Profile of the Day: Bela Lugosi

Do you like scary movies? On this day in 1882, horror film legend Bela Lugosi was born.

Image: Bela Lugosi / Wikimedia Commons

He was born Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó on October 20, 1882 to Paula de Vojnich and István Blaskó, a banker, in Lugos, Hungary. Around the age of 11, he left home and took on odd jobs to support himself in his travels. It was during this time that he began acting on stage and was soon accepted into Hungary’s Academy of Performing Arts. As he toured with the theater troupe, he adopted the last name “Lugosi” after his hometown.

In 1927, Lugosi took on his most famous role, Count Dracula, on Broadway. Adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel, the show was a great success. In 1931, Lugosi returned to the role in the big screen adaptation of Dracula. The film was an incredible hit and immortalized Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula. Although many actors have played Dracula over the years since, Lugosi continues to remain synonymous with the character.

Lugosi died on August 16, 1956 at the age of 73. 

View Bela Lugosi’s Geni Profile