Boris Karloff

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BIRTHDAY

November 23, 1887

London, England, United Kingdom

DIED

February 02, 1969

RECENT CREDITS

An American Werewolf in Paris (FILM) Dec. 25, 1997

Transylvania Twist (FILM) Oct. 1, 1989

Cauldron of Blood (FILM) Nov. 1, 1971

Targets (FILM) Aug. 1, 1968

Bikini Beach (FILM) Jul. 1, 1964

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BIOGRAPHY

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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.

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Headlines

Monster Man's Spawn Sues Studio

Feb. 7, 2000

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2000 -- Boris Karloff's daughter wants her "Mummy." Er, money. Or, more specifically, Sara Karloff wants Universal Studios to pay up for allegedly reneging on a royalties deal for using her horror-icon dad's likeness in studio advertising and promotional materials for movies such as 1999's blockbuster remake "The Mummy." According to Daily Variet...

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ROLE CALL: George Clooney's 'Fail Safe' Plan

Posted: Jan. 5, 2000

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