Have you ever searched a name and wondered, “Who was this person?” That is how many people feel when they see the name Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. Today, in 2026, people still look him up because of his link to Hollywood history.
Many know Bamlet Lawrence as the first husband of the famous actress Anne Francis. But his story is much bigger than that. He was also a war pilot, a film student, and a man who faced serious health struggles in his life.
His life had many parts. He grew up in a small town. He flew planes in World War II. He worked in film. He married a rising actress. Then his life changed again after divorce and illness.
In this article, we’ll look at his early life, his time in the war, his film career, and his marriage. We will go step by step. Let’s start.
Who Was Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr.?
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. was born on June 10, 1925. He was born in Porterville, a small town in Tulare County, California. He was American, and he grew up in a simple family setting.
His father was Bamlet Lawrence Price Sr. His mother was Lucile Martin Price. His father owned a hardware store, which means he ran a shop that sold tools and home items. We do not have clear proof about brothers or sisters.
People often ask why Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. is still searched today. The main reason is his marriage to actress Anne Francis. But he was also a pilot and a filmmaker, which makes his life more interesting.
He was not only a husband in a Hollywood story. He was a man who served in war, studied film, and tried to build a creative career.
His Early Life in California & Education
Bamlet grew up in Porterville, California. It was a small and quiet town. Life there was simple. His father’s hardware store likely gave him a steady and stable childhood.
We do not know many small details about his young years. But we do know that growing up in a business family may have taught him discipline and responsibility. Small-town life often builds strong values.
When World War II began, he was still a young man. Like many young men of his time, he joined the service. This choice changed his life in a big way.
After the war, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. went back to school. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, also known as UCLA. He joined the Film School there and even earned a Master’s degree. This shows he was serious about building a career in film.
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. in World War II
During World War II, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. served as a pilot. He flew B-25 bombers. These were large military planes used during the war. Flying such planes was dangerous and required courage.
He served as a United States Air Force pilot. This was not an easy job. Pilots faced real risks every time they flew. War service often changes a person deeply.
Think about being in your early twenties and flying heavy planes during wartime. That kind of duty builds strength and focus. It also brings stress and pressure.
His time in the war likely shaped his mindset. After the war ended, he returned home and chose a creative path in film instead of staying in the military.
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr.’s Career in Film
After finishing his studies at UCLA Film School, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. entered the film world. He worked as an actor, writer, director, and producer. This shows he was interested in many parts of filmmaking.
His most known film project was One Way Ticket to Hell in 1955. In that film, he acted as Miguel “Cholo” Martinez. He also worked behind the scenes as a director, writer, and producer.
Even though he had strong education and passion, his film career did not become very big. He did not reach major Hollywood fame. Still, he tried to build something of his own.
His time in Hollywood connects directly to the next big part of his life — meeting actress Anne Francis. That meeting would change his personal story in a big way.
How Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. Met Anne Francis
After working in film, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. met a young actress named Anne Francis. At that time, she was building her name in Hollywood. She was talented, active, and already getting attention for her work.
They decided to marry on May 17, 1952. Their wedding took place at Harvard Military Chapel. A man named Reverend John Gill led the ceremony. Bamlet was 26 years old. Anne was 21 years old.
They looked like a bright young couple at the start. He had a war background and film dreams. She had rising fame and strong energy. From the outside, everything seemed hopeful and full of promise.
But as we know, life does not always stay simple. Soon, their marriage faced hard moments that changed everything.
Something About Anne Francis
Anne Francis was not just any actress. She became well known for her role in the film Forbidden Planet in 1956. She also starred in the TV show Honey West in the mid-1960s. Many people remember her from these roles even today.
She began acting at a very young age. She worked long hours in film studios. At times, she worked 12 hours a day. That kind of schedule can bring stress to any home.
She later wrote a book called Voices from Home: An Inner Journey. In her life, she faced both success and personal struggles. After her divorce from Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr., she later married Robert Abeloff.
Anne Francis passed away in 2011 from cancer. Even years later, people still remember her work. Her link to Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. keeps both of their names connected in history.
Why Bamlet and Anne Francis Divorced
The marriage between Bamlet and Anne became difficult. One major event was a skiing accident. While skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Bamlet crashed into a tree and suffered a serious back injury.
Anne was with him at that time. She had to walk two miles to find help and call an ambulance. That must have been very scary. Soon after, he also suffered from pneumonia that affected his heart and lungs.
Doctors were not sure if he would survive. Anne cared for him during that hard time. Even after all that care, problems in their marriage did not go away. In Santa Monica, Anne filed for divorce and said there was mental cruelty.
In court, she shared that he felt actors had easy lives and were not worth much. She also said he believed it was important to live without a maid for “character.” Their divorce was finalized on May 3, 1956. She received $4,000 she had loaned him and one twin bed. She asked for no alimony. They had no children together.
His Other Marriages After Anne Francis
After his divorce from Anne Francis, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. married again. His next wife was Diane J. Coldwell. They married in 1958 and stayed together until 1966.
Later, he married Margaret E. Richardson in 1973. That marriage ended in 1976. Then he married Diana Joy Dubois in 1981. That marriage ended in 1988.
In total, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. was married four times. There is no record of children from any of these marriages. His later years became more private and quiet.
As time passed, he stepped away from public life. He did not remain in the Hollywood spotlight. His life became calmer and more personal.
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. Died in 1996
In his later years, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. lived a quiet life. He was no longer active in film or public work. His health had already faced many struggles in earlier years.
On August 23, 1996, he passed away in Los Angeles, California. He was 71 years old. The cause of his death was cancer.
He was buried at Home of Peace Cemetery in Porterville, the town where he was born. It is interesting how life sometimes ends where it began.
Today, in 2026, people still search his name. Some want to know about his marriage. Others are curious about his war service or film work. His story continues to raise questions.
Final Thoughts
The life of Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. had many chapters. He was a young man from California who became a war pilot. He later studied film and tried to build a career in Hollywood.
He married a rising actress and faced health struggles during that marriage. After divorce, he married again and lived a more private life. His story shows both hope and hardship.
Even though he is often remembered as Anne Francis’ first husband, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. had his own path. He served in war. He earned a Master’s degree. He worked in film.
His life may not have been filled with fame, but it was real and full of events. And sometimes, real life stories are the most interesting ones to learn about.
(FAQs)
When was Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. born?
He was born on June 10, 1925, in Porterville, California, United States.
How old was Bamlet Jr. when he died?
He was 71 years old when he passed away. He died on August 23, 1996.
Was Bamlet Price Jr. married to Anne Francis?
Yes, Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. was married to actress Anne Francis. They got married on May 17, 1952, and later divorced in 1956.
Did Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. have children?
There is no record that Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. had any children. He did not have children with Anne Francis or from his other marriages.
Why did Bamlet and Anne divorce?
Anne Francis filed for divorce in 1956. She said there was mental cruelty, and the marriage had many personal problems after his illness and accident.
What movies did Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. work on?
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. worked on the 1955 film One Way Ticket to Hell. He acted in the film and also worked as a writer, director, and producer.
What was Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr.’s cause of death?
Bamlet Lawrence Price Jr. died from cancer in 1996.
