Bela Lugosi

Bela Lugosi was an American actor who is best known for his iconic role as Count Dracula, his performances in horror films, and his contributions to the acting community. He was born Béla Ferenc Dezsö Blaskó on October 20, 1882, in Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary (now Lugoj, Romania), and passed away on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California.

Personal and Family Life

Bela Lugosi was the youngest of four children born to István Blaskó, a banker, and Paula de Vojnich. Throughout his life, he was married five times, including to Lillian Arch, with whom he had one child, Bela George Lugosi. Lugosi was also involved in organizing the Screen Actors Guild during the mid-1930s, becoming a dedicated advocate for actors’ rights.

Career Highlights

Before moving to the United States in 1920, Lugosi was a prominent stage actor in Hungary. His career took off after he starred as Count Dracula in the 1927 Broadway play, which later led to his famous film role in the 1931 adaptation. Despite achieving great fame, he faced challenges in the later years of his career due to being blacklisted by major film studios, which led him to accept less prestigious roles.

Death and Legacy

Bela Lugosi died from a heart attack on August 16, 1956, at the age of 73. In a fitting tribute to his most famous role, he was buried wearing a Dracula costume, though not the same one from the iconic 1931 film. Lugosi’s legacy as a horror film legend continues to influence actors and filmmakers to this day.

Filmography