born and raised on what became known as the scripps ranch in san diego, california, in 1927, scripps was the grandson of edward willis scripps, american newspaper publisher and founder of the e. w. scripps company, and united press international. early in his life, scripps developed a love for shakespeare, as well as for dance. with his wife, luise elcanness scripps, who was a specialist on the dance of india, scripps was instrumental in promoting and supporting dance and theatre throughout america.