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.
Family
BROTHER: George Pratt. Actor. Elder brother who had a short stage career.
DAUGHTER: Sara Karloff. Mother, Dorothy Stine; survived him.
Companion
WIFE: Helen Vivian Soule. Married in 1924; divorced in 1928.
WIFE: Dorothy Stine. Married in 1930; divorced in 1945.
WIFE: Evelyn Helmore. Married in 1946 until his death.
Milestone
1909: Immigrated to Canada
1910: Joined Ray Brandon Players
1910 - 1912: Adopted name Boris Karloff (date approximate)
1912: Joined Harry St. Claire Players
1919: Moved to Hollywood
1931: Achieved star status with his appearance as the monster in James Whale's "Frankenstein"
1932: First starring role with spoken dialogue, "Mask of Fu Manchu", in the title role
1939: Played the Frankenstein monster for the third and final time in "Son of Frankenstein"
1943: Enjoyed considerable Broadway success as the villainous Jonathan in the comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace"
Successfully acted onstage opposite Julie Harris in "The Lark" in the 1950s (date approximate)
Hosted TV suspense and mystery series, "Thriller"; also acted in a number of episodes
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
1969: Acted in final film, "The Curse of the Crimson Altar"
Education
Dr Starkey's School - England
Enfield Grammar School - England
King's College, University of Cambridge - Cambridge, England
King's College, University of Cambridge - Cambridge, England - 1906-1909
Merchant Taylors' School - London, England
Uppingham School - Rutland, England
Uppingham School - Rutland, England - 1903-1906
Bibliography
"Karloff and Lugosi: The Story of a Haunting Collaboration" Gregory William Mank 1989
Oliver Cutshaw
Mime your own business
Boris had such a wonderful voice that you forget what a marvelous physical presence he brought to his films. ...
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ricrat
KARLOFF is THE KING
I have 105 of his films and marvel each time I view any of them.
THE GUILTY GENERATION is a lost ...
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