancroft in "Nightfall" (1957), co-starring Brian Keith. And Los Angeles becomes a "City of Fear" (1959) as authorities try to locate an escaped convict in possession of a deadly radioactive explosive. With Vince Edwards, Patricia Blair, John Archer. 7 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); featurettes; theatrical trailers.
Hammerhead [DVD](1968) DVD
This swinging '60s spy thriller follows international criminal mastermind Hammerhead (Peter Vaughan) as he plans to steal top-secret NATO defense plans as part of an evil plot to take over the world. Now, it's up to daring American espionage agent Charles Hood (Vince Edwards) to stop the villain before he can carry out his sinister scheme. Judy Geeson, Diana Dors, Michael Bates co-star. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
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.
The Mad Bomber [DVD](1973) DVD
A madman (Chuck Connors) takes the law into his own hands with the help of some homemade explosives. Vince Edwards is the cop who must catch him before he blows stuff up real good again, but it turns out that the only person who may be able to finger the psychopath has a dark past of his own. Gripping crime drama co-stars Neville Brand, Hank Brandt. 90 min. Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Firehouse [DVD](1973) DVD
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. Soundtrack: English.
The Rhinemann Exchange [DVD](1977) DVD
Based on the Robert Ludlum novel, this mini-series stars Stephen Collins as a WWII U.S. intelligence officer assigned to oversee the exchange of industrial diamonds for gyroscopes between Allied forces and the Germans. Along the way, he falls for embassy worker Lauren Hutton while narrowly escaping attempts on his life. With Claude Akins, Vince Edwards, Jose Ferrer, and Larry Hagman. 4 hrs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).
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.
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.
Fright Pack: Campy Classics [DVD] DVD
Six-disc set includes "Sleepaway Camp," "Transylvania 6-5000," "Vamp," "Return to Horror High," "Return of the Killer Tomatoes," and "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark."
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.
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.
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.

TELEVISION
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Three [DVD](1957) DVD
All 39 episodes from the series's third season--including "The Glass Eye" (with Jessica Tandy and William Shatner), "Together" (with Joseph Cotten), "Foghorn" (with Michael Rennie), "A Dip in the Poole" (with Fay Wray), and "Little White Frock" (with Julie Adams)--are collected in a five-disc set. 17 2/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).
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.
Tales From The Darkside: The First Season [DVD](1984) DVD
All 24 episodes from the first season-including "The New Man," "Pain Killer," "A Case of the Stubborns," "It All Comes Out in the Wash," and "The False Prophets"-are featured in a three-disc set. 8 3/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary by Romero. **24 episodes on 3 discs. 8 3/4 hrs.**
Murder, She Wrote: The Complete Fifth Season [DVD](1988) DVD
All 22 episodes from the fifth season--including "J.B. as in Jailbird," "Coal Miner's Slaughter," "From Russia...With Blood," "The Sins of Castle Cove," and the two-part "Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall"--are featured in a five-disc set. 17 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English (SDH); interview.

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vince edwards photos and posters available

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
The Rhinemann Exchange with Stephen Collins, Lauren Hutton, Claude Akins, Jose Ferrer, Larry Hagman, John Huston, Roddy McDowall, and Werner Klemperer
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

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
P.S.I. Luv U, episode Diamonds Are a Girl's Worst Friend, originally aired November 2, 1991
Murder, She Wrote, episode Three Strikes, You're Out, originally aired May 7, 1989
The Highwayman, episode Frightmare, originally aired April 22, 1988
Our Family Honor, episode Lone Justice, originally aired December 6, 1985
Our Family Honor, episode Mark of Cain, originally aired November 29, 1985
Our Family Honor, episode The Casino, originally aired November 22, 1985
Tales from the Darkside, episode It All Comes Out in the Wash, originally aired May 26, 1985
Cover Up, episode Nothing to Lose, originally aired October 27, 1984
Knight Rider, episode Knight of the Phoenix, originally aired September 26, 1982
Police Story, episode A Chance to Live, originally aired May 28, 1978
Police Story, episode Payment Deferred, originally aired September 21, 1976
Medical Story, episode Test Case, originally aired September 25, 1975
The Deputy, episode The Choice, originally aired June 25, 1960
Laramie, episode The Protectors, originally aired March 22, 1960
Adventures in Paradise, episode The Raft, originally aired November 30, 1959
The Untouchables, episode Mexican Stake-Out, originally aired November 26, 1959
Alfred Hitchcock Presents, episode The Young One, originally aired December 1, 1957
General Electric Theater, episode Bitter Choice, originally aired April 21, 1957
The 20th Century-Fox Hour, episode The Last Patriarch, originally aired November 28, 1956
Celebrity Playhouse, episode Known But to God, originally aired December 6, 1955
Jane Wyman Presents The Fireside Theatre, episode The Smuggler, originally aired October 25, 1955