Bela Lugosi

Béla Lugosi was the stage name of actor Béla Ferenc Dezs? Blaskó (October 20, 1882–August 16, 1956). He was born in Lugos, Transylvania, Austria-Hungary (now Lugoj, Romania), the youngest of four children of a banker. He is best known for his portrayal of Dracula in the American stage production, and subsequent film, of Bram Stoker's classic vampire story.

Dracula

On arrival in America, Lugosi worked for some time as a laborer, then returned to the theater within the Hungarian-American community. He was spotted there and approached to star in a play adapted by John Balderston from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. The production was very successful.

Related Topics:
John Balderston - Bram Stoker - Dracula

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After the death of silent movie legend Lon Chaney, Sr., Lugosi's stage success led to his being selected to replace Chaney in Tod Browning's movie version of Dracula (1931), produced by Universal Pictures. The film was also a success and Lugosi received a studio contract with Universal.

Related Topics:
Lon Chaney, Sr. - Tod Browning - Dracula - 1931 - Universal Pictures

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