Date of Birth: November 23, 1887
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: February 2, 1969
Biography
Boris Karloff, born William Henry Pratt on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England, was an iconic English actor renowned for his roles in horror films. His career spanned over six decades, with his most famous role being the monster in James Whale’s “Frankenstein” (1931) and its sequels “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935) and “Son of Frankenstein” (1939). Karloff’s distinctive voice and imposing presence made him a staple in the horror genre, and he also enjoyed success in other film, television, and stage roles. Karloff’s early life was marked by a series of odd jobs and a move to Canada, where he began his acting career in earnest. After years of struggling in relative obscurity, his breakthrough came with “Frankenstein,” which catapulted him to fame. Despite being typecast in horror roles, Karloff demonstrated his versatility in numerous other genres. He was also known for his work on the radio and as the narrator of the animated television special “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966). Karloff’s contributions to entertainment were recognized with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for film and one for television. He remained active in the industry until his death, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the horror genre.
5 Interesting Facts about Boris Karloff
1. Boris Karloff’s real name was William Henry Pratt.
2. He was one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild.
3. Karloff suffered from chronic back problems due to the heavy costume and makeup he wore while playing Frankenstein’s monster.
4. He voiced the Grinch and provided the narration for the animated classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966).
5. Karloff was a distant relative of Anna Leonowens, who inspired the story “The King and I.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Boris Karloff
1. “The monster was the best friend I ever had.”
2. “Horror means something revolting, but I think that a good horror film has to have a sense of awe.”
3. “My wife has good taste. She has seen very few of my movies.”
4. “I am a hopeless but sincere romantic.”
5. “When I was nine, I played the demon king in ‘Cinderella’ and it launched me on a long and happy life of being a monster.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Boris Karloff’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 (equivalent to approximately $4 million today).
Children
Boris Karloff had one child, a daughter named Sara Karloff, born in 1938.
Relevant Links
1. [Boris Karloff IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000472/
2. [Boris Karloff Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Karloff
3. [Boris Karloff – Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Boris-Karloff
4. [Boris Karloff on TCM](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/98818%7C24035/Boris-Karloff/
5. [Official Boris Karloff Website](http://www.karloff.com/
