Boris Karloff

    Actor. Film star Boris Karloff, whose name became synonymous with the
    horror genre, was born William Henry Pratt in London, England, on
    November 23, 1887. He studied at London University, then went to Canada
    and the United States, aiming become a diplomat like his father, and
    became involved in acting.

     Karloff spent 10 years in repertory companies, went to Hollywood,
    appearing in forty five silent films for Universal Studios, among them
    The Last of the Mohicans, Forbidden Cargo and an installment in the
    popular Tarzan series. When Bela Lugosi refused to take a role in which
    he would have his face hidden by makeup and have no lines, the role of
    The Monster in 1931's Frankenstein went to Karloff. His tender,
    sympathetic performance received enormous critical praise and he became
    an overnight sensation.

    Apart from a notable performance in a World War I story, The Lost
    Patrol (1934), his career was mostly spent in popular horror films. His
    performances frequently transcended the crudity of the genre, bringing,
    as in Frankenstein, a depth and pathos to the characterization.
    He is also well known for providing the voice to the 1966 cartoon
    version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

    Karloff was known within the film industry for his great kindness and
    gentleness of manner; he was also central to the foundation of the
    Screen Actors Guild. After battling emphysema for a number of years,
    Boris Karloff died at his home in England on February 2, 1969.