Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Laugh: Whose Iconic Voice Has Scared Generations?

Behind the global phenomenon of Thriller, one of Michael Jackson’s most legendary tracks, lies a detail familiar to few but unforgettable to many: that chilling laugh and eerie voice that escalate as the song builds. The voice belongs to none other than Vincent Price, a legendary figure in American horror cinema.

An iconic actor from the 1950s to the 1970s, Vincent Price lent his unmistakable voice to the spooky narrative section that leads into the climax of Thriller. This part, as legendary as the zombie dance routine, helped craft the unique atmosphere of the track. With his deep, theatrical, slightly malevolent tone, Price perfectly captured the spirit of classic horror films in just a few lines.

This was no coincidence: the Thriller video, directed in 1983 by John Landis, draws inspiration from the classic fantastical and horror cinema. Landis, already known for films like An American Werewolf in London and The Blues Brothers, crafted a 13-minute narrative featuring Michael Jackson in which romance, chills, and macabre dance intertwine. In it, Jackson transforms into a monster and leads an army of the undead in a now-iconic choreography.

As a nod to Vincent Price, his name even appears on the facade of the movie theater where the video begins. Price, who had already made a mark with his roles in House of Wax, The Fall of the House of Usher, and as the voice of the sinister Ratigan in The Great Mouse Detective, thus added an unmatched touch of authentic horror to Thriller. Tim Burton, who greatly admired him, cast him in his final film role in Edward Scissorhands, released in 1990.

Tickled by his involvement, Price even reprised his monologue and his famous diabolical laugh live during a 1987 television appearance on The Joan Rivers Show.

Having passed away in 1993 at the age of 82, Vincent Price remains forever linked to this musical masterpiece. Through his vocal contribution, he left an indelible mark on pop culture, once again proving that the worlds of cinema and music can merge to create a timeless work.

Rediscover our exclusive conversation about Thriller with John Landis…