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Boris KarloffAmerican film actor
Date of Birth: 23.11.1887
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Education
William Henry Pratt was born on November 23, 1887, in London, England, to an Anglo-Saxon family with a long history of service to the British crown. His father worked in the British customs service in India, while his maternal grandfather served in the horse artillery in Bombay. His great-aunt, Anna Leonowens, was the inspiration for the musical "The King and I" and the film "Anna and the King."
Pratt's family moved back to England before he was born, but he spent his early childhood in various southern London neighborhoods. He attended several schools, including Enfield Grammar School, Merchant Taylors' School, and King's College London. From a young age, he developed a keen interest in theater and performed in school productions.
Early Career
Determined to pursue a career in diplomacy, Pratt initially followed in the footsteps of his elder brother, Sir John Henry Pratt. However, he soon became captivated by acting and began attending private lessons and performing on stage. His passion for theater eventually overshadowed his academic studies.
In 1909, with his family's consent, Pratt left England for Canada, where he settled in Ontario and later British Columbia. Shortly after his arrival, he married English actress Olivia Wilton. However, the marriage was short-lived, and Wilton left for Australia a year later. Pratt remarried several times, having his only child, Sarah, with his fourth wife.
Hollywood Break
In 1919, Pratt moved to Hollywood and began working in films, initially in minor roles. He struggled to gain recognition for several years, appearing in over 60 films before finally landing a breakthrough part in 1931.
Director James Whale cast Pratt as the Monster in the seminal horror film "Frankenstein," based on Mary Shelley's classic novel. The role instantly catapulted Pratt to stardom, earning him the nickname "Boris Karloff" (which he had adopted earlier for fear of damaging his family's diplomatic careers).
Horror Icon
Karloff's portrayal of the Monster in "Frankenstein" established his reputation as an iconic horror figure. He reprised the role in "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935) and "Son of Frankenstein" (1939). He also gave memorable performances in other horror classics, including "The Mummy" (1932), "The Black Cat" (1934), and "The Raven" (1935).
In addition to horror, Karloff also excelled in dramatic and comedic roles. He appeared in films such as Howard Hawks' "Scarface" (1932), John Ford's "The Lost Patrol" (1934), and Joseph Kesselring's Broadway play "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1941).
Later Career
Karloff continued to work throughout the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, appearing in films, television shows, radio dramas, and animated films. He also hosted several horror-themed TV series, including "Thriller" and "Out of This World."
In his later years, Karloff played himself in Peter Bogdanovich's "Targets" (1968) and voiced the title character in the animated film "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1966).
Personal Life
Boris Karloff was married five times and had one child. He died on February 2, 1969, in West Sussex, England, at the age of 81. He was posthumously honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for his contributions to the film industry and one for his contributions to television.
Legacy
Boris Karloff is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror actors of all time. His iconic performances in films such as "Frankenstein" and "The Mummy" have left an indelible mark on the genre. Karloff's ability to convey both terror and pathos through his roles has made him a beloved figure among horror enthusiasts and film lovers alike.
