# Bela Lugosi

> Hungarian-American actor (1882–1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q34529](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q34529)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bela_Lugosi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bela-lugosi

## Summary
Béla Lugosi was a Hungarian-American actor (1882–1956) best known for his iconic role as Count Dracula in the 1931 film *Dracula*. His distinctive voice, commanding presence, and gothic performances cemented his legacy as one of the most influential horror actors of the 20th century.

## Biography
- Born: 1882-10-20 (Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary, Austrian Empire)
- Nationality: Hungary, United States
- Education: Unknown (no formal education details provided)
- Known for: Iconic horror performances, particularly as Count Dracula
- Employer(s): Various Hollywood studios (e.g., Universal Pictures, Warner Bros.)
- Field(s): Film acting, stage acting

## Contributions
- **Count Dracula (1931)**: Played the title role in Universal Pictures' *Dracula*, which became a cultural phenomenon and defined the horror genre's visual language.
- **Stage Performances**: Performed in Hungarian and American theaters, including roles in *The Phantom of the Opera* and *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*.
- **Horror Icon**: Established himself as a leading figure in classic Hollywood horror, influencing subsequent vampire and gothic film actors.

## FAQs
**What is Béla Lugosi known for?**
Béla Lugosi is best known for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film *Dracula*, which remains one of the most iconic horror roles in cinema history.

**Where was Béla Lugosi born?**
He was born on October 20, 1882, in Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary (now part of Romania).

**Did Béla Lugosi work in other genres besides horror?**
Yes, he performed in various stage plays and films, including *The Phantom of the Opera* and *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

**What was Béla Lugosi's nationality?**
He was Hungarian by birth and later became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

**When did Béla Lugosi pass away?**
He died on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California.

## Why They Matter
Béla Lugosi's portrayal of Count Dracula revolutionized the horror genre, shaping its visual and narrative conventions. His deep, resonant voice and commanding presence made the character unforgettable, influencing countless subsequent vampire films and horror actors. Lugosi's work laid the foundation for classic Hollywood horror, inspiring generations of filmmakers and performers. Without his iconic performance, the modern vampire archetype might have developed differently, and the horror genre itself would have lacked a defining figure.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Horror Role**: Played Count Dracula in *Dracula* (1931), one of the most famous horror film roles ever.
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to film.
- **Stage Actor**: Performed in Hungarian and American theaters, including *The Phantom of the Opera* and *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*.
- **Gothic Presence**: Known for his distinctive voice and commanding stage presence, which defined his horror performances.
- **Influence on Horror Cinema**: His work helped establish the classic Hollywood horror aesthetic, inspiring countless subsequent films and actors.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Béla Lugosi was born on October 20, 1882, in Lugos, Kingdom of Hungary (now part of Romania). He began his acting career in Hungarian theaters, performing in plays such as *The Phantom of the Opera* and *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*. His early work in stage productions laid the groundwork for his later success in Hollywood.

### Hollywood Career
Lugosi migrated to the United States in the early 20th century, where he continued his acting career in both stage and film. His most famous role came in 1931 when he portrayed Count Dracula in Universal Pictures' *Dracula*. The film's success made him a household name and cemented his status as a horror icon.

### Iconic Performances
Lugosi's portrayal of Count Dracula in *Dracula* (1931) is considered one of the most influential horror performances in film history. His deep voice, commanding presence, and gothic demeanor brought the character to life in a way that remains iconic. The film's success led to a series of sequels and inspired countless subsequent vampire films.

### Influence on Horror Cinema
Lugosi's work in *Dracula* and other horror films helped establish the classic Hollywood horror aesthetic. His distinctive voice and stage presence influenced generations of horror actors and filmmakers. The film's success also paved the way for the modern vampire archetype, which has since become a staple of horror cinema.

### Later Career and Legacy
After *Dracula*, Lugosi continued to act in various films and stage productions, though he never achieved the same level of fame. He passed away on August 16, 1956, in Los Angeles, California. His legacy as a horror icon endures, and his portrayal of Count Dracula remains one of the most memorable and influential performances in film history.

### Recognition and Awards
Lugosi received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to film. His iconic role in *Dracula* has been celebrated in various forms of media, including books, documentaries, and re-releases of the film. His work continues to be studied and admired by film enthusiasts and historians alike.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](https://beladraculalugosi.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/wild-wooing-tactics-of-a-temperamental-adonis-bela-lugosi-and-ilona-von-montagh/)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. IMDb
7. MusicBrainz
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Internet Broadway Database
11. Find a Grave
12. Encyclopædia Universalis
13. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
14. filmportal.de
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Czech National Authority Database
17. IdRef
18. CONOR.SI
19. The Movie Database
20. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data