In Hollywood from 1919 after extensive stage experience, Boris Karloff was a regular player of heavies and villains in silent films, but did not make his breakthrough until the sound era, when his distinctive, slightly lisping voice and talent for mime proved ideal for the title roles of films such as "Frankenstein" (1931) and "The Mummy" (1932). Although he never shook the "monster" characterization Karloff was a fine character actor, and played in a number of roles against type throughout his career. Among his greatest performances are his roles in such fine films as "The Black Cat" (1934), "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935), and "The Body Snatcher" (1945).
The costume horror epics of Hammer and American International Pictures (as well as the TV series "Thriller") gave the actor a new, young audience later in life for such enjoyable horror/fantasy vehicles as "Black Sabbath" and "The Raven" (both 1963). Ironically, one of his last performances was in Peter Bogdanovich's "Targets" (1968), where Karloff movingly played an aged horror film star whose brand of screen terror pales besides that of a real-life serial killer.
- Also Credited As:
William Henry Pratt
- Born:
November 23, 1887 in London, England, United Kingdom
- Died:
February 2, 1969.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Farm worker, Truck driver
Family
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Brother: George Pratt. elder brother who had a short stage career
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Daughter: Sara Karloff. mother, Dorothy Stine; survived him
Education
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King s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
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Dr Starkey s School, England
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Enfield Grammar School, England
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Merchant Taylors School, London, England
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Uppingham School, Rutland, England
Milestones
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1909 Immigrated to Canada
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1910 Adopted name Boris Karloff (date approximate)
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1910 Joined Ray Brandon Players
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1912 Joined Harry St. Claire Players
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1919 Moved to Hollywood
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1931 Achieved star status with his appearance as the monster in James Whale s Frankenstein
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1932 First starring role with spoken dialogue, Mask of Fu Manchu , in the title role
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1939 Played the Frankenstein monster for the third and final time in Son of Frankenstein
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1943 Enjoyed considerable Broadway success as the villainous Jonathan in the comedy Arsenic and Old Lace
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1966 Narrated and provided the voice of the Grinch for the Christmas TV favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas , based on the Dr. Suess story
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1969 Acted in final film, The Curse of the Crimson Altar
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Hosted TV suspense and mystery series, Thriller ; also acted in a number of episodes
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Successfully acted onstage opposite Julie Harris in The Lark in the 1950s (date approximate)