Béla Lugosi rose from Hungarian theater to international fame as Count Dracula, first on Broadway in 1927 and on film in Universal's Dracula (1931). His distinctive voice and presence made him an icon of early horror cinema, even as typecasting limited his later career. He continued to work into the 1950s and remains a central figure in the history of genre film.
Who Béla Lugosi was
Béla Lugosi was the stage name of actor Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó. He was born on October 20, 1882, in Lugos in the Kingdom of Hungary (then part of Austria-Hungary; today Lugoj, Romania). He trained and performed on stage in Hungary before emigrating to the United States.Defining role: Dracula
Lugosi made his name playing Count Dracula on stage. He first played the role on Broadway in 1927 and then brought the character to the screen in Universal Pictures' Dracula (1931), directed by Tod Browning. The film, adapted from Bram Stoker's novel, cemented Lugosi's voice, posture, and accent as the image many people still associate with Dracula.Career highlights and typecasting
After Dracula, Lugosi appeared in numerous horror and thriller films. Notable titles include White Zombie (1932) and The Black Cat (1934), both among early American horror classics. His distinctive accent and manner made him a memorable presence but also led to typecasting; he struggled to secure wide-ranging parts as his career progressed.Later years and cult legacy
By the 1940s and 1950s Lugosi's career had declined. He accepted supporting work and appeared in low-budget films, and in the mid-1950s he collaborated with cult director Ed Wood on Bride of the Monster (1955). Plan 9 from Outer Space (completed after Lugosi's death and released in 1959) later helped solidify his status as a cult figure. Over the decades Lugosi became an icon of classic horror and a reference point for generations of filmmakers and fans.How he is remembered
Lugosi is remembered for his dark features, distinctive voice, and the theatrical intensity he brought to horror roles. While he is most strongly identified with Dracula, his filmography includes a broader range of genre work that influenced the look and sound of early American horror cinema.Dates
Born: October 20, 1882, Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary (today Lugoj, Romania). Died: August 16, 1956, in the United States.- Confirm the precise number and birth order of Lugosi's siblings and whether he was the youngest of four.
- Confirm the official cause and location details of Lugosi's death and burial records.
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News about Bela Lugosi
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“Past Perfect” explores Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, new “Avengers Assemble!” quarterly - downthetubes.net [Visit Site | Read More]