Vince Edwards by George Carpozi, Jr.

Vince did not want a book written about him. However, this unauthorized 1962 biography is dedicated to Edward's mother, who, filled with love, wanted Carpozi Jr. to let the world know about her son. This publicity piece full of praise is surprisingly entertaining.

Vinnie Zoine grew up in the mean streets of East New York, where many friends joined the ranks of Murder, Inc. He became a burly 6'2" athlete at seventeen, into lifeguarding and weightlifting, and discovered acting while working as a waiter in the Borscht Belt. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, but was spotted on the streets of New York by producer Howard Koch, and hired to star at 21 in Mr. Universe with Jack Carson, choosing his middle name Edwards as his last. The new handsome actor in Hollywood, he soon lost out roles in Come Back, Little Sheba to Lancaster, and On The Waterfront to Brando, but hung around Elia Kazan and John Cassavetes. He befriended Marilyn Monroe before she had any parts, and dated Shelley Winters and Lizabeth Scott. His break was starring in Kubrick's The Killing in 1954, followed by the terrific Murder by Contract—the film Scorsese says inspired his style the most.

In 1961, the call was out for a ruggedly appealing, dedicated neurosurgeon in a TV drama, and Edwards was cast as Ben Casey. With adult stories, it became a smashing, Emmy-nominated success, 1962's most popular show, with fan mail addressing medical questions to Ben Casey, Hollywood, and Vince even recording the album Ben Casey Sings.

This is publicity fluff Edwards probably never looked at. However, if you have an interest in TV and film, this has its charm. There are chapters on each Casey co-star, and always the touch of the loving mother over her prodigal son... "Tell me, Vinny, are you going to marry this girl? Let me tell you something—I like her very much."

1962 / Paperback / 160 pages