Julian West was an American actor best known for his role in Vampyr, alongside his posthumous appearances in Vincent Price’s Dracula.
Personal and Family Life
Born Nicolas Louis Alexandre de Gunzburg on December 12, 1904, in Paris, France, he came from a wealthy Russian-Jewish family and was the 5th Baron de Gunzburg. In the 1920s and 30s, he became known for throwing extravagant costume balls and mingling with the artistic elite. His desire to act led him to finance the film Vampyr, which allowed him to star in it as Allan Grey.
Career
After the release of his film, West faced financial difficulties following his father’s death and decided to move to America in 1934 to pursue new opportunities. Although he sought to revive his acting career, he never appeared in another movie. Instead, he found success in the fashion industry, becoming an influential editor with roles at Town & Country, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Death and Legacy
Julian West passed away on February 20, 1981, in New York City at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy remembered for his impact on fashion and mentoring future designers like Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Calvin Klein. Though known for only one film role, his influence on style and fashion endures even after his death.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Vampyr – Der Traum des Allan Grey | 1932-05-06 | Allan Grey |
| Vincent Price’s Dracula | 1986-01-01 | Allan Grey – (archive footage) |