Died Today (February 2nd): Boris Karloff (1887–1969)

Boris Karloff (1887–1969)

Born: November 23, 1887 in Camberwell, London, England, UK
Died: February 2, 1969 (age 81) in Midhurst, Sussex, England, UK

[on whether he resented being typed as a “horror star”] One always hears of actors complaining of being typed – if he’s young, he’s typed as a juvenile; if he’s handsome, he’s typed as a leading man. I was lucky. Whereas bootmakers have to spend millions to establish a trademark, I was handed a trademark free of charge. When an actor gets in a position to select his own roles, he’s in big trouble, for he never knows what he can do best. I’m sure I’d be damn good as little Lord Fauntleroy, but who would pay ten cents to see it?

Bride of Frankenstein 1935 dir. James Whale starring Boris Karloff Elsa Lanchester Frankenstein 1931 dir. James Whale starring Colin Clive Mae Clarke Boris Karloff SCARFACE