Bela Ferenc Blasko, better known by his stage name Bela Lugosi, was a Hungarian-American actor known for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel. Born on October 20, 1882, in Lugos, Austria-Hungary (now Lugoj, Romania), he began his acting career on stage in his home country before finding success in Hollywood.
Lugosi achieved iconic status through his portrayal of the suave and mysterious vampire, Count Dracula. His performance, characterized by his distinctive Hungarian accent and commanding presence, left an indelible mark on the horror genre and contributed to the popular image of Dracula that persists to this day. Although Lugosi became synonymous with the Dracula character, he had a diverse acting career, appearing in various horror films, thrillers, and even comedies.
During the height of his career, Lugosi became a prominent figure in the Universal Pictures horror franchise. However, he struggled to break free from typecasting and was often limited to playing similar roles, leading to his eventual decline in Hollywood in the 1940s. Despite this, Lugosi's impact on the horror genre was immeasurable and he is regarded as one of the most enduring and influential actors in horror cinema.
Bela Lugosi passed away on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California. His portrayal of Count Dracula continues to captivate audiences and his legacy as a horror icon remains undiminished.
