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 University 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 United Artists comedy Mr. Universe (1951; with Jack Carson and Bert Lahr), with Edwards portraying Tommy Tomkins, an honest wrestler who runs afoul of gangsters. His next starring role came in Monogram's release Hiawatha (1952; with Keith Larsen) 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 drama Ben Casey. He also proved to be a good singer, releasing several albums and making nightclub appearances.  
LEFT: Late 1950s beefcake photo of Vince Edwards. RIGHT: Physique photo from the late 1940s or early 1950s |
the films of vince edwardsMister Universe (1951)   
LEFT: From the low-budget Eagle-Lion comedy Mister Universe with Bert Lahr, Jack Carson, Janis Paige, and Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom. CENTER A: Edwards as the title character. CENTER B Lobby card featuring Edwards along with Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, Bert Lahr, and Jack Carson. RIGHT: With Jack CarsonHiawatha (1952)  
Vince Edwards had his second starring role in the Monogram adventure flick Hiawatha. The right photo includes Yvette DugayRogue Cop (1954)
Edwards wrestles detective Robert Taylor in the MGM noir Rogue CopThe Night Holds Terror (1955) 
From Columbia's film noir thriller The Night Holds Terror. LEFT: With John Cassavetes. RIGHT: With Hildy ParksHit 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 moneyIsland Women (1958)
Marie Windsor has designs on Vince Edwards, who is dating her niece, Marilee Earle, in the low-budget drama Island WomenMurder by Contract (1959)
From the Columbia release Murder by Contract, a late film noir entry. Also pictured are Phillip Pine and Herschel BernardiCity of Fear (1959) 
LEFT: Edwards portrays escaped convict Vince Ryker who has unwittingly stolen a cannister filled with a highly toxic radioactive substance in Columbia's thrilling noir City of Fear. RIGHT: With Sherwood PriceBen Casey (1961-1966 ABC TV Series)
Edwards is best remembered for the title role on the series Ben CaseyThe Victors (1963) 
LEFT: From the Columbia war drama The Victors with George Hamilton, James Mitchum, and George Peppard. RIGHT: With Rosanna SchiaffinoHammerhead (1968) 
Scenes from the Columbia thriller HammerheadThe Desperados (1969)
From the Columbia western The Desperados with George MaharisThe Seduction (1982)
From the Morgan Fairchild thriller The SeductionSpace Raiders (1983)
With David Mendenhall in the low-budget sci-fi adventure Space Raiderslater yearsIn 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. In the 1980s, he returned to films in such faire as Space Raiders (1983; with Patsy Pease), Return to Horror High (1987; with George Clooney), and Son of Darkness: To Die for II (1991; with Steve Bond). Sadly, Vince Edwards died of pancreatic cancer on March 11, 1996, at the age of 67. He was survived by his fourth wife, Janet, and three daughters from his first two marriages. |
filmographyThis listing is mostly complete but only includes Edwards' acting credits:
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This page premiered June 16, 2003.
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