Bela Lugosi
The Most Famous Dracula

Many famous and not so famous actors have taken on the role of Count Dracula. Some of the movies were very memorable some were not. One of the first movie vampires was Noferatu, made in 1922. The movie was silent but it didn't matter, it scared the daylights movie goers just the same. 

Actors who have played Dracula include; John Carradine, Lon Chaney Jr., Frank Langella, Christopher Lee, Jack Palance, Gary Oldman, and Bela Lugosi. Bela Lugosi being known as the best and most memorable Count Dracula.

Bela Lugosi "Blasko" was born in 1882 in Lugos hungary. After coming to America, his first encounter with the Dracula character was in a play in 1929. Soon after, the rights to the play were picked up by Universal Studios. Universal wanted Lon Chaney, Sr. to play the lead role, but Chaney died of throat cancer in 1930. It wasn't until after Chaney's death that Bela was even considered for the part of Count Dracula.

In 1931 he skipped on the part of the monster in Universal's film version of Frankenstein because he thought it was beneath him and hated the fact that the part had no dialogue. Many thought this was his greatest mistake ever. In 1943, he played the role of the monster in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.

In his time, Bela did many memorable monster movies but will forever live on as Count Dracula. No one could ever bring the greatness to the role that he did. Bela died at the age of 73 of a heart attack, on August 16, 1956. He was laid to rest in his original Count Dracula costume.

"Memorable Dracula Movie Quotes"

*For one who has not lived even a single lifetime, you're a wise man, Van Helsing.

*Listen to them. Children of the night. What music *they* make.

*I never drink wine.

*To die, to be *really* dead, that must be glorious!

*There are far worse things awaiting man than death.

*The spider spinning his web for the unwary fly... The blood is the life, Mr. Renfield.