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.

Early career in Hungary

Lugosi started his acting career on the stage in Hungary in several Shakespearean plays and other major roles, and also appeared in several silent films of the Cinema of Hungary under the stage name Arisztid Olt. During World War I he served as an infantry lieutenant in the Austro-Hungarian army.

Related Topics:
Shakespearean - Silent film - Cinema of Hungary - World War I - Infantry - Lieutenant - Austro-Hungarian

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Lugosi left his native Hungary for Germany in 1919 after persecution following his complicity in the forming of an actor's union, and emigrated to the United States in 1921. On June 26, 1931, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Related Topics:
Hungary - Germany - 1919 - Union - United States - 1921 - June 26 - 1931 - Naturalized citizen

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